Best Campgrounds near Panguitch, UT

Campgrounds near Panguitch, Utah range from developed facilities to dispersed sites across public lands, with options for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The area includes Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed camping in Dixie National Forest and Red Canyon Campground, both offering access to the region's distinctive red rock landscapes. Several campgrounds provide proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park, approximately 25 miles east of Panguitch, while others serve as convenient bases for exploring Zion National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Road conditions and seasonal availability vary significantly throughout the region. Many dispersed camping areas like FR 090 require high-clearance vehicles, while established campgrounds such as Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground maintain paved access roads. "The north side campground has paved camp roads, clean sites, tall pines, dark night skies, and enjoyable location near Panguitch Creek in the ravine below," noted one visitor about Panguitch Lake Campground. Weather considerations include cold nights even during summer months, with temperatures dropping into the 40s at higher elevations. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, though some dispersed camping remains accessible year-round depending on snow conditions.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites offering water proximity, particularly those near Panguitch Lake and along Mammoth Creek. The mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, with tent and RV sites often separated into different areas. Developed campgrounds typically provide amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and fire rings, while dispersed camping areas offer more solitude but fewer facilities. A visitor commented that Tom Best Spring Road has "lots of spots, some single and some more like a campground area. You are as close to your neighbor as you choose to be." Cell service remains limited throughout much of the region, particularly in forested or canyon areas. Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods, with reservations recommended for developed sites during peak season.

Best Camping Sites Near Panguitch, Utah (249)

    1. Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

    71 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "Lots of great trails close by and super close to the park entrance - all for FREE! Couldn’t ask for more!"

    "Physically cooler than other Utah spots due to the trees. Could even set up a hammock if you wanted. Wifi (Verizon) was decent. Easy road in."

    2. Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground

    79 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 834-5341

    "Campground Review Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground Definitely the closest campground outside of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah with all the amenities (absolutely positively everything) and even"

    "Our camper was nestled in the trees with a hill behind the camper, where we could also explore."

    3. Red Canyon Campground

    30 Reviews
    Dixie National Forest, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 676-2676

    $12 - $23 / night

    "Of all the places I've been to in Utah, including the more well known places like Zion and Bryce, Red Canyon is my absolute favorite! The canyon is so gorgeous and more importantly, so empty!"

    "Beautiful views, with the extremely challenging Red Canyon Bike Trail close by."

    4. North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    78 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 834-5322

    $30 / night

    "The sites are tucked into cozy piney woods that belies the massive red, rocky hoodoos just a few yards away in the amphitheater. "

    "I was only able to spend a short time here on my Utah National Park road trip this year but I really fell in love with this place."

    5. Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "Right past beautiful Red Canyon coming from Panguitch on 12. Turn left on  road also call 117. Lots of spots.  Some single and some more like a campground area. "

    "I ended up having a late day at Bryce Canyon and needed to find somewhere close to stay around 5:30 pm on a Saturday in season."

    6. FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    12 miles

    "It was pretty busy when we arrived so our spot was next to the road. One bonus: short off-road drive to our spot"

    "Plenty of available sites, many drive through. Many could accommodate our 35' motorhome. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels. Four bars of AT&T 4G."

    7. Sunset Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    55 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 834-5322

    $30 - $100 / night

    "Sunset is one of two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon National Park in Southwest Utah. Bryce is a beautiful canyon and a must see if you are touring southern Utah."

    "Sunset Campground in Bryce Canyon National Park is beautiful and spacious, and is very close to some overlooks and the visitor's center."

    8. FR 090 - dispersed camping

    38 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "Do not park near the road if you can avoid it. Ruined our time here as groups with dirt bikes and ATVs speeding by. We could eat outside for the dust."

    "This little area is so close to Bryce, we camped literally less than a mile away from the park entrance, for free, can't beat it.  "

    9. Hitch-N-Post RV Campground

    11 Reviews
    Panguitch, UT
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 749-0534

    $20 - $70 / night

    "This campgrounds is in panguitch which is about 29 miles from Bryce. The town is cute. All the stores are well stocked."

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    10. Great Western Trail Dispersed

    28 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, OR
    17 miles

    "Based on a map posted at the entrance, we followed the road to find a bunch of spots about 20 minutes down the dirt road."

    "The campground is beautiful with woods surrounding our site. Lots of wildlife walking around our tent area at night. It’s very clean with a few fire pits and is a great temperature in early August."

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Recent Reviews near Panguitch, UT

1534 Reviews of 249 Panguitch Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Archers Overlook East Zion

    Close to Zion / easy and minimal site

    Quick drive to zion— Close to road, with road noise ++. Spots are small and close together. Great view if you hike to the rocks/edge. Nice fire rings and spots for hammocks

  • Craig L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Dixie National Forest Dispersed Camping Area

    Great Spot Near Bryce

    This spot was awesome, it's free and there isn't anything here, but the roads are decent, it's near Bryce, the spots are spread out, and it's near Bryce.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Horse Camp Near Belly of the Dragon Trail

    Nice site easy accessible but bring a flashlight

    There were a couple more RVs next to us (C-class 30 feet)

    Easy accessible but make sure you have a flashlight because of some big stones that you need to manoeuvre around.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Dave’s Hollow Designated Dispersed Camping

    Great dispersed spot.

    Seems to be several spread out spots along a large loop. Spots are large enough for a camper. Area is quiet and best of all, it’s literally 3 minutes from Bryce National Park visitor center. Couldn’t ask for more.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Pyramid Ridge Campground

    Must pay

    Seems ok got a better site unless neighbors with lots a lights come

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Hitch-N-Post RV Campground

    Nice facilites

    Staff is nice and helpful, kind of exposed but nice, large sites.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Rocky Peak Campground

    Spacious site with great views

    We arrived today. Big site with loads of space between other campers MTB trail system on the doorstep 6000’ up so might get cold at night Road in is fine so perhaps it’s been up graded since previous reviews. We have 25’ Airstream and had no issues at all……. So far so good will add more later…….. So after 3 nights here the only downside is off road vehicles which on a weekday is minimal but over the weekend is a pain in the arse !! Lots of noise and idiots using the camp loop as a race track when they have so much alternative space - really annoying Even at dark no respect for campers


Guide to Panguitch

Camping near Panguitch, Utah offers access to high-elevation forest sites at 6,600-8,000 feet above sea level, creating dramatic temperature variations even in summer. The region sits at the junction of the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin, creating distinctive red rock formations interspersed with pine forests. Nighttime temperatures at campsites often drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs, requiring extra layers regardless of season.

What to do

Mountain biking at Red Canyon: Explore the Red Canyon Bike Trail near Red Canyon Campground, which offers challenges for experienced riders. "Beautiful views, with the extremely challenging Red Canyon Bike Trail close by. Highly recommend getting a drop off 10 miles up the road, and take your time enjoying the downhill ride back to the campground," notes Colette K.

Hiking lesser-known trails: Avoid crowds by exploring hiking paths behind Red Canyon Campground. "The hiking paths behind the campground are easy and fun, with spectacular views and NO crowds!!" reports a visitor. These trails provide similar hoodoo formations to Bryce without the foot traffic.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Drive toward the reservoir on Road 087 from Great Western Trail Dispersed camping areas for wildlife spotting. "The Park Service recommends this as the best place to view wildlife before dusk," according to Anthony P. The area provides opportunities to see deer, which frequently cross roads in the forest.

Stargazing from dispersed sites: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at forest sites. "The night sky was AMAZING! Because it was quite a distance away from the city or any other kind of light sources, the night time was pitch dark and the stars were spotless on the sky," reports Jiwon K. about Red Canyon.

What campers like

Proximity to multiple attractions: FR 090 - dispersed camping provides access to several parks within short driving distances. "Super remote, the location was great not far at all from the entrance to Bryce Canyon NP," notes Bree S. These free sites offer an ideal base for exploring Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon, and other nearby destinations.

Secluded dispersed options: Campers appreciate finding privacy within short distances of main roads. "We ended up finding a nice secluded spot off one of the dirt roads a little over a mile in. Spots are a little more spread out off the main drag and more in the trees which was nice for shade and hanging a hammock," shares Jeanie P. about Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed.

Hot showers in established campgrounds: After hiking, travelers value access to clean facilities. "The women's bathroom/showers are to die for and well worth spending the $40 for the night," writes Marie W. about Hitch-N-Post Campground. These amenities provide comfort after dusty days on trails.

Cell service availability: Many forest sites maintain connectivity despite remote settings. "Camping off of FR 117 was just that right off the road, tons of spots and also very popular especially with people staying a week or so. I had full bars with Verizon so that was a plus," notes Fernando H.

What you should know

High clearance requirements: Some forest roads demand appropriate vehicles. "May need something a bit higher to get further back. Great cell service in the area," warns Christine about Tom Best Spring Road. While initial areas may be accessible, better sites often require four-wheel drive.

Wildlife encounters: Expect grazing animals near campsites. "Cows do wander into the campgrounds from the prairie... so be prepared if you have animals that might 'have a cow' like ours did," explains Kathy H. Cattle are common throughout the forest dispersed sites.

Winter closures and limitations: Many forest roads close seasonally. "All roads that lead to dispersed camping sites in the Bryce Canyon area are closed by the NPS," reports Caitlin H. in April. Sunset Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park also closes earlier than expected in fall, with one visitor noting, "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."

Extreme temperature variations: Prepare for cold nights even in summer. "We stayed in September and by the middle of the night it was about 20 degrees so bundle up!!" advises Emily about Ruby's Inn Campground. Higher elevations experience frost even during summer months.

Tips for camping with families

Finding tent-friendly spots: Look for designated tent areas in mixed-use campgrounds. "Spacious spot however very little privacy. There are plenty of pine trees for shade," notes Myrna G. about Sunset Campground. Their Loop A separates tents from RVs for a quieter experience.

Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs at national park campgrounds. "The junior ranger program was awesome!" shares Kelley H. about North Campground in Bryce Canyon. These activities provide structured learning for children about local geology and ecology.

Town amenities access: When wilderness camping proves challenging, Panguitch offers family-friendly alternatives. "The town is cute. All the stores are well stocked. And the local community, who earns money from tourism, really are very welcoming," writes Francesca C. about staying at Hitch-N-Post Campground.

Protection from elements: Consider tree coverage when selecting sites with children. "The campground is beautiful with woods surrounding our site. Lots of wildlife walking around our tent area at night," reports Henry W. about Great Western Trail Dispersed camping, noting the temperature regulation provided by forest canopy.

Tips from RVers

Early arrival strategies: Secure dispersed sites before peak hours. "I'd say get here by 4P for a guaranteed spot on the weekend. Happily passed 10 to get to ours. 2 were occupied 8 open at 3P on a Friday. Around 5:30-6P vans started rolling by us," advises Jeff P. about FR 090.

Length limitations: Some roads restrict larger rigs. "There are parts of the road that require 4wd further back but otherwise not a bad drive down a dirt road," notes Emily about Great Western Trail Dispersed. Most dispersed areas accommodate rigs under 30 feet on main forest roads.

Level site identification: Look for established pull-offs. "Plenty of available sites, many drive through. Many could accommodate our 35' motorhome. Among the tall pines yet enough sunlight for solar panels," shares Tom W. about FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping. Sites nearer to main roads typically offer better levelness.

Hookup availability: Full-service options exist for those needing utilities. "The spots were nice and level. The showers and toilets were clean. The store had plenty of necessities and the staff was friendly," notes Beth G. about Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground, which offers full hookup sites for $46 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Panguitch, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Panguitch, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 249 campgrounds and RV parks near Panguitch, UT and 102 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Panguitch, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Panguitch, UT is Tom Best Spring Road FR117 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 71 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Panguitch, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 102 free dispersed camping spots near Panguitch, UT.

What parks are near Panguitch, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Panguitch, UT that allow camping, notably Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon National Park.