Dispersed camping sites near Henrieville, Utah offer a cost-effective alternative to established campgrounds within Kodachrome Basin State Park. Most free camping spots are located in Dixie National Forest along Tom Best Spring Road FR117, approximately 12 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park. The road is generally well maintained with some washboarding, making it accessible for most vehicles during dry weather conditions, though high-clearance vehicles may be needed after snowfall.
What to do
Hike Shakespeare Arch Trail: In Kodachrome Basin State Park, the Shakespeare Arch/Sentinel Spire trail offers unique rock formations away from crowded areas. "Panorama Point alone is worth the trip with its 360 degrees view, and Shakespeare Arch/Sentinel Spire are something different. You may see a black-tailed jackrabbit in the campground or on the hike to Shakespeare Arch," notes Mary S. from Bryce View Campground.
Mountain biking opportunities: The Thunder Mountain trail loop near Henrieville provides excellent mountain biking terrain. "Close to Bryce Canyon and easy access to Thunder Mountain trail loop, awesome moderate mt biking trail," shares Jeanie P., who camped at Tom Best Spring Road FR117.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We followed road 087 down towards the reservoir, the Park Service recommends this as the best place to view wildlife before dusk," advises Anthony P., who discovered dog-friendly dispersed camping near Henrieville while exploring the Great Western Trail area.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location delivers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "The stars were indescribable, so many and so clear!" reports Katherine B. about her experience at Basin Campground. Away from light pollution, campers can observe constellations rarely visible in more populated areas.
Clean, modern facilities: State park campgrounds near Henrieville offer unexpectedly high-quality amenities. "The bathrooms are gorgeous! What? I know, the showers, the toilet stalls, its just a fancy five star hotel experience," says Avram M. about Basin Campground's facilities.
Solitude in dispersed areas: Free camping spots offer privacy rarely found in established campgrounds. "Just 12 miles from the crush of people at Bryce Canyon, but a world away. In late October, we were the only campers within site or earshot," writes Morgan Y. about his experience at Great Western Trail Dispersed.
What you should know
Winter camping challenges: Winter temperatures drop significantly at night. "We stayed in April and it got to around -7C / +30 Fahrenheit in the van!" reports Elena Maria Daniela C. from Sunset Campground. Proper cold-weather gear is essential for winter camping near Henrieville.
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds close unexpectedly during shoulder seasons. "Talked to the ranger at North Campground (which was full by 4 pm) and she said they closed Sunset a week or so ago due to cold temps and no campers. Now the weather is perfect but they are not re-opening Sunset, despite loads of campers here today," shares Pamela D.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have restricted or no cellular connectivity. "No cell or wifi service," notes Lisa N. who camped at Bryce View Campground, though some dispersed areas report better coverage: "I also had full bars with Verizon so that was a plus," reports Fernando H. from his stay at dog-friendly Tom Best Spring Road.
Tips for camping with families
Check campground policies: Different campgrounds enforce varying rules regarding pets, fires, and quiet hours. "It's the un-campground! We usually do dispersed to avoid other humans and their generators, lights, and noise, but Kodachrome only allows generator use from noon to 4, quiet hours are observed and enforced," explains Le'a K. about Arch Campground.
Junior Ranger programs: Bryce Canyon National Park offers excellent educational opportunities for children. "The junior ranger program was awesome!" enthuses Kelley H., who stayed at North Campground in March when temperatures were chilly.
Weather preparation: Weather conditions can change rapidly, requiring extra planning with children. "We were sad to not be able to hang our hammocks or anything from the trees but they wanted to protect the trees from bark beetles," reports Alexis P. about camping at Sunset Campground, highlighting the importance of having alternative activities planned.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and setup. "RV spots are pretty exposed & mine was on a hill w/ only one levelish portion (53). Ended up in loop D tent area (93) and it seems like many camper van folks end up here. It's quieter & no generator noise," advises Beverly O. from North Campground.
Hookup availability: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Henrieville have limited hookups. "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. Make sure you check with the staff as to which kind you are getting if that's important to you," recommends Heather S. from Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with hookups provide dump stations. "Nice camground, new showers and pool, right next to bryce shuttle stop," notes Martin H. about Ruby's Inn RV Park, while other reviewers mention dump stations are available at some state park locations but not others.
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