Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park feels like a trip aboard the Mars rover. Part of Utah’s Mighty Five, Bryce Canyon stands out thanks to its unique, gravity-defying rock formations called hoodoos. Hoodoos are tall, thin rock spires formed by millions of years of erosion and found in Bryce Canyon in the highest concentration anywhere on the planet. Bryce Canyon contains a series of natural, red rock amphitheaters that are best explored on foot, making this bizarre desert landscape a hiker’s paradise. 

Bryce Canyon National Park Information

Bryce Canyon National Park occupies 35,835 acres of pristine desert wilderness, or roughly 56 square miles. Additionally, visitors must pay an entrance fee of $35 per vehicle. 

It takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes to travel the 268 miles from our  Salt Lake City location to Bryce Canyon National Park. 

It takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes to drive the 259 miles to the Bryce  Canyon from our Las Vegas location. If you are looking to explore all of Utah’s national parks. Check out our Utah’s Mighty Five itinerary. it will take you through Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, and Capitol Reef National Parks. 

Why Rent a Campervan for a Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park?

The perfect blend of mobility and comfort: A camper van gives you unparalleled mobility and comfort and allows you to explore deep into Bryce Canyon National Park. Traveling in an RV means you are limited on where you can park and camp. A camper van offers the best of both worlds–camping made comfortable and easy meals on the go. Navigate desert roads quickly, get to remote, dispersed campsites, and enjoy all the freedoms of camper van travel. 

Easy to drive: Unlike giant RVs, camper vans drive just like normal cars, fit into regular parking spots, and are easy to use both in nature and in the city. Camper vans are unrivaled when it comes to dispersed camping. Access remote campsites and trails in the far corners of the desert and blend in seamlessly while exploring the streets of Salt Lake, Las Vegas, or Moab.  

Flexible Camping: Since camper vans don’t require electrical or sewer hookups, you can camp in tent-designated campsites and remote dispersed sites.  

Convenient and fun: With dozens of add-ons and several spacious models, our camper vans make spending the night in nature easy and enjoyable. You can pack everything you need for a multi-day and multi-activity adventure in your van and not waste time setting up a tent or looking for RV-designated camping/ parking. 

Preparing for a Trip to Bryce Canyon Camper Van Trip 

Gear

Sun Protection: The Utah sun means business. Bring ample sun protection, including sun hats, sunglasses, UPF clothing, and plenty of sunscreen.

Layers: The weather in the desert can change without warning. For example, the days can be sunny, but the night temperatures can drop quickly as soon as the sun goes down. Remember to bring layers for chilly desert nights.

Water & Food: A camper van lets you take everything you need on the road. Whenever exploring the desert, always bring more water than you think you need. Escape Camper Vans has everything you need to cook it up on your camping trip. Consider adding a kitchen kit to your camper van to complete your booking.

Campsites

Compact size: Camper vans fit in almost every standard-sized campsite and don’t require electrical or water hookups, making camping easy. 

Dispersed camping vs. campsites: A van makes dispersed camping easy. You can disperse camp for free on federal and BLM land. There are plenty of apps to help you find a dispersed camping site on your route. However, if you’re considering booking a campsite in a national/state park or a private campsite, book at least a few months before your trip.

Navigation

Phones & Chargers: Navigation is integral to your trip’s success. Make sure you bring a smartphone or GPS device and a charger.

Downloaded Maps: In the desert, you never know when you will lose service. We recommend downloading maps of the region offline in case you lose service.

Must-See Sights, Events, and Places on a Bryce Canyon Camper Van Trip 

Walk the Rim Trail and Take in the Views: Hiking the Rim Trail overlooking the dramatic natural amphitheater in Bryce Canyon is as easy or difficult as you make it. The Rim Trail is a 10.7-mile out and back, with the portion of the trail between Sunrise and Sunset points paved. The hike hits every major viewpoint in the park, allowing trekkers to look into the canyon the entire hike and pick a turnaround point that matches their fitness level. 

Descend into the Canyon on Queens Garden/ Navajo Loop Trail: The Queens Garden Trail descends into the valley, where you’ll walk among the countless stacks of hoodoo rock formations. The hike is a relatively easy 3-mile loop that descends and climbs 652 feet into and out of the valley. 

Explore Bryce Canyon on Horseback: After exploring the park on foot, venture into Brcye Canyon on horseback with a guided ride. These tours are available to all levels of riders and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Wild West. 

Star Gaze at International Dark Sky Park:  On a clear night, you’ll wonder at the countless shimmering stars. You’ll even be able to pick out planets like Jupiter and Venus and portions of the Milky Way. Since there is no light pollution, it doesn’t get much better than star gazing at Bryce Canyon National Park. 

Camping in Bryce Canyon National Park 

Bryce Canyon offers two park-maintained campsites that are open year-round. Additionaly, you can find dispersed camping in the nearby Dixie National Forest and BLM lands or at private campgrounds.

North Campground: Located across from the visitor center, North Campground offers 100 campsites spread across 4 loops. North Campground is centrally located within the park near the famous Sunrise and Sunset Points, overlooking Bryce Amphitheater. Additionally, each campsite has access to flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. 

Sunset Campground: Sunset Campground offers 99 campsites scattered across 3 large loops. Additionally, they provide a nearby general store, showers, and laundry facilities in the summer. Each campsite has access to fire rings, picnic tables, potable water, grills, and flush toilets. Make your reservations here. 

Great Western Trial in the Dixie National Forest: Just over 1.5 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, The Great Western Trail in the Dixie National Forests offers free camping for those willing to rough it. You’ll find a few designated sites with fire rings along the road. 

Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground: Just 1 mile north of the park, Ruby’s offers 250 shaded campsites with water and electricity hookups. Ruby’s gives campers access to showers, restrooms, WIFI, a pool/ hot tub, a camp store, laundry facilities, and more. Furthermore, there are on-site activities, from rodeo to horseback riding, and a shuttle directly to the park. Ruby’s is open seasonally from late March to late October. 

Bryce Canyons Pines Campground: Bryce Canyons Pines is a full-service lodge and campground with over 250 acres of picturesque desert dotted with Ponderosa Pines just 10 minutes from the park. Additionally, campers can access restrooms, drinking water, showers, laundry facilities, and lodge-led activities like horseback riding. 

When is The Best Time to Visit Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon’s elevation ranges from 4,500 to over 10,000 feet, meaning most of the park is considered a high desert. As expected, the park has a semi-arid climate with little rainfall in the summer. Winters bring nearly 100 inches of snow annually, which glows brilliantly against the red, orange desert landscape. Bryce Canyon is open to visitors year-round, with summer being the most popular tourist season.  

Summer: Summer is the most popular time to visit Bryce Canyon. The higher elevation makes summer temperatures slightly more bearable than many of Utah’s other desert destinations. The park’s temperatures range from the mid-40s at night to the 80s during the day. July is typically the hottest month, with temperatures reaching the 90s. 

Spring: Spring brings mild temperatures and chilly nights. The pleasant spring weather begins in March and sticks around through May. Temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees, ideal for hiking and biking in the park. Expect the occasional rainstorm or winter weather event in the early spring. 

Fall: Fall is stunning in Bryce Canyon. Temperatures hover around 70 degrees during the day and drop into the 40s at night. Cooler temperatures mean more time on the trail exploring the desert. 

Winter: Expect snow if you’re visiting Bryce Canyon in the winter. Temperatures will range from the low teens to the 40s. 

Why Rent a Camper Van for Your Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park 

The perfect blend of mobility and comfort: A camper van gives you the ultimate blend of mobility and comfort and allows you to explore deep into Utah’s desert. While an RV may have a similar level of comfort, you’re limited on where to park and stay. A camper van offers the best of both worlds–camping made comfortable and easy meals on the go. Navigate winding mountain roads easily, get to remote, dispersed campsites, and enjoy all the freedoms of camper van travel. 

Easy to drive: Unlike giant RVs, camper vans drive just like normal cars, fit into regular parking spots, and are easy to use both in nature and in the city. Camper vans are unrivaled when it comes to dispersed camping. They make accessing remote campsites and trails in the far corners of the desert a breeze without compromising the ability to explore the city. 

Flexible Camping: Since camper vans don’t require complicated electrical or sewer hookups, you can camp in tent-designated campsites and remote dispersed sites.  

Convenient and fun: With dozens of add-ons and several spacious models, our camper vans make spending the night in nature easy and enjoyable. You can pack everything you need for a multi-day and multi-activity adventure in your van and not waste time setting up a tent or looking for RV-designated camping/parking.