Camping in Bryce Canyon: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Rates

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Bryce Canyon

Yes, you can camp inside Bryce Canyon National Park. The park has two official campgrounds, North and Sunset, open to tents and RVs with no electrical hookups. Reservations through recreation.gov are essential during the busy season. Expect to pay between $20 and $30 per night, depending on the site.

Campgrounds in the park (2)

• Campground North Campground see NPS · 100 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Sunset Campground see NPS · 99 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon only allows camping in designated sites. Dispersed camping outside developed areas is prohibited in the frontcountry, so you can't pitch your tent just anywhere in the park. Two NPS-run campgrounds welcome visitors, plus a few backcountry sites reserved for hikers with a permit.

The park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. That doesn't mean both campgrounds stay accessible in winter. North Campground is the only one that operates year-round.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

North Campground

Just steps from the Visitor Center and Bryce Canyon Lodge, North Campground is the most central campground in the park. It's the only one open year-round, making it the go-to option for off-season stays. You'll find sites for tents and RVs with no electrical hookups or water at the site, restrooms with running water, and paid showers. The Rim Trail starts literally next door. When we visited in October, we were winding through the hoodoos before breakfast.

Sites can be reserved on recreation.gov up to six months in advance. In July and August, they sell out within minutes of the reservation window opening.

Sunset Campground

Sunset Campground sits about 1.2 miles south, near Sunset Point. It generally opens from mid-April to mid-October. Check nps.gov/brca before you leave for the exact dates, since they vary from year to year. Larger than North, it is often the choice for groups and families because its sites are a little more spacious.

The conditions are the same as at North. There are no hookups, restrooms are shared, and potable water is available throughout the campground. Reservations are also made through recreation.gov.

RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

Both campgrounds accommodate RVs, but neither has electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Check the maximum vehicle length before booking. Some loops can't accommodate very large rigs. Generators are allowed only during the hours posted at the campground entrance.

Tent campers have more flexibility. Most sites work well, and restrooms are close by at both campgrounds. The Bryce Canyon RV camping guide covers the specific restrictions, including the signs along Route 63 for long vehicles.

Camping Nearby: Campgrounds Outside the Park

If the park campgrounds are full, which is common starting in June, you have several nearby options:

• Red Canyon, about 9 miles west in Dixie National Forest, has less expensive sites that are often available. The red spires are well worth the detour.
• Bryce Canyon City, just outside the park entrance, has private campgrounds with more amenities, including electrical hookups, laundry facilities, and sometimes Wi-Fi.
• Several private properties round out the options within a 19-mile radius.

For lodges, hotels, and cabins near the park, the Bryce Canyon lodging overview and the hotel and lodge guide bring together all the options.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed in specific areas, especially along the Under-the-Rim Trail and on the Riggs Spring Loop. A wilderness permit is required. You can get one in person at the Visitor Center for a small fee. Check the current rate on site, since it changes.

The rules are strict. Camp only in designated sites, store all food and scented items in airtight containers, leave no trash behind, and don't build campfires. The Bryce Canyon hiking guide details the trails that allow this type of stay.

How and When to Reserve a Bryce Canyon Campsite

Reservations are made exclusively through recreation.gov. The booking window opens six months in advance. Check the site for the exact date for each campground. If you're planning a July stay, your window opens in early January, so be ready when the clock starts.

Here are a few practical guidelines:

• May, June, and September: book 3 to 4 months ahead. Sites usually remain available for a few weeks after the window opens.
• July and August: book as soon as the window opens, exactly six months out.
• October through April: part of North Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the off-season. There's less competition, but nights are cold.

To choose when to visit, see the guide to the best times to visit Bryce Canyon.

Rates: How Much Does a Night at a Bryce Canyon Campground Cost?

A night at an NPS campground costs about $20 to $30, depending on the site. The fee doesn't include park admission, which is $35 per private vehicle or $20 per pedestrian or cyclist.

If your road trip includes several national parks, the America the Beautiful pass (see the current rate on recreation.gov) covers all federal recreation sites for one year and quickly pays for itself. The National Park Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and the available passes.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

Temperatures: Pack for a Wide Range

Bryce Canyon reaches more than 7,900 feet in elevation. From October through May, temperatures drop below freezing almost every night. Even in July, nighttime temperatures often fall below 50°F. An undersized sleeping bag can quickly ruin a trip. Snowfall remains possible through April and can be substantial.

Food Storage and Wildlife

Mountain lions and black bears live in the area. The NPS requires you to store ALL food, drinks, and scented items, including toothpaste, soap, and sunscreen, in a locked vehicle trunk or in the metal storage boxes provided at the sites. Don't leave anything visible in the passenger compartment overnight, even in the trunk. A curious bear doesn't need an invitation.

Summer Afternoon Thunderstorms

In July and August, severe thunderstorms break out almost every afternoon. If you're on the rim or in an exposed area, head back into the conifer forest before 2 p.m. Lightning on the hoodoos makes for a great photo from a distance, but not up close.

Elevation and Hydration

The elevation can cause mild altitude sickness. Drink more water than usual, even in cool weather, and slow your pace on the first day.

Which Campground Is Best for You?

For trails accessible from the campgrounds, our complete Bryce Canyon guide and our Hiking page will point you toward the best routes for your ability level.

Frequently Asked Questions