It is about 25 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park. This Utah national park attracts more than 2 million visitors each year, making it one of the more popular outdoor Utah attractions. Be a steward for the places you visit. The loops are labeled A, B, & C and have specific camping requirements for each one. Bryce Canyon National Park is 12 miles from the campground, with breathtaking scenery and excellent hiking opportunities. Reservation camping May 19th - October 7th; First-come, first-served October 8th - May 18th. Experience the wonders of Utah through WillowWind RV Park, a campground that combines the excitement of traditional camping with the ease of modern amenities. The Group Site 20-30 PEOPLE Tent only. Those stunning views are best captured in the national parks found here. Turn right onto E Center Street/Utah Highway 14 Traveling south on U.S. Highway 89: The Dyrt has it all. ADMIN OFFICE: CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT 2390 WEST HIGHWAY 56, SUITE #11 Cedar City UT 84720, For campground inquiries, please call: 435-586-0787 X 4031, Learn more about gear rental options for your trip, Routes to Cedar Breaks National Monument For my friends and I,this was perfect. Rainier Summer Day Hike, Where to Stop on a Central Oregon Road Trip, My Experience Renting a Hot Tub Boat in Seattle, Learning How to Sea Kayak with Alki Kayak Tours, Little Si: An Easy Winter Hike Near Seattle, Paradise, Mt. I'm Allison, a recent college graduate who loves to travel and is constantly planning her next adventure. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We answer your questions about Boondocking, Free Camping, and Overnight Parking using facts and actual experiences. Hammocks must only be used with free-standing supports. The temperature swings between Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon can be as great as 20F due to the different elevations of these three parks. Its along this portion that dispersed camping is permitted, as long as you remain within 150 feet from either side of the road. Robert, Google reviews. So far, I've been to 4 continents already, and all on a backpacker's budget. There are some great camping spots here, but you may share the area with other campers because of the 150-foot restrictions in place. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and unpredictable weather; summertime highs average between 60 - 70F, nighttime lows often dip to 30 - 40F. There are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups available. They are roomy and surrounded by trees, which provides some seclusion, and each one is equipped with a picnic table and a barbecue grill. This was perfect. Camping in Utah National Parks or any of the many nearby RV parks in Utah is a great way to see Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion. Any mix is allowed for example campers may have a RV and pop-up, tent and pop-up, two tents, a sleeping trailer and a tent, or similar combination. We would recommend checking out some of the Forest Roads like FR 419 and FR 1480. Our pick for Round 1 Bryce Canyon National Park for getting around, Zion National Park for landscape diversity. (GPS: 37.71993, -112.25526) 10.0 miles to Bryce Canyon NP Visitor Center Toms Best Spring Road starts at Highway 12 at the south, about 6 miles west of the town of Bryce. This scenic RV camping spot is near all the best attractions of the area and is only 30 minutes from Zion National Park. However, theres an alternate route to reach the peak, which you can read about in my Observation Point blog post. Bryce Canyon is open year round and different seasons bring a different experience! A permit is required for any backcountry camping in the park, and you must obtain it at the visitor center . Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah - Recreation.gov This may give you slight social anxiety, but trust me, give your neighbors a chance. Continue east on Utah Highway 14 for approximately 18 miles The park is best known for its hoodoos and is actually home to the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. Your other option is to stay just outside of the park in Bryce Canyon City, where you will find plenty of hotel and airbnb options for all budgets. It has 98 first-come, first-served sites and 3 reservable sites throughRecreation.gov. We were tent camping there in mid June and had great weather. Glamping! The Queens Garden Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park is a popular hike for viewing the park's famous hoodoos Mark Skerbinek / Getty Images Hiking and accommodations at Zion National Park Sunset Campground also has a Group Site for . I stayed here with a 24' trailer 5 years ago and it was great. Generators can be used here but only during designated times. If youre camping during the summer months, you will be able to use the dump station near the North Campground for no extra charge. You can even take a day trip to attractions that are a bit further away, such as Bryce Canyon National Park and Las Vegas, both of which are around two hours from the campground. Consider bringing an outdoor garbage can, pop-up picnic table and hammock with a stand to make it easier and more comfortable to enjoy the beautiful Southern Utah area. The Best RV Parks Near Bryce and Zion N.P. South Campground is partially closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. Elevate your RVing and car-camping and become a boondocker! The other option is the Sunset Campground which also has great access and is located in thick pine trees. Most people camping here usually find something within the first few miles from Highway 12. Camping in Bryce Canyon - U.S. National Park Service How to choose between Zion and Bryce Canyon - Lonely Planet The tipi, named 'Running Deer' by the owner, is made out of canvas instead of animal hides. This is due to high demand for a limited number of campsites.. Free Camping Near Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Valley KOA Campground Review RVing Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park. If you are only needing a day, two or more before you move on they can still be a decent option. Check Amazon for: Bryce Canyon Guides and Maps, Your email address will not be published. Travel north on US-89 to UT-12. To stay in the park, book 6 months out for campgrounds and a year out for the lodge. Running Deer is actually one of two tipis owned and operated by the same person. If you arrive too late to get a site in a designated campground, you have the following options: Check out popular alternatives for campground and dispersed camping. Lets dive deeper into our 4-day Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park itinerary, find the best things to do in both of the parks, and get all the information you need about each national park to plan your perfect trip. The best way to see the highlights of Utah's national parks is on a 3-day road trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park. You cannot pull out your tent and camp but you can sleep in your motorhome, RV, car or other RV options. How Long Can You Camp in a National Forest? As you continue down Scenic Highway 12 you will run into Casto Canyon RD which is also know at S Losee Cyn Rd. However, there are dozens of other forest roads that branch off too, and you can boondock on any of these. Available approximately from mid-June to late-September. Two-wheel drive is sufficient in the majority of this area. From Bryce Canyon National Park: (60 miles) At Panguitch, turn right onto Utah Highway 143 West Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, located in close proximity to the Visitor Center, Bryce Canyon Lodge and the main Bryce Amphitheater. Dispersed camping near Bryce Canyon National Park is plentiful within adjacent Dixie National Forest and BLM lands, all within a 15-20 minute drive to the park visitor center. Running Deer has also been built-up on a wood platform. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight prices and compare routes. You will drive about six to seven miles before you arrive to where you can boondock. You probably wont get that far because most of the people camp at the beginning of the road because it starts to get rough. Shower at the nearby Red Canyon Campground. Travel south on U.S. Highway 89 and take Utah Highway 14 West. Both feature spectacular red rock scenery but each has its own unique geology and vastly different vegetation. The following campsites were selected based on our own experiences camping there or based on the popularity of other boondockers. All though only 72 miles away from each other they offer two different experiences. Site Appointments: Picnic Table Fire Pit Amenities: Restrooms Hot Showers North Campground - Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Dispersed Camping Guidelines, Dixie National Forest, Read reviews of Johns Valley Road on FreeRoam, Read reviews of Toms Best Spring Road on FreeRoam, Read reviews of Corral Hollow on FreeRoam, Read reviews of Castro Canyon Road on Campendium. My son loved building a fire with his father. Keep reading to learn more about the places to stay and things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park! After stargazing, head over to Sunrise Point and wait for sunrise. February 25, 2022 Bryce and Zion National Parks are part of what is known as Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks. Due to the tipis' relatively central position between the two parks, we were able to stay there for two nights instead of only one. Most visitors to the park prefer the Sunset campground, as it has better views and scenery than the nearby North campground. Phone: 435-772-3256. This helps prevent bugs and rain water from getting inside. Check out our 10 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip itinerary! Plus, if youre planning on taking a longer trip, they have great deals for weekly and monthly rates! Technically, dispersed camping is allowed anywhere along this stretch, however, most people pick a spot within the first 2 miles from Highway 12. If youre willing to drive down some dirt roads, you can find free camping near Bryce Canyon. It will be cold, even in the summer, so bundle up! You CAN take WOW photos with any camera. Of course, the North campground boasts 100 sites for campers, while Sunset boasts 99, so they're essentially the same size-wise. Do not feed wildlife, violators may be fined. The road is not paved, and you are not very closed to any paved roads. If you see Highway Patrol or an onsite worker who monitors the area, ask them. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. Video: 5 Amazing Places to Camp for Free in the Western U.S. Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best places in the United States to spot stars, including the Milky Way! (72 miles) You need to make sure you have sufficient food and water. Sunset Campground Group Site - Bryce Canyon National Park (U.S NF-121 travels for several miles, changing names as it winds north into Dixie National Forest, perhaps 30-40 miles up. Adhere to all tread lightly principles. The road is usually really good, and it is maintained more often. These rocks, known as hoodoos, are rock formations that take millions of years to form, and Bryce Canyon is one of the best places to see them. Have you ever stayed in a tipi before? North Campground is centrally located between the Visitor Center and the lodge store giving guests easy access not only to the park but to supplies and information. The wonderful location is just one of the perks of staying at Cedar Breaks RV Park. You May Like: Best Rv Parks Near Grand Canyon. The sun creeps over a distant mountain to illuminate the hoodoo-filled amphitheater. UT on scenic Highway 89; MIDWAY between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. The park draws more than two million visitors per year to its camping and hiking opportunities. Situated at an elevation of about 8,000 feet, the campground is located 1.5 miles from the park's Visitor Center. Is it Legal to Camp Anywhere in a National Forest? Continue north for 23 miles and turn left on Utah Highway 14 The store was good and they provided a shuttle to Zion for a small fee. Even though the campground is reasonably protected from the elements, it may be rather windy here. For those traveling from the east after seeing Zion National Park or for those want to discover a beautiful location away from the more congested national parks, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is indeed an ideal choice. This is done when roads have snow or too much mud. Reservations for South Campground are available 14 days ahead of arrival. The first 11.7 miles of this road travels through Dixie National Forest. The pull off to the trail is at the Bryce Canyon sign and the road is also known as Forest Road 090. You are restricted to camping no greater than 150 feet from either side of a road. All was good. Continue east on Utah Highway 14 for approximately 18 miles Turn left onto Utah Highway 148 and continue 4 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Southern Utah is home to some of the best national parks in the US, and Bryce Canyon is no exception. Its elevation varies from 3,700 feet to 9,000 feet and it is home to a vast array of towering canyons, forested mountains, and lush riverside scenery. Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for having the worlds largest collection of hoodoos, which are rock columns, that form over millions of years due to erosion from ice and rain. Required fields are marked *. Bryce Canyon became a national park in 1928 and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon settler that lived near the park. Most of the other tipis we saw were much smaller in comparison, and definitely didn't look like they could fit four people. When heading out, make sure your deep-cycle RV battery is well charged or you have a good solar setup to keep your batteries charged. It is not worth it. Follow UT-9 east through Zion National Park to US-89. 435-648-2700; Request Insider's Guide to Zion - It's Free; Book Your Trip; Navigation. Use this Bryce Canyon travel guide to plan your trip: camping information, boondocking sites near the park, and what to pack! Take exit 57 to Cedar City Camping Near Bryce Canyon National Park - Campendium One of the most famous landmarks in the park, the Court of the Patriarchs is three prominent sandstone peaks named after the biblical figures of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This might be my new favorite dispersed site. In between the two tipis is a shared fireplace. As a certified international dark sky park, youll be able to see infinite stars scattered across the sky. Directions To The South Rim Of The Grand Canyon, 11 FAQs about Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park, 10 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip itinerary, How Far Is It From Vegas To The Grand Canyon, Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Park Hotels, Bryce Canyon National Park To Zion National Park. During our stay, my friends and I fell asleep to complete silence, and woke up to find the site just as peaceful in the morning. Start your trip in Zion National Park as its closer to both Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Wolves and Waterfalls was welcomed as a sponsored guest to the Running Deer tipi site. Bryce National Park North Campground Bryce National Park North Campground | Photo Copyright: Lana Law For the full Bryce Canyon experience, the best place to base yourself is in the park and preferably at the North Campground. There are plenty of other similar sites in the forest, and one of the best parts, many of them like these three are free. If you are bringing a large RV, you may want to check it out before planning to boondock here. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers 4,000 acres of lodging & recreation on the edge of Zion National Park and near Bryce Canyon. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. We arrived and there were plenty of sites available - only maybe 6-7 rigs. Keep in mind there are no sewer, water or electrical hook-ups at this campground. (name of our trip) lol Anyways, we plan on 2 nights at the Grand Canyon north rim and then will drive up to the Bryce/Zion area. Go to a private campground or stay in lodging in gateway communities. Do not pick flowers or plants. Junction City - Schreiner Park Campground, Upper Teton View - Toppings Lake Dispersed Campsites 8-16, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, Boondocking in Hot Weather: How to Keep Your RV and Yourself Cool. We did not need bug spray in the evenings which was a huge bonus for our family! You are restricted to camping no more than 150 feet from either side of the road. The road does get a bit rough as it gets closer to Grosvenor Arch, so its best to find a camping spot closer to Kodachrome Basin State Park. Instead of taking the shuttle around Bryce Canyon, I recommend driving your own vehicle. Take UT-63 south to Bryce Canyon NP. Cancellation and service fees will apply. SEASONAL We're tucked away from town, nestled . Located west of Sunset Point, approximately 1.5 miles south of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, and is comprised of 99 sites in 3 loops; Loop A is primarily for RVs; Loops B & C are tent-only. We provide tools and tips to discover Plan for cooler weather even in the summer- we all wore long sleeves in the evening and first thing in the morning. No youth groups. The Point Supreme Campground is conveniently located near Brian Head, Dixie National Forest, Cedar City, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. The Great Western Trail is a great option for dispersed camping near Bryce Canyon. During our stay, my friends and I fell asleep to complete silence, and woke up to find the site just as peaceful in the morning. There are 10 boondocking sites in the area. As always, all opinions are own. If you're willing to drive down some dirt roads, you can find free camping near Bryce Canyon. People are generally nice and will help you if you are respectful. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information 4WD is not necessary, but may be useful in wet conditions. Travel north on Main Street for 2.2 miles Zion to Bryce Canyon: The Best of Utah in 3 Epic Days It is great for the kids with many fun Bryce Canyon hikes and the area is perfect for boondocking. Staff was friendly on the phone. Dispersed Camping Near Red Feather Lakes, CO. I like to use Timeanddate.com to check moon cycles and sunrise times for my trip. Visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, ranger programs and breathtaking scenery. The majority of this road is open to boondocking. Due to this popularity, front-country park campgrounds usually fill by noon on weekends May through October. (GPS: 37.73003, -112.09409) 8.3 miles to Bryce Canyon NP Visitor Center Johns Valley Road is a stretch of paved highway leading northeast from the town of Bryce. It is not close to any major cities in Utah, so youll want to make sure youre stocked up on supplies beforehand .Similar to Zion, we suggest flying in and out of Las Vegas to visit Bryce Canyon National Park. Travel 0.3 Miles There are several previously-used campsites here in this section. When planning your accommodation in Bryce Canyon you have the option of either booking within or just outside of the park. There is RV camping right outside the national park at Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground, which is one of the most popular places to camp near Bryce Canyon, according to Campendium users. For best visibility, look for times of the month when the moon is set overnight or during a new moon. Heres a list of the best sites for boondocking near Bryce Canyon National Park. There are a few different campgrounds in the Bryce Canyon area which offer tipi camping. There is a dump station available during the summer months. Turn left onto Utah Highway 148 and continue 4 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument It is just outside (less than 1/4 mile) of Bryce Canyon National Park. Zion, Bryce & Grand Canyon Hiking & Camping | Under 35 Best Camping in and Near Zion National Park Read Also: Bus Trip From Vegas To Grand Canyon. However, staying outside of the park in Bryce Canyon City is definitely the more affordable option if you dont plan on camping. Want to visit ALL of Utahs National Parks? There are really three camping options to choose for your trip to visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks: Stay in either of the parks and "commute" to see the other park. No camping means you cannot set up camp outside of your RV and prepare to recreate in the rest stop. Stay in one park then travel and stay in the other park. Because this is on BLM land, there is no 150 feet restriction that Dixie National Forest has. Info Alerts Maps Calendar Fees Sunset Campground Group Site Hammocks Attaching lines to vegetation, including ponderosa pines, is prohibited. There is plenty of room to spread out and have privacy. Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Its blue skies and magnificent coral pink dunes are flanked by red cliffs & woodlands, making it a spectacular place to visit. And whats the best way to explore Bryce Canyon National Park? While there's a clean porty potty on site, there's no running water at the tipi. Continue west for approximately 32 miles to Cedar Breaks National Monument We stayed 4 nights while visiting Bryce Canyon and have to say, this was a memorable camp location. They are very nice and can answer and questions you may have about this boondocking are or others. Everything you need to know about camping in Bryce Canyon National Park, including when to go and how to book the best campgrounds and campsites. This is a great place to go boondocking near Bryce Canyon National Park. Your final day will be spent exploring Bryce Canyon National Park, starting before sun-up. He built a logging road into the canyon and locals began calling it Bryces canyon. When it comes to Bryce Canyon National Park camping, these two campground options offer an easy way to stay close to everything that the park offers while being affordable and fun. Campers will be required to have all equipment wihtin their site and not in the roadway. For this Utah road trip, I recommend starting in either Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. For us travel and photography go hand-in-hand. Before we go, weve got to mention this one more time! There is firewood, ice, and laundry available when open during the seasonal months of the year. Bryce Canyon glamping was a super fun experience and one our family truly loved. Camping at Bryce Canyon | Visit Utah The North Campground is open all-year-round, but during winter, some amenities may not be available like firewood, ice, and laundry. Toms Best Spring Road is also known at FR 117. North Campground - U.S. National Park Service Arrive before dark. We have been saved by a good air compressor many times. Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in all that the area has to offer, and there are options in and around Bryce Canyon to suit every type of camper. Its captivating landscape is an outdoor enthusiasts dream: From hiking the heart-pounding Angels Landing to wading through the Virgin River in the Zion Narrows, and climbing up the 2,000-foot canyon walls. The Forest Road 088 is another good spot for boondocking near Bryce Canyon. From October 2 to May 26 all sites are first-come, first-served. From Zion National Park, Kolob Canyons: (45 miles) We love the views and all the fun Bryce Canyon activities available for the family! If you are going to be boondocking early or late in the year, make sure you have the necessary equipment and call one of the Ranger Districts in the area who will be able to tell you if things are closed. If you have any questions about boondocking and its availability or just want to verify anything before you go, we highly recommend calling the Powell Ranger District. Corral Hollow is just a little bit up the road from Toms Best Spring. peace and quiet Besides possibly having tipi neighbors, you're out on your own here. Continue west on Utah Highway 14 for 23 miles If you want a spot to yourself, you can continue driving up the road and you will find you have the place almost to yourself. Nice and quiet. If youve been searching for the best vacation spots in Utahwell, youve found it! Tipi Day 1 - Arrived the evening before planned Bryce Canyon visit, Tipi Day 3 - Packed up and drove to Zion National Park. The peaks tower above the west side of Zion Canyon and an excellent viewpoint is reached with a quick walk from the Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop. Value 2.9. Check out the closest full hook-up RV camping to the East Entrance of Zion National Park . Even if you have four wheel drive the type of dirt in the area gets very sticky and not something you even want to be traveling on. NF-555 is a little better traveled than NF-419. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. We all loved sitting around the campfire in the evening and just being together with no agenda. From Zion National Park, Springdale: (79 miles) It was the perfect choice for being near Bryce Canyon while still far enough . As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Make reservations up to six months ahead of your visit. Tropic Reservoir is situated at the foot of beautifully forested mountains in Southern Utah. This allowed us to relax a little more and not have to worry about switching campgrounds or packing up our gear. Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds. There are really three options to choose for your trip to visit both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks: Stay in either of the parks and "commute" to see the other park. Camping spots include Cabin Hollow Dispersed Camping, Tom's Best Spring Dispersed Camping, and Losee Canyon. Here you can find plenty of hotels or home rentals. Boondockers will appreciate the vast quantities of BLM land. When boondocking near Bryce Canyon there are some important things to keep in mind. Matthew, Google reviews, Image Source:http://www.willowwindrvpark.com/. Bryce Canyon City, UT, is . Recreation.gov! However, for something a little less strenuous, there are plenty of other hiking trails, such as the Rim Trail, which is easily accessible for just about anyone and features excellent views of the area. You can read more about how to get an Angels Landing permit here.The main route to Observation Point is closed due to a rockslide in 2019. Turn right onto Utah Highway 143 East Zion Lodge, the only hotel inside the park Watchman Campground, reservable 6 months out South Campground, reservable 14 days in advance Hotels Outside Zion National Park Cliffrose Lodge, for a more luxurious stay in Springdale Driftwood Lodge, for budget travelers in Springdale Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Trip Planner