has 101 sites; Sunset Campground has 102 sites. One section in North Campground is open year-round; Sunset Campground is open late spring through early fall only. North Campground is best because it’s closer to the Rim Trail—making it easier to rush over to catch those amazing sunrise and sunset colors—but any site in either campground is fine. Neither has RV hookups or showers, but both have modern restrooms with running water. Reservations are available from early May through late September for North Campground and for 20 tent-only sites in Sunset Campground (www.recreation.gov; 877/444-6777) for an additional booking fee of $10, regardless of the number of days. If you don’t have reservations, get to the campground early to claim a site (usually by 2pm in summer). Cost is $20 per night (tents) and $30 (RVs) at either campground.
Showers ($2), a coin-operated laundry, a snack bar, bundles of firewood, food and camping supplies, and souvenirs are located at the General Store (for information, contact the Lodge at Bryce Canyon [p. 251]; 435/834-5361), which is usually open daily from mid-April through October. The store is a healthy walk from either campground. The park service operates an RV dump station ($5 fee) in the summer.
Nearby
In addition to the campgrounds listed below, there is camping at Kodachrome Basin State Park (p. 253)
King Creek Campground Located above Tropic Reservoir, this forest service campground, at 7,900 feet elevation, has graded gravel roads and sites nestled among tall ponderosa pines. Facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, and an RV dump station ($5 fee), but no showers or RV hookups. The reservoir has a boat ramp (see “Fishing,” above). To get to the campground from the Bryce Canyon National Park entrance, go north 3 miles on Utah 63 to Utah 12, turn west (left), and go 2½ miles to the King’s Creek Campground Road; turn south (left) and follow signs to Tropic Reservoir for about 7 miles to the campground. Note: This is a favorite place for ATV enthusiasts; although the vehicles are only allowed to enter and exit the campground, be aware that this very noisy sport will be nearby.
Dixie National Forest Information Center, 345 E. Riverside Dr., St. George. www.fs.fed.us/dxnf. 435/688-3246. 37 sites. No credit cards. Closed Oct to mid-May.
Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground Ruby’s is the closest campground to Bryce Canyon National Park that offers complete RV hookups, and it’s also on the park’s shuttle-bus route. Many sites are shaded, there’s an attractive tent area, and just adjacent to the campground are a lake and horse pasture. Facilities include a swimming pool, coin-op laundry, barbecue grills, and a store with groceries and RV supplies. Also on the grounds are several camping cabins ($56 double) and tepees ($40.95 sleeps 8), which share the campground’s bathhouse and other facilities.
300 S. Main St., Bryce Canyon City. www.brycecanyoncampgrounds.com. 435/834-5301 (Nov–Mar 435/834-5341). 150 sites. Full hookups $45; electric/water only $42; tent space $32. Closed Oct–Apr.
Where to Stay
Room taxes add about 11% to the cost. Pets are not accepted unless otherwise noted.
In the Park
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon This sandstone and ponderosa pine lodge, which opened in 1924, is located extremely close to the Rim and the Rim Trail. The luxurious lodge suites are furnished with charming white wicker furniture, ceiling fans, and separate sitting rooms. Ask for a sunrise or sunset view motel unit, simply pleasant modern motel rooms, with two queen-size beds and either a balcony or a patio for a priceless view. The best choice is one of the historic cabins, restored to their 1920s appearance. They’re a bit small, but have two double beds, high ceilings, stone (gas-burning) fireplaces, and log beams. The gift shop has one of the best selections of American Indian jewelry in the area. All units are nonsmoking.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce. www.brycecanyonforever.com. 435/834-8700. 114 units, 110 in motel rooms and cabins, 3 suites and 1 studio in lodge. $223 double, double; $231 cabin. Closed Mid-Nov through Mar. Amenities: Restaurant (see review, p. 251).
Nearby
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel “Western luxury” sums up the atmosphere at this upscale hotel, just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. The rooms are well furnished and comfortable, with either one king or two queen beds. The hotel caters to those who want to take care of business while on vacation, with large working desks plus everything else you might want to keep in touch with the office. The spacious deluxe suites, at 770 square feet each, have a king bed, a hide-a-bed couch, and a jetted tub. The hotel is under the same management as the nearby Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn (below). All units are nonsmoking.
31 N. 100 E. (at the entrance to Bryce Canyon), Bryce Canyon City. www.brycecanyongrand.com. 866/866-6634 or 435/834-5700. 162 units. Summer $196 double, $200–$290 suite; rest of year $75 double, $140–$199 suite. Rates include full breakfast. Amenities: Restaurant; fitness center; Jacuzzi; heated outdoor pool (May–Oct only); free Wi-Fi.
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn Ruby’s is a huge facility, almost a village in itself. The size may be off-putting for some but it is close to the park and you can arrange excursions of all sorts in the lobby, from horseback and all-terrain-vehicle rides to helicopter flights. Spread among nine buildings, the modern motel rooms contain wood furnishings and art that depicts scenes of the area. Deluxe units, located in the main building, have either jetted tubs or two-person jetted spas. Rooms at the back of the complex are a bit quieter. There is also a campground on the property. (See “Camping,” above.) All units are nonsmoking.
26 S. Main St. (at the entrance to Bryce Canyon), Bryce Canyon City. www.rubysinn.com. 866/866-6616 or 435/834-5341. 370 units. June–Sept from $120–$$169 double, $195 suite; Oct–May $70–$140 double, $145 suite. Rates change, so check the website. Pets accepted ($20 per night fee). Amenities: 2 restaurants (Canyon Diner and Cowboy’s Buffet and Steak Room; see reviews, p. 251 and 252); concierge; 1 indoor and 1 outdoor Jacuzzi; indoor heated pool; free Wi-Fi.
Bryce Canyon Pines A modern motel with a Western flair, the Bryce Canyon Pines offers well-maintained rooms with wood furnishings and two queen-size beds in most rooms. Some units have fireplaces, some have kitchenettes, and one has its own whirlpool tub. A family suite contains one king-size bed plus two queen-size beds, each in a separate room. There are also some rustic cottages. All units are nonsmoking.
Milepost 10, Utah 12 (3 miles west of intersection with park entry road), Bryce. www.brycecanyonmotel.com.
