Complete Guide to Camping in Bryce Canyon National Park

Top-rated Bryce Canyon Campgrounds

Park Campgrounds

Nearby Forest Service Campgrounds

Private Campgrounds

Free and Dispersed Bryce Canyon Camping Options

Dixie National Forest Dispersed Areas offer free camping options within 15-30 minutes of Bryce Canyon. Multiple forest roads in the Red Canyon area (west of the park) and along Highway 63 (south of the park) provide marked dispersed camping zones. These areas offer no amenities—campers must bring all water and supplies and pack out all waste. Sites consist of informal clearings along forest roads that can fit various camping setups from tents to small RVs and trailers.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument borders Bryce Canyon to the east and south, offering numerous free dispersed camping opportunities about 30-45 minutes from the park. The Skutumpah Road and Cottonwood Road areas provide established dispersed sites with desert views and dark night skies. Like Dixie National Forest, these sites offer no amenities beyond existing fire rings at some locations.

Specialty Lodging

Yurt Camping at Ruby's Inn offers a unique glamping experience just minutes from the park entrance. These round, permanent tent structures have real beds, furnishings, electricity, and heating for year-round comfort. Each yurt fits 5-6 people with a queen bed and bunk beds, making them good for families or small groups.

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon provides upscale safari-style tent accommodations approximately 15 minutes from the park entrance. The property has canvas tents on wooden platforms, each equipped with king beds and high-quality linens. Most tent options include private en-suite bathrooms with hot running water.

Campground Comparison Table

Campground	Location & Sites	Cost & Reservations
North	Park Entrance 99 sites	$20-30 Recreation.gov (April-Oct) for half sites
Sunset	Near Sunset Point 101 sites	$20 Recreation.gov (6 months ahead)
Red Canyon	Hwy 12 (15 min west) 37 sites	$20 First-come, first-served
King Creek	Hwy 12 (12 miles east) 41 sites	$15 First-come, first-served
Ruby's Inn RV Park	Bryce Canyon City (1 mile) 250+ sites	$30-60+ Direct booking
Bryce Canyon Pines	Hwy 12 (3 miles west) 80 sites	$25-45 Direct booking
Dixie NF Dispersed	15-30 min from park Dispersed sites	Free First-come, first-served
Under Canvas	15 min from entrance 50+ tents	$209-500+ Direct booking

Campground Amenities and Best Uses

Park Campgrounds: North and Sunset campgrounds offer flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, but no hookups for RVs. North is best for year-round camping and easy rim access, while Sunset excels for summer/fall camping with rim trail access.

Forest Service Options: Red Canyon provides vault toilets and drinking water with mountain biking access and warmer temperatures. King Creek offers a quieter experience with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and basic facilities.

Private Campgrounds: Ruby's Inn RV Park features full hookups, showers, laundry, pool, Wi-Fi, and shuttle access, making it ideal for RVers wanting full amenities. Bryce Canyon Pines balances amenities with a natural setting, offering some hookups, showers, and an on-site restaurant.

Budget and Luxury Options: Dixie National Forest dispersed areas provide free camping for self-sufficient campers but offer no amenities. Under Canvas delivers luxury glamping with real beds, private bathrooms, and dining services.

Photo by Joseph H

Planning Your Bryce Canyon Camping Trip

When to Visit

Season	Temperatures	Camping Conditions
Spring (April-May)	Days: 45-65°F Nights: 25-40°F	North: Open Sunset: May only Red Canyon: Late April
Summer (June-August)	Days: 65-80°F Nights: 40-50°F	North: Open Sunset: Open All others: Open
Fall (September-October)	Days: 55-70°F Nights: 30-40°F	North: Open Sunset: Until Oct Red Canyon: Until Oct
Winter (November-March)	Days: 25-40°F Nights: 0-20°F	North: Limited loops All others: Closed

Spring Benefits: Fewer crowds, wildflowers beginning, pleasant hiking temperatures, and snow possible on hoodoos create unique photo opportunities.

Spring Challenges: Unpredictable weather, cold nights, potential road closures, and muddy conditions are common concerns.

Summer Benefits: All facilities operating, ranger programs daily, warm days for hiking, and evening astronomy programs provide the full park experience.

Summer Challenges: Busiest season, afternoon thunderstorms, limited campsite availability, and some trails become hot during midday hours.

Fall Benefits: Excellent hiking weather, fall colors in aspen groves, fewer crowds after Labor Day, and clear air for long-distance views make this many visitors' favorite season.

Fall Challenges: Cold nights, first snow possible in October, limited ranger programs, and shorter days require preparation.

Winter Benefits: Minimal crowds, snow-covered hoodoos, unique photography opportunities, and easier campsite availability attract hardy winter campers.

Winter Challenges: Very cold temperatures, limited facilities, snow-covered trails, and winter driving conditions demand serious preparation and gear.

Bryce Canyon Reservation Systems Explained

Securing a Bryce Canyon campsite requires understanding the reservation process:

National Park Service Campgrounds (North, Sunset) use Recreation.gov for all reservations. Sunset Campground operates entirely on a reservation basis from late May through mid-October. These reservations open on a rolling 6-month basis, meaning sites become available exactly 6 months before your arrival date at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

North Campground uses a mixed system. From mid-April through October, approximately half the sites are reservable through Recreation.gov on the same 6-month rolling window. The remaining sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. During winter (November through mid-April), all sites are first-come, first-served, though only limited loops remain open.

For the best chance of securing a reservation:

• Create your Recreation.gov account before the booking date
• Log in before the reservation window opens
• Be flexible with dates if possible
• Look for cancellations, which often occur 2-3 days before arrival dates

Forest Service Campgrounds nearby (Red Canyon, King Creek) operate entirely on a first-come, first-served basis. For these campgrounds, arrival timing matters:

• Weekday arrivals (Monday-Thursday) offer the best availability
• Arrive by mid-morning for the best selection as check-out time is typically 11:00 AM
• Holiday weekends fill quickly, often by Thursday afternoon
• Early May and late September typically offer better availability than peak summer

Campground Costs and Budgeting

Campground Type	Nightly Cost	Key Features
National Park Service	$20-30	Flush toilets, drinking water, fire ring, picnic table
Forest Service Developed	$15-20	Vault toilets, drinking water, fire ring, picnic table
Private Campgrounds (Tent)	$25-35	Flush toilets, drinking water, showers, sometimes Wi-Fi
Private Campgrounds (RV)	$35-60	Full hookups, Wi-Fi, showers, sometimes pool/laundry
Forest Service/BLM Dispersed	Free	None (bring everything)
Glamping Options	$85-500	Real beds, furnished tents, sometimes private bathroom, linens provided

Additional Fees and Hidden Costs

Park and Entry Fees: Park entrance fee costs $35/vehicle (7 days) or $70 for an annual Yellowstone pass. The America the Beautiful Pass at $80 annually covers all national parks.

Facility and Service Fees: Shower fees range $3-5, firewood costs $7-10/bundle, and extra vehicle fees add $5-10. Activities can average $100-200 per person for guided adventures.

Utility Costs: Ice costs $3-5 per bag at local stores, water refills run $0.50-1.00 per gallon in town, and laundry averages $3-4 per load at private campgrounds.

Budget-Friendly Tips: Camp on nearby Forest Service or BLM land for free, visit during shoulder seasons for better availability and rates, purchase an America the Beautiful Pass if visiting multiple parks, bring drinking water in refillable containers, pack your own firewood from outside the area, and cook meals at your campsite instead of dining at restaurants.

Essential Gear for Bryce Canyon Camping

The high-elevation environment of Bryce Canyon requires specific gear considerations:

Shelter and Sleeping:

• Tent with sturdy stakes for potentially rocky ground
• Footprint or ground cloth for added insulation
• Sleeping bag rated at least 20°F colder than forecast lows
• Sleeping pad with high R-value for insulation from cold ground
• Extra blankets for unexpected temperature drops
• Weatherproof tent with solid rain fly (afternoon thunderstorms common in summer)

Kitchen Equipment:

• Portable camp stove and fuel (fire restrictions common during dry periods)
• Water containers (store extra water, especially for dispersed camping)
• Cooler with block ice (lasts longer in fluctuating temperatures)
• Camp cookware suitable for cold-weather cooking
• Water filtration system if backpacking or dispersed camping

Clothing:

• Layering system essential for dramatic temperature changes
• Warm hat and gloves even in summer for cold mornings/evenings
• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
• Waterproof outer layer for rain and wind protection
• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support

Wildlife Safety and Park Regulations

Wildlife Safety in Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon hosts diverse wildlife including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, Utah prairie dogs, and occasionally black bears. Follow these guidelines:

General Wildlife Safety:

• Maintain at least 50 feet (15 meters) distance from all wildlife
• Never feed any animals, including squirrels and birds
• Store all food, trash, and scented items in vehicles or provided storage boxes
• Observe wildlife from a distance using binoculars or telephoto lenses
• Keep pets leashed in designated areas (prohibited on most trails)
• Do not approach young animals, even if they appear abandoned

Black Bear Awareness:

• While uncommon in the main amphitheater, black bears occasionally inhabit forested areas of the park
• Store all food, trash, and scented items in hard-sided vehicles or bear boxes when provided
• Never leave food unattended, even momentarily
• Clean cooking areas thoroughly after meals
• If you encounter a bear, make yourself look large, make noise, and back away slowly

Park Regulations and Etiquette

Regulation Category	Specific Rules	Penalties
Campfires	Allowed only in designated fire rings Must be attended at all times Burn only local firewood Check for fire restrictions	Fines starting at $150 Possible eviction from campground
Waste Management	Pack out all trash Use designated restroom facilities Wash dishes at provided utility sinks Dispose of wastewater properly	Fines starting at $100 Possible citation for resource damage
Quiet Hours	10:00 PM to 6:00 AM Generator hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM only	Warning, then possible eviction

Additional Park Regulations

Hiking and Trail Regulations: Stay on designated trails, no shortcutting switchbacks, yield to uphill hikers, and bikes are prohibited on trails. Violations result in fines starting at $100 and possible court appearance.

Prohibited Activities: Drones/UAVs, off-trail hiking in sensitive areas, collecting plants, rocks, or artifacts, and defacing natural features can result in fines from $250-5,000 and possible arrest for serious violations.

Shuttle System Regulations:

• The free shuttle system operates from April through October
• Shuttle use is optional but recommended during peak season
• First shuttle departs Ruby's Inn at approximately 8:00 AM
• Last shuttle returns from Bryce Point by approximately 8:00 PM
• Parking often fills at viewpoints by mid-morning during summer

Pet Regulations:

• Pets allowed only in developed areas: campgrounds, paved viewpoints, and paved trails
• Pets must remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times
• Pets prohibited on all unpaved trails except the paved portion of Rim Trail
• Never leave pets unattended, including inside vehicles
• Clean up after pets and dispose of waste properly

Photo by Van D

Beyond the Campground: Activities and Exploration

Day Trips from Bryce Canyon Campgrounds

From Park Campgrounds:

• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument -- Just 30 minutes east via Scenic Byway 12, this vast monument offers dramatic slot canyons and desert landscapes. The Escalante River area provides excellent hiking options including Lower Calf Creek Falls (6-mile round trip to a 126-foot waterfall) and Escalante Natural Bridge.

• Kodachrome Basin State Park -- Located 25 miles southeast of Bryce (40-minute drive), this lesser-known park features unique stone spires called sedimentary pipes. The park offers several moderate hiking trails including Angel's Palace (1.5-mile loop with panoramic views) and Panorama Trail (6-mile loop past interesting rock formations).

• Cedar Breaks National Monument -- A scenic 1.5-hour drive northwest (about 75 miles) leads to this amphitheater of eroded red rock at over 10,000 feet elevation. Similar to Bryce but less crowded, Cedar Breaks features a scenic drive with multiple overlooks and hiking trails.

From West Side Locations:

• Red Canyon Bicycle Trail -- Adjacent to Red Canyon Campground along Highway 12, this paved 5-mile trail (one way) offers a scenic ride through red rock formations and ponderosa pines. Suitable for all skill levels, the mostly flat path provides a great family activity.

• Panguitch Lake -- Located 30 minutes northwest (17 miles) from Bryce Canyon City, this 1,200-acre mountain lake sits at 8,400 feet elevation. The lake offers excellent fishing for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout (Utah fishing license required).

Top Hiking Trails Near Bryce Canyon Campgrounds

Trail Name	Difficulty & Distance	Key Features
Rim Trail	Easy 5.5 miles one-way (can do sections)	Panoramic views, accessible sections, shuttle accessible, spectacular sunrise views
Queens Garden/Navajo Loop	Moderate 2.9 miles loop 600 ft elevation change	Most popular trail, close-up hoodoo views, Thor's Hammer formation, Wall Street section
Fairyland Loop	Strenuous 8 miles loop 1,700 ft elevation change	Less crowded, Tower Bridge formation, diverse hoodoo formations, greater sense of solitude
Peekaboo Loop	Strenuous 5.5 miles loop 1,500 ft elevation change	The "heart" of the amphitheater, Wall of Windows, Cathedral formation, can combine with other trails
Bristlecone Loop	Easy 1 mile loop Minimal elevation change	Ancient bristlecone pines, highest elevation viewpoint, expansive views, good for acclimating to altitude
Mossy Cave	Easy 0.8 miles RT Minimal elevation change	Waterfall (seasonal), accessible for most visitors, unique water feature, outside main park area

Trail Access and Starting Points

Multiple Access Points: The Rim Trail offers multiple access points from Fairyland to Bryce Point, making it flexible for different camping locations and fitness levels.

Shuttle Stop Access: Queens Garden/Navajo Loop starts at Sunrise Point (Shuttle Stop #8), while Peekaboo Loop begins at Bryce Point (Shuttle Stop #5), providing easy access from campgrounds.

Remote Trailheads: Fairyland Loop starts north of the Visitor Center at Fairyland Point, offering a less crowded experience. Bristlecone Loop begins at Rainbow Point at the end of the scenic drive, requiring a vehicle or shuttle ride.

Outside Park Access: Mossy Cave trailhead sits on Highway 12, 4 miles east of the park entrance, providing a unique water feature experience outside the main park area.

Water Activities in Bryce Canyon

While Bryce Canyon itself has limited water recreation due to its high desert environment, several nearby options exist:

Swimming and Water Play Opportunities:

• Tropic Reservoir -- Located 12 miles southeast of the park via Highway 12 and Glendale Road, this small reservoir offers swimming in a scenic forest setting. The clear mountain water provides relief during hot summer days.

• Panguitch Lake -- About 17 miles northwest of Bryce Canyon, this large mountain lake offers swimming opportunities during summer months. The lake features several undeveloped beach areas and boat launches.

• Wide Hollow Reservoir -- Adjacent to Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (34 miles east), this small reservoir offers swimming and non-motorized boating.

Fishing Opportunities:

• Panguitch Lake -- Known for excellent trout fishing, this lake is stocked regularly with rainbow, cutthroat, and tiger trout. Ice fishing is popular during winter months. Utah fishing license required.

• Tropic Reservoir -- Offers good fishing for rainbow and brown trout in a less crowded setting than larger lakes.

• Sevier River -- Running through Panguitch Valley about 20 miles northwest of Bryce, this river offers good brown trout fishing in a moving water environment.

The Dyrt Community Insights

Ranger Recommendations

The Dyrt Rangers - experienced campers who document and review camping areas nationwide - offer these insider tips for Bryce Canyon:

Best Sites at North Campground:

"Loop A sites 1-10 offer the most privacy and protection from wind," notes one Dyrt Ranger. "These sites back up to forested areas with ponderosa pines providing good shade." The tent-only loops generally offer a quieter experience away from RVs. Loops C and D accommodate larger vehicles but tend to be more open and exposed to both sun and wind.

Temperature Management Tips:

Several Rangers emphasize the dramatic temperature fluctuations in Bryce Canyon. "Even in July, temperatures can drop below 40°F at night," warns one Ranger. The recommendation: "Bring full winter sleeping gear year-round, including a sleeping bag rated at least 20°F lower than forecast temperatures."

Viewpoint Timing Strategies:

Dyrt Rangers consistently recommend visiting the main viewpoints either very early or later in the day. "Sunrise Point lives up to its name, offering spectacular dawn views with considerably fewer people than sunset," suggests one Ranger.

Top-Rated Sites from The Dyrt Community

Category	Top Pick & Rating	Key Highlights
Highest-Rated In-Park Campground	North Campground 4.5/5 stars	Year-round availability, walking distance to rim, clean facilities, partial shade at many sites
Most Recommended Forest Service Campground	Red Canyon Campground 4.4/5 stars	Scenic red rock setting, direct trail access, less crowded than park, slightly warmer temperatures
Top-Rated Private Campground	Bryce Canyon Pines 4.3/5 stars	Natural forest setting, clean shower facilities, restaurant on property, quieter than Ruby's Inn
Best for RVs	Ruby's Inn RV Park 4.2/5 stars	Full hookup sites, level pads, amenities including pool, shuttle stop on property
Most Family-Friendly	Ruby's Inn RV Park 4.2/5 stars	Pool and playground, activities and tours, general store on site, easy park access

Community Insights and Recommendations

North Campground Praise: The Dyrt users particularly praise North Campground for its location and well-maintained facilities, though note the lack of showers and limited privacy at some sites.

Private Campground Balance: For those seeking more amenities, Bryce Canyon Pines consistently earns high marks for balancing conveniences with a natural setting, providing a middle ground between developed and rustic camping.

Budget-Conscious Options: Budget-conscious travelers highlight the Tom's Creek dispersed area (in Dixie National Forest) for its exceptional value, though emphasize the need for self-sufficiency and preparation for primitive camping conditions.

Photo by Jason R

Responsible Camping Practices

Camping in Bryce Canyon's fragile high-desert ecosystem requires mindful practices:

Minimize Water Usage:

• High desert environments have limited water resources
• Take brief showers when facilities available
• Reuse water when possible for tasks like dish rinsing
• Report any leaks at campground facilities
• For dispersed camping, pack in all needed water

Fire Safety:

• Fires permitted only in designated rings at established campgrounds
• Check current fire restrictions—bans common during dry periods
• Keep fires small and manageable
• Never leave fires unattended
• Fully extinguish before sleeping or leaving site
• Consider using a camp stove instead of fire for cooking

Leave No Trace:

• Pack out everything you bring in
• Stay on established trails to protect soil crust and vegetation
• Camp only in designated sites or previously disturbed areas
• Leave rocks, plants, and artifacts where you find them
• Use established facilities for dish washing and waste disposal

Wildlife Protection:

• Store food securely in vehicles or provided storage boxes
• Never feed wildlife, including seemingly harmless squirrels and birds
• Observe wildlife from a distance
• Pack out food waste completely
• Keep pets leashed and under control at all times

Night Sky Preservation:

• Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park
• Use red lights for nighttime visibility
• Point lights downward when necessary
• Turn off lights when not needed
• Participate in ranger-led astronomy programs

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Bryce Canyon campgrounds open and close? North Campground operates year-round, though with limited loops and services in winter. Sunset Campground typically opens in late May and closes in mid-October, weather permitting. Forest Service campgrounds like Red Canyon usually open in mid-April and close in mid-October. Private campgrounds maintain varied schedules, with Ruby's Inn RV Park operating year-round while others follow seasonal patterns similar to Sunset Campground.

What's the best campground for RVs in Bryce Canyon? For camping inside the park, North Campground offers some sites that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, but has no hookups. Sunset Campground can handle RVs up to 35 feet, also without hookups. For full hookups, Ruby's Inn RV Park provides the most complete RV services with full hookups (water, electric, sewer), pull-through sites, and amenities like Wi-Fi and a dump station.

Are reservations really necessary for Bryce Canyon camping? During peak season (May through September), reservations are highly recommended for all camping options except dispersed sites. Sunset Campground operates entirely on a reservation system through Recreation.gov. North Campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, but the first-come sites typically fill by mid-morning during summer months, often with people lining up before 7:00 AM.

How is the stargazing at Bryce Canyon campgrounds? Bryce Canyon is certified as an International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities. The high elevation and dry air create outstanding visibility on clear nights. North Campground provides decent star viewing, though some light from the nearby lodge and visitor area creates minor light pollution. Sunset Campground typically offers darker skies with less local light interference. For the best experience, Rangers recommend walking to the rim overlooks after dark (bring a red headlamp for safety) or participating in the park's astronomy programs.

Planning Resources

Essential Bryce Canyon Links

• The Dyrt Campground Finder - Reviews and availability for campgrounds in and around Bryce Canyon
• Bryce Canyon National Park Official Website - Current conditions, alerts, and regulations
• Recreation.gov - Booking platform for all Bryce Canyon National Park campgrounds
• Bryce Canyon Shuttle Information - Schedules and routes
• Bryce Canyon Weather and Road Conditions - Current updates
• Dixie National Forest Camping - Information on nearby Forest Service campgrounds
• Utah Road Conditions - Highway information, especially important in winter

Reservation Timeline

Time Period	Reservation Task	Platform/Details
6 Months Before Trip	Book North and Sunset Campgrounds	Recreation.gov (opens 10:00 AM ET) Set calendar reminder for exact opening date
3-4 Months Before	Book private campgrounds and glamping options	Campground websites Call directly for best availability
2-3 Months Before	Research Forest Service campgrounds and book activities	USFS website for current information Local outfitters for guided experiences
1 Month Before	Check for cancellations and secure tours	Recreation.gov Tour operators for astronomy programs, horseback rides
2 Weeks Before	Check weather forecasts and confirm fire restrictions	National Weather Service Park and Forest Service websites
Day Before Arrival	Check for last-minute cancellations and review road conditions	Recreation.gov Utah Department of Transportation

Bryce Canyon Camping Checklist

Reservations and Permits:

• Campground reservation confirmation
• National Park entrance pass
• Utah fishing license (if fishing)
• Activity reservations (if applicable)

Camping Gear:

• Tent with rainfly and footprint
• Extra stakes for rocky ground
• Cold-weather sleeping bag (rated at least 20°F)
• Insulated sleeping pad with high R-value
• Extra blankets
• Headlamps and flashlights with extra batteries
• Camp chairs
• Camp table (if not provided)
• Lantern

Kitchen Items:

• Portable stove and adequate fuel
• Lighter/matches in waterproof container
• Cooler with block ice
• Water containers (extra capacity for dry areas)
• Dish washing supplies (biodegradable soap)
• Coffee maker or kettle
• Cooking utensils
• Eating utensils, plates, and cups

Clothing:

• Layering system (base, mid, outer layers)
• Warm hat and gloves even for summer
• Wool or synthetic socks (several pairs)
• Rain gear
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Camp shoes
• Sunglasses and sun hat

Safety and First Aid:

• First aid kit including blister treatment
• Prescription medications
• Insect repellent
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Electrolyte packets or tablets
• Basic tools and repair kit
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer

Navigation and Communication:

• Printed reservations and maps
• Offline maps downloaded to phone
• Guidebook or trail information
• Portable phone charger
• Emergency contact information

By planning thoroughly and respecting both the natural environment and other visitors, your Bryce Canyon camping experience will create lasting memories. Whether you're watching sunrise light up the hoodoos from your North Campground site, enjoying the higher forest setting of Red Canyon, or stargazing from a dispersed site on nearby forest land, camping provides an immersive way to experience Bryce Canyon National Park.