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Best Campgrounds near Tropic, UT

1,634 Reviews

Camping options near Tropic, Utah range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The area provides access to Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Dixie National Forest, with several camping areas accommodating tents, RVs, and cabin stays. Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground offers full hookups and cabin accommodations, while Tom Best Spring Road (FR117) in Dixie National Forest provides free dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience. Basin Campground at Kodachrome Basin State Park features both tent and RV sites with modern amenities, serving as a central location for exploring the region's dramatic landscapes.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most sites open from spring through fall. Higher elevation areas near Bryce Canyon can experience cold overnight temperatures even during summer months, dropping into the 40s Fahrenheit in July. Winter camping options are limited due to snow and freezing conditions. Most established campgrounds like Sunset and North Campground in Bryce Canyon National Park operate seasonally from May through December. The 7-mile gravel road to King Creek Campground requires careful navigation, especially in spring when water spigots may not be operating. A camper noted, "Seven miles of well graded gravel road to get here from Hwy. 12. Tropic reservoir and boat launch adjacent to campground. Nice short hike to Hoodoos."

Campers consistently highlight the scenic value and relative solitude found in the Tropic area compared to more crowded destinations. The terrain offers a mix of desert landscapes, pine forests, and dramatic rock formations that provide both scenic views and natural shade in select camping areas. Visitors to dispersed sites on forest roads appreciate the privacy and direct access to hiking trails and OHV routes. A recent review described Kodachrome Basin State Park as "a hidden gem in Utah" with "good spacing between sites and some low trees for shade and a visual break." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate various camping styles, with tent sites typically more abundant than large RV spaces in national forest areas. Most dispersed camping areas allow campfires when restrictions are not in place, while developed campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and varying levels of water access.

Map showing campgrounds near Tropic, UtahExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Forest Rd 294 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

Forest Rd 294 Dispersed - Dixie National Forest

12 min away

Dave’s Hollow

Dave’s Hollow

17 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Tropic, Utah (262)

    1. Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground

    77 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 834-5341

    "The best best piece is it’s proximity to the Nat’l park - we would have stayed in the park but all the RV camping was closed in the park."

    "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"

    2. North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    78 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    4 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."

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

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

    "Our family was here for 4 nights with easy access to Bryce, Escalante and kayaking at Tropic Reservoir. We had a blast and enjoyed the site. Very dusty! And loud cicadas."

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

    4. Sunset Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    53 Reviews
    Tropic, UT
    4 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."

    5. FR 090 - dispersed camping

    34 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    4 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.  "

    6. Great Western Trail Dispersed

    28 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    6 miles

    "This is a great location for Red Canyon as well as Bryce Canyon trips, the Tropic Reservoir is also short drive away. If you’re visiting in summer, there’s also Dark Ranger observatory 5min away."

    "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."

    7. Basin Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park

    30 Reviews
    Henrieville, UT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 679-8562

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Kodachrome Basin was a very nice surprise for our grand camping tour of Utah this Fall. This place is truly a Kodak moment. The rock structures throughout the park are incredible."

    "This is one of our favorite spots to camp in Utah. It's fabulously close to Bryce Canyon NP and a reasonable distance from Zion NP and Grand Staircase Escalante."

    8. Toms Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping

    32 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 865-3700

    "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."

    "Large meadow camping/turn around at the 2nd junction with FR646 after the main area of pullouts.

    We chose FR3625 offshoot."

    9. Bryce Canyon RV Resort by Rjourney

    19 Reviews
    Cannonville, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 523-4183

    "Beautiful hills, scenery. 15-20 minutes from Bryce, without the circus of "Ruby's tourist traps" right outside of the park. Really nice management. Quiet."

    "We had a great view from our camp spot and there were nice trails leading out of the park. The staff were very helpful to us, especially as newbies in camping."

    10. FS #117 Rd Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Fern Ridge Lake, UT
    10 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tropic, UT

468 Photos of 262 Tropic Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tropic, UT

1634 Reviews of 262 Tropic Campgrounds

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Bryce Zion Campground

    Bryce Zion RV park and campground

    Its a pleasant enough little place. THe 1st couple nights we were here, there were several families with several children. Very loud and made the dogs nervous, but hey- let kids be kids. We weren't sad to see them go. Its the perfect spot situated 1/2 way between Bryce and Zion, we stayed 6 much needed nights. Staff small but extremely friendly and helpful. Nice laundry. Nice bathrooms and showers. Good prices, the store was a bit sparse, but coming on the end of the season, so it's understandable. There is a pool which we did not use. The RV sites are a little crammed together with your neighbors hookups quite close to your RV.

  • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park

    Affordable tent camping with ammenaties

    Im tent camping and this is a great spot. Only $29 after tax with showers, wifi, nice sites, bathrooms, and fire pits. This is my second time here while traveling and the folks are great.

  • Ryan F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Mammoth Dispersed

    Too Small for the Amount of People that Go

    Mammoth Dispersed Campground offers a beautiful setting among tall pines, with plenty of shade, cool temperatures, and easy access to a peaceful stream (both day use area and overnight campsites with access). 

    The sites themselves are well maintained, and it’s clear that the USFS takes good care of the area despite how heavily it gets used. That said, the campground feels a little small for the amount of people who frequent it, especially on busy weekends. During our Labor Day trip, the area was crowded with ATV, UTV, and general vehicle traffic—many of them flying by campsites at high speeds with loud music, which made it hard to relax. 

    It’s also disappointing to see how many visitors don’t clean up after themselves. Trash left behind really takes away from the natural beauty of the forest. 

    On a positive note, the roads are in good condition. Despite some reviews suggesting that the northern route in from Panguitch is “sketchy,” we found in September 2025 that the road was well graded and easily driven. 

    All in all, this is a wonderful area that has so much potential for a perfect camping experience. Without the holiday crowds and careless visitors, I would not hesitate to rate Mammoth a solid 5 stars. As it stands, the beauty of the place and the effort put in by USFS are worth highlighting, but the heavy traffic and noise over Labor Day force me to give it 4 stars.

  • L
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Old Highway 89 Dispersed Riverside

    Multiple spots

    There’s multiple great spots, we were a bit further down the road. Love that you have access to the river. We had a nice calm night!

  • Jennifer N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sunset Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park

    Love this spot!

    Sunset CG is a great spot! (a lot better than North CG - IMO) - I’ve camped here a few times now - clean, spacious sites create privacy - There’s almost always sites available - Great location! Don’t forget to head to Sunset point for Sunset!

  • Kippy B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sidney Valley

    Sidney Valley off FR48

    Awesome spot! Lots of space but can get busy. Beautiful views and has privacy. Pack in and pack out, no amenities and limited cell phone service. Will be back  :)

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Deer Creek Lake Trail

    Deer Creek Trailhead

    Nice little sites. Fire pit. Some rock in the road. 9250 elevation. Near trailhead for hiking tomorrow. Spooked a few deer as I drove up. Quiet!

  • Lynna C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Point Supreme Campground — Cedar Breaks National Monument

    Poor Experience, Controlling Camp Host

    When we first arrived here, we were not sure what to think. Mind you, we have been to over 50 campgrounds in the last 3 months and this one just didn’t feel quite right. The location is nice enough and yes, Cedar Breaks is quite spectacular but this campground just isn’t anything special.

    We were in site 11 and the first thing we noticed was how closely placed all the sites were. If you want any privacy, this place is not that. The campground host is always driving around in his cart and just makes one feel uncomfortable. We had to knock on his RV door and he popped out immediately with his clip board and dressed in his khaki uniform. Some people just take their job way too seriously and this guy definitely was a bit overwhelming and overboard.

    We had heard that there was a code to the showers and we just wanted to get the code from him. He proceeded to lay out the ground rules for the campground and to tell us that this was a pretty quiet place and to take that into consideration.

    Apparently the night sky is incredible up here at 10,000 plus feet but if you want to see them, make sure that you keep your conversations down to a faint whisper. No joke, we are not loud people at all and the most sound that we make would be coming from our portable Bluetooth speaker during breakfast and dinner.

    On the second day of our stay, we had just finished up our breakfast when Ranger Rick (Kevin, I think) decided to come over and talk to us. He let us know that our speaker was too loud (it wasn’t) and that he was asking us to turn it down because people were complaining about the noise.

    If you were to have heard it, there would be no way it was too loud. We told him that the speaker was not too loud, he even had to agree but a half hour later he came back and told us that he had gotten even more complaints and that we had to turn it down.

    The real issue was something else, some campers didn’t like what we were listening to on a podcast. What has happened in this country when you can’t even listen to what you choose to? Are people not allowed to even sing songs around a campfire anymore?

    We have put up with so much in the past 3 months. Everything from barking dogs, crying babies, screaming kids, firework explosions, large groups of campers, concerts and loud people but our little speaker is just too loud? It’s sad that this is what it’s come to. People just can’t communicate anymore and instead choose to complain to a camp host.

    This is not what we expected and overall we are not expecting to ever come back.

Guide to Tropic

Camping near Tropic, Utah, offers a fantastic mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, or just relax under the stars, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Lake View Campground — Escalante State Park stated, "This campground had thermostat controlled bathrooms and had the cleanest showers I’ve encountered so far."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Duck Creek mentioned, "This campsite was quiet and peaceful when we stayed the night."
  • Proximity to attractions: Campers love being close to Bryce Canyon. One reviewer said, "Ruby's is the best basecamp spot for exploring Bryce Canyon" at Ruby's Inn RV Park and Campground.

What you should know:

  • Reservations may be required: During peak season, many campgrounds like North Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park now require reservations. A camper noted, "It is to be a first come first serve but now during the busy season reservations are required."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Tom Best Spring Road - Dispersed Camping, do not have drinking water or toilets. A visitor mentioned, "No bathrooms or anything but pretty close to the Bryce Canyon entrance!"
  • Uneven sites: If you're camping in a van, be aware that some sites may have uneven surfaces. A camper at Sunset Campground — Bryce Canyon National Park pointed out, "Except for loop A, the driveway surface for most sites is uneven."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A reviewer at Basin Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park said, "Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of nearby attractions. One camper at Red Canyon Campground mentioned, "There are a couple of trails close by and practically 20min from Bryce Canyon."
  • Pack extra supplies: Bring along essentials like toilet paper, as some campgrounds may run low. A visitor at Duck Creek noted, "Restrooms sometimes are out of toilet paper, but we always bring spare rolls for any situation."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Tropic, Utah, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at campgrounds near Tropic?

Campgrounds near Tropic offer a range of amenities to suit different camping preferences. Basin Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park provides stunning views of rock formations in a beautiful setting. Meanwhile, Bryce Canyon RV Resort by Rjourney features terraced pull-through sites with full hookups, privacy hedges between sites, and is located 15-20 minutes from Bryce Canyon. Many area campgrounds include picnic tables, fire pits, and toilet facilities, with several offering running water and flush toilets. RV-specific amenities like hookups, WiFi and showers are available at the RV parks, while more rustic campgrounds offer natural surroundings and access to outdoor activities.

When is the best time of year to camp in Tropic, Utah?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping conditions in Tropic, Utah. Summer months provide warm days ideal for exploring nearby attractions, though higher elevations can get cool at night even in June. Bryce View Campground — Kodachrome Basin State Park is particularly pleasant during these months, offering incredible views in a comfortable setting. Fall is an excellent time to visit as demonstrated by positive experiences at Rubys Inn RV Park and Campground, with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Be aware that the area, including campgrounds near Tropic Reservoir, can get cold fairly early in the fall season, so come prepared with appropriate gear if camping in late September or October.

Where can I find camping spots in Tropic, Utah?

Tropic, Utah offers several excellent camping options within close proximity. Dixie National Forest King Creek Group Site is situated near Tropic Reservoir, just 10-15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park with good-sized sites, clean facilities, and miles of ATV trails. For those seeking an RV experience, Hitch-N-Post RV Park provides full amenities right in town with walking distance to local cafes. Additionally, there are primitive camping sites available just past Tropic Reservoir for those who prefer a more secluded experience.

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