Camping opportunities near Alton, Utah range from full-service RV resorts to primitive sites on public lands. Located at 7,000 feet elevation, the area experiences dramatic temperature shifts with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Fall camping typically offers the most moderate conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s and nights in the 40s.
What to do
Hiking trails: Ruby's Inn Campground provides excellent access to Bryce Canyon National Park trails. "This is the place to go... Just 1 mile outside the park and you can take the Shuttle from there," notes Kim S., adding that some spots offer shade while others are more exposed.
Stargazing opportunities: Dark Sky RV Park & Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "This is a beautiful place! Open with vistas in all directions," shares Kim G., who appreciated the "little library book exchange" during her stay.
Fly fishing: The Riverside Ranch provides direct access to trout fishing. "Fishing in this little creek was great. Even though the creek was small there were some BIG trout!" reports Laura F., who recommended paying extra for a riverside site with hookups.
E-bike adventures: Some campgrounds offer rental equipment for exploring the surrounding terrain. "You must rent their e-bikes for a fun adventure through the area," recommends Allison at Dark Sky RV Park, noting this was a "welcomed amenity that gave this place 5 stars."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Dark Sky RV Park & Campground receives consistently positive reviews for exceptional amenities. "The bathrooms were spa quality. Seriously better than many hotel bathrooms, private and clean," writes Alyssa L., adding that laundry facilities operated on an honor system.
Central location: Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park serves as a convenient base for regional exploration. "Great stop on my way home," shares Matt M., who found "clean and refreshing" tent sites. Another camper noted it's "centrally located to Zion and Bryce but the campground needs upgrades."
Pet amenities: Several campgrounds offer specialized facilities for four-legged campers. "I love that they are pet friendly and not breed restrictive," writes Ash about Mammoth Creek RV Resort. "They have a big grassy dog park for him to run and play in, he loves running in the sprinklers!"
Privacy options: Campsites vary widely in terms of spacing and seclusion. "We had a site right on the road and were concerned at first but it ended up being pretty quiet and the view of the rock faces from our site was amazing," shares Adam F. about his stay at Zion RV and Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Several campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. "We only were able to spend one night, but if we travel through Kanab again this is where we would stay," notes Rich J. about Kanab RV Corral, which operates from February 15 through November 15.
Temperature variations: Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground campers should prepare for significant weather changes. "We stayed in September and by the middle of the night it was about 20 degrees so bundle up!!" warns Emily.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. "Not much Verizon signal and no WiFi available," reports R.E. about East Zion RV Park, while another campground visitor mentioned "Good mobile phone access, spotty WiFi though."
Wind conditions: Weather patterns create challenging conditions at some locations. "Can be very windy at times so awnings stayed in the whole stay (4 nights)," advises Ron A. about his experience at The Riverside Ranch, adding that sites were "pretty level" despite this issue.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: The Riverside Ranch offers numerous recreational options. "There are a lot of activities for the kids or active adults (basketball, teether ball, corn hole, and swings)," notes Jody J., who appreciated the level sites with full hookups.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to unique learning experiences. "The office personnel gave us great information on trails for some 4Wheel drive adventures," mentions Pamela about Ruby's Inn Campground, highlighting the well-equipped store and restaurant within walking distance.
Space considerations: Family sites vary in size and layout. "The spaces were roomy and all of ours were pretty level. The hookups on our sites were more to one end of the site and not so much in the middle," observes Pamela about Ruby's Inn, noting they accommodated her request for adjacent sites.
Alternative accommodations: Some campgrounds offer cabin or unique shelter options. "We found this place in route to Bryce Canyon and stayed 2 nights in a teepee along the highway," shares Jeanene A., who found Ruby's Inn staff "very kind and responsive to our needs."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Zion RV and Campground offers varied site options. "We booked an RV pull through site specifically because it was labeled 'more primitive'... but the site was quite literally the least primitive spot," warns Sarah T., suggesting not to spend extra expecting greater privacy.
Bathroom quality: RV parks near Alton offer varying shower facilities. "Small campground, close to Zion NP... Hot and very clean showers!! The best so far," writes Merel J. about Mount Carmel Motel & RV Park, though noting the spots are "quite small" with no individual fire pits.
Hookup placement: At some rv sites near Alton, Utah, utility connection locations require planning. "RV spot long enough for 44 foot Motorhome and Jeep tow without unhooking. Good full hookups," notes James R. about Dark Sky RV Park, which features "unique patio covers" and Thursday night social events.
Overflow options: When primary rv sites near Alton fill up, alternatives exist. "Ruby's is quite an industry. I think they own the whole town right before the gate to Bryce Canyon... We stayed in their overflows behind Best Western. Also large spots," shares Theo A.
