Camping near Henrieville, Utah positions visitors between red-orange rock formations and pine forests at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The area experiences temperature variations of up to 40°F between day and night, even in summer months. Seasonal access varies significantly, with many Forest Service roads impassable during winter snow or spring mud.
What to do
Hike Shakespeare Arch Trail: Located in Kodachrome Basin State Park, this 1.7-mile round-trip trail provides access to unique rock formations. "A real hidden gem. We took a hook up site... Great dark skies and wildlife abounds," notes a visitor to Arch Campground.
Winter camping experiences: Bryce Canyon's North Campground remains partially open year-round, allowing for cold-weather adventures. "We spent two nights at North Campground while exploring Bryce Canyon NP. We were basically the only ones out camping here in late January... Bathroom was open and clean but all outside water was turned off to prevent freezing," explains one winter camper.
Mountain biking options: The area surrounding Tom Best Spring Road FR117 offers trails for various skill levels. "Close to Bryce Canyon and easy access to Thunder Mountain trail loop, awesome moderate mt biking trail," shares one visitor who used this dispersed camping area as a base for riding.
Stargazing after dark: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. One camper at Sunset Campground noted that "the hoodoos are so neat- it was nice to see them at all times of the day and against the brilliant night sky!" Multiple campgrounds throughout the area provide good stargazing conditions.
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Visiting during shoulder seasons means fewer crowds and more camping availability. "In late October, we were the only campers within site or earshot. A little trickle of a stream on one side and an amazing view of the stars," describes one camper at Tom Best Spring Road.
Shower facilities: Basin Campground at Kodachrome Basin State Park receives praise for its exceptional facilities. "Like a spa! That being said our site no19 was great. Great trails fantastic place," writes one camper. Another visitor adds, "Nice mix of basic and hookup. Nice and flat sites with sand for tents. Best is the free, upgraded showers."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings. "Lots of wildlife surprisingly. Somewhat quiet, there was about 5 other tents and a few were drinking so they had gotten rowdy. Decent sites for tents," notes a visitor to Sunset Campground.
Site spacing: Several dispersed camping areas provide ample distance between campsites. A Dave's Hollow FR090 camper observed, "Great spot. Close to Bryce Canyon Entrance. I'd guess 20 sites from Maps. Passed 10 to get to ours... Beautifully shaded open sites. About 3-5acres/site."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically between campgrounds. At Ruby's Inn RV Park, a camper reported "2 bars Verizon. Terrible WiFi that is provided by 3rd party. Need to register. Keeps quitting." At Kodachrome Basin, "No cell service. WiFi at park office."
Road conditions: Forest service roads can be challenging without appropriate vehicles. One Dave's Hollow visitor noted, "I didn't end up getting to camp though because it ended up snowing a few inches and all I have is a cheap little tent. I went in mid April and it was predicted to be 17° that night."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. For Bryce Canyon RV Resort, one visitor noted, "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."
Temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights can be surprisingly cold at these elevations. "We stayed in September and by the middle of the night it was about 20 degrees so bundle up!!" warns a camper who stayed at Ruby's Inn RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: North Campground at Bryce Canyon National Park offers educational activities for children. "The junior ranger program was awesome!" reported one family who stayed there despite challenging weather conditions.
Playground access: For families needing structured play areas, Ruby's Inn RV Park provides facilities. "A nice little playground, used pretty regularly by little ones. Lots of space to walk dogs out back," notes a recent visitor.
Site selection strategies: At Bryce View Campground in Kodachrome Basin, choose sites strategically for views. "Behind sites 51, 52, 55 and 56 are views of Chimney Rock and the Shakespeare Arch/Sentinel Spire area," recommends one camper who carefully mapped the campground.
Early arrival importance: Dispersed sites fill quickly during peak seasons. A Dave's Hollow FR090 camper advised, "Definitely show up sooner rather than later, there are lots of spots but they fill up quickly... I'd say get here by 4P for a guaranteed spot on the weekend."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Options range from primitive to full-service sites. At Bryce View Campground, "Kodachrome State Park has two main campgrounds which include Basin and Bryce View. Bryce View is located closer to the main entrance just after the visitors center. While Basin campground caters to tent camper and smaller trailers and vans with paved roads and pull ins, Bryce View has electrical and water hookups with gravel roads and can accommodate larger campers and RVs."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger RVs. At North Campground, a camper reported, "Had booked a couple of RV spots. Reservations fill up quick. RV spots are pretty exposed & mine was on a hill w/ only one levelish portion (53)."
Generator restrictions: Rules vary between campgrounds regarding generator use. At Bryce View Campground, "Generators may only be run between noon and 4 pm. That's a great rule because most people are exploring the park at that time."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer dump stations. A camper at Ruby's Inn RV Park noted the campground has "Full hook ups... Clean showers, restrooms, and laundry room. A well-equipped store and a restaurant are within a short walking distance."
