Henrieville sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet in the heart of Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante region, experiencing warm summer days that drop to cool nights even in peak season. The area's geology features colorful sandstone formations with dramatic sedimentary layers that date back millions of years. Camping spots near Henrieville offer varied terrain from river-adjacent sites to elevated locations with canyon views.
What to do
Hike Kodachrome Basin State Park trails: Located just minutes from Henrieville, the trails here offer access to unique stone spires called sedimentary pipes. A camper at Rock Springs Bench mentioned, "Several campsites on SR410 very private, great views of Kodacrome Basin in Grande Staircase Escalante."
Fishing at Sevier River: Some campgrounds provide direct river access for trout fishing. A visitor to The Riverside Ranch shared, "Fishing in this little creek was great. Even though the creek was small there were some BIG trout!"
Stargazing after dark: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "At night it felt like you could see a million stars above," noted a camper at The Riverside Ranch.
Visit Escalante Petrified Forest: Walk among petrified wood deposits dating back millions of years. A reviewer at Wide Hollow Campground explained, "The camping fee entitles you to climb the hill behind the camp site and stumble into a jewel like land scape of a petrified forest where it is impossible to take a step without treading on what looks like rubies and sapphires."
What campers like
Free showers at select campgrounds: Some facilities offer clean shower amenities included with your stay. A visitor at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground reported, "The showers are fantastic and are available for a cost for non-campers also."
Proximity to multiple national parks: Strategic location allows visits to multiple destinations. According to one camper, "Duck Creek Village is very close to Bryce Canyon and Zion."
Diverse accommodation options: From tent sites to elevated glamping near Henrieville, Utah, the area offers various comfort levels. "This campground has sites for all kinds of campers from tent/dry camping to huge sites for big rigs. Some are shaded and in the trees and some are open," mentioned a reviewer at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
On-site amenities and activities: Some locations provide recreation beyond hiking. A guest at Bryce Pioneer Village RV Park noted, "There are a lot of activities for the kids or active adults (basketball, teether ball, corn hole, and swings)."
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: High elevation means significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. A camper at Duck Creek recalled, "Ended up at Duck Creek mid May where nights got down to 25 degrees. Besides getting a little chillier and windier than we anticipated, it was a great campsite!"
Road access concerns for dispersed camping: Some locations require careful driving planning. "Dirt access road that can get impassable when it rains (and believe them when they say impassable!)," warned a camper at Rock Springs Bench.
Variable site layouts: Some campgrounds have uneven distribution of features. "The hookups on our sites were more to one end of the site and not so much in the middle of the site," noted a reviewer at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
Reservation timing: Many locations fill quickly during peak season. "We checked in to the yurt on our way to Bryce canyon which is half an hour away," mentioned a guest about their luxury glamping near Henrieville experience.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with recreational areas: Some campgrounds offer activities beyond hiking. A visitor at The Riverside Ranch mentioned, "There are a lot of activities for the kids or active adults(basketball, teether ball, corn hole, and swings)."
Consider campground bathroom facilities: Clean, well-maintained restrooms make family camping more comfortable. "Bathrooms were cleaned twice a day - cleanest campground bathrooms I've used," shared a camper at Duck Creek.
Check for swimming options: Some locations have water features for cooling off. A guest at Ofland - Escalante noted, "AMAZING year round outdoor heater showers, 'drive in' movies every night. My kids loved it, I loved it."
Look for educational opportunities: Several parks offer interpretive programs and unique natural features. "The camping fee entitles you to climb the hill behind the camp site and stumble into a jewel like land scape of a petrified forest," explained a visitor to Wide Hollow Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions before booking: Some spots have limitations despite descriptions. "It's really only suitable for very small travel trailers (like 8' long) or vans. We would not have fit our camper and truck in that spot," advised an RVer at Wide Hollow Campground.
Be prepared for hookup locations: Positioning can vary significantly. "I needed three sewer hoses. I could not black tank flush. 25 ft hose too short," warned a visitor at Bryce Pioneer Village RV Park.
Consider full-hookup options when available: Some sites offer comprehensive services. "Gravel throughout the side of the park we stayed in. Nice river rock for a patio area feel. Some grassy area for the pups to do their business," noted a camper at The Riverside Ranch.
Look for seasonal openings: Many campgrounds operate during limited windows. "The campground managers gave us great information on trails for some 4-wheel drive adventures," shared a visitor at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
