Bryce Canyon camping accommodations range from 7,600 to 8,000 feet in elevation, creating distinct seasonal conditions compared to lower-elevation Utah parks. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing at night, while summer days typically reach 80-90°F with significant cooling after sunset. Many dispersed camping areas become inaccessible during spring thaw due to muddy conditions.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Red Canyon offers several trails under 5 miles with moderate elevation gain, perfect for day hikes from nearby campgrounds. "Use the in-ground fire pit is a nice feature. Clean showers, restrooms, and laundry room. A well-equipped store and a restaurant are within a short walking distance. The office personnel gave us great information on trails for some 4Wheel drive adventures," notes a visitor at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
Visit Kodachrome Basin State Park: Located just 10 miles from Bryce Valley Ranch, this state park offers additional hiking opportunities with fewer crowds. "This location is fantastic and very convenient to Bryce National Park. In addition to the accessibility of Bryce National Park, this location is two hours from Zion National Park, Willis Creek Slot Canyon is a fantastic dog/kid friendly hike about 30 minutes away," shares a camper at Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park.
Stargazing opportunities: The area around Kanab offers exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Night sky was amazing. We stayed here after a night of hiking in Zion and though we love to boondock, it was a real treat being able to come back here and be so comfortable!" reports a visitor at Dark Sky RV Park & Campground.
What campers like
Riverside camping options: Several parks offer sites directly adjacent to water features. "We selected riverfront site #12 and it was amazing. Backed right up to the Sevier river with amazing views of the mountains. And to make things even better, at night it felt like you could see a million stars above," notes a guest at The Riverside Ranch.
Bathroom facilities: Clean, well-maintained shower facilities rank highly in camper reviews. "The bathrooms and showers were clean and even had a heater if needed. I only had one neighbor and they were great folks," mentions a visitor at Mammoth Creek RV Resort.
Location convenience: Proximity to multiple national parks is a significant advantage. "We booked a reservation with a small group and asked to be next to each other. They accommodated that request. The spaces were roomy and all of ours were pretty level," shares a camper at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: High elevation means significant temperature variations. "We stayed in September and by the middle of the night it was about 20 degrees so bundle up!!" warns a camper at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads. "There are many sites available along trail. Dirt road at the lower part, gets rocky as you climb," notes a visitor at Rjourney Bryce Canyon RV Resort.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (May-September). "We stayed here when we couldn't get a reservation at Kodachrome, but wanted to be close enough to go there for hiking," explains a camper at Rjourney Bryce Canyon RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with built-in recreation. "There are a lot of activities for the kids or active adults (basketball, teether ball, corn hole, and swings)," reports a camper at The Riverside Ranch.
Dog-friendly areas: Several campgrounds offer dedicated pet spaces. "They have a big grassy dog park for him to run and play in, he loves running in the sprinklers! It's two sided and completely fenced in so large and small breeds can have their own safe space to play in," notes a visitor at Mammoth Creek RV Resort.
Cabin alternatives: When weather turns challenging, cabins provide family comfort. "Stayed in a cabin. Nice grounds. The cabin was clean and well maintained. Nice alternative to camping and less expensive than a motel," shares a guest at Bryce Pioneer Village RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Check hookup placement before selecting sites. "The hookups on our sites were more to one end of the site and not so much in the middle of the site which was not a problem for any of us," notes a visitor at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
Sewer hose length: Standard equipment may not suffice at some rv sites near Bryce Canyon National Park. "I needed three sewer hoses. I could not black tank flush. 25 ft hose too short. Fortunately I had an extra sewer hoses in my cargo area," advises an RVer at Bryce Pioneer Village RV Park.
Site leveling: Most RV parks provide relatively level sites, but preparation helps. "Level sites, clean spots, nice staff and the laundry and showers are great," reports a camper at Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park.
