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Utah Camping

So rather than use the Utah forum, I opted for the main one.

I’m planning a campervan camping trip this June. Hopefully leave out of SLC and travel to see Bryce Canyon and whatever else we can see down that way in one weeks time. We do not plan on needing electric but flush crappers would be preferred…. But not necessitated.

Any suggestions for good developed campgrounds along the way? National forest?

Must see?

Easy fishing for an 8 year old?

Wife will want a day through Zion(shuttle), but I’m afraid it may be too hot for good camping??

Thanks for any and all responses.

RV Trip Wizard is a great tool to find any type of camping and/or RV parks along your route. You can set filters to match your rig and needs (full hook ups, water only, no hooks up, etc). I think they have a free trail period so you can plan one trip.

Fish lake has nice camping and the kids can catch fish thier for sure. Arches is really nice but like anything it can be crowed on the weekends. Zion is pretty hot- especially on the south end. I got those 3 places on the way through on a family road trip 10 years ago and it was great. Didn’t stay at Zion because we were headed west from thier. Stayed at the casino in mesquite. Nice pool thier for the kids

Brunse, I would look at Pine Lake, north of Bryce Canyon about 25 miles. Nice campground and decent fishing for Planted rainbow, with a few Tiger trout and brookies mixed in. Decent road to campground…7-8 dirt miles from pavement.

If you have been putting in for LE Bull elk, maybe try and spend a day or 2 in the LE unit you would like to hunt and get a look-see of the terrain ect.

Good luck, Robb

Thank you all for the words of advice.

There is a great place along the way to go cliff diving! Me and my boys did it a few years back, even my youngest who was 7 at the time. It graduates up so you can jump from different levels. The lava tubes were awesome, just not sure you would make it t them with a camper. The nights cool down fast, so camping is probably fine if you stay up in the mountains. We stayed at Brian head.

Thanks everyone.

f you're looking for some outdoor gear for the trip, have you considered a sun hoodie? They're perfect for protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays while you're out exploring

At Zion, the hike up to Angel's Landing is spectacular, as is the hike up through The Narrows. Any hike in Bryce is worth it (get off the road). The Fairyland Loop Trail is one of the longer ones, but any that get you off the rim into the hoodoos is a must. The hike through the Fiery Furnace in Arches is great, but you need a reservation for it, and of course the hike to Delicate Arch. Lots of great views in Canyonlands from the roads. A couple worth driving are Pucker Pass from Dead Horse Point State Park Rd. to the river, and especially Shafer Trail Rd. Both recommend 4WD, but if they're dry it's not necessary. ALL of these places are crowded. Try to be there on weekdays and camp in the parks, or close by to get early starts. A great reference is "Your Guide to the National Parks" by Stone Road Press. With only a week, you won't see as much as you want. Two or three days in each park will barely cover it. A full day in Bryce with one hike is where I would skimp on time.

You can get a good flavor for each park in a day. We spent a week in Utah last fall. We spent a full day in each of the mighty five (Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce). We were also able to draw a daily permit to hike to the wave in Coyote Buttes. Very busy week but we went to Angel's Landing, all of the good places in Arches, and the best hikes in Bryce, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef as well. Lots of miles hiking but the weather is perfect that time of year. Utah is spectacular, you'll have a great time! My better half was sure I would fall to my death on every hike but she did not get so lucky :)

Maybe Navajo Lake campground? It's a state one, not really built up, but right on the lake which was beautiful. Real close to Cedar Breaks Nat Monument and maybe an hour from Bryce, roughly... Cedar Breaks has some great hiking, so that could be fun... And you could certainly camp closer to Bryce too, as others have noted.

Ya know how hard it is to get a permit to hike The Wave!!!

Lucky for sure,

Robb

Great info. Thank you. I’ll look into the hike permits. We aren’t likely to hike more than a 4 mile round trip with my 8 yo. Rented a campervan from Escape and have overnights planned at Fish lake, and Pine lake, maybe try to get one a FF at sunset camp in Bryce Canyon. Then a couple days near Zion at an RV place with showers!!

Should be fun and maybe catch a few fish.

I've done a few Photo/Scouting threads of these Parks in Utah.

If ya want the link (s) feel welcome to reach out to me.

Good luck, Robb

If you're looking for some outdoor gear for the trip, have you considered a sun hoodie? They're perfect for protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays while you're out exploring. As for your trip, Zion is definitely a must-see, but you're right about the heat. June can get pretty hot, so make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. As for camping, there are plenty of great options in the area, including national forest campgrounds.

Boy does this thread bring back memories! 30 years ago today I was on my honeymoon in Bryce Canyon on a 3 hour horseback ride down into the canyon with my new wife! : ) There was still some snow from a storm earlier in the week. They had to shovel the trail in spots where it had drifted. We camped in the campground and spent the days hiking, 4-wheeling in our Chevy blazer and the aforementioned horseback riding. This was after 3 days and 4 nights at Snowbird ski resort, 1 day/night camping next to Lake Powell and 2 days at Zion. Make sure you check out The Narrows and some of the other sights at Zion. Bryce was so scenic and memorable..........................we almost named our first born after it! ;-)

This should really bring back some memories Rut Nut.

Good luck, Robb

YES it DID Robb! Looked pretty much the same too with the snow. Thanks for the link!

We actually took a scenic backway with the Blazer from highway 89 up to Bryce Canyon. We missed the turn on the way from Zion (Pre-GPS)and ended up in Page Arizona. Was getting dark, so we set up a tent on the beach at Lake Powell and spent the night. Next day we found the “road” and made our way to Bryce. I’m sure it was much more scenic(and adventurous ) than staying on the paved highways.

You are Welcome.

Fun memories for sure,

Robb

For campgrounds, Bryce Canyon has some great options like the North and Sunset campgrounds, but they can fill up fast, so booking early is key. In Zion, the Watchman Campground is popular and has flush toilets. For national forest camping, Dixie National Forest near Bryce Canyon has some beautiful spots. As for must-sees, Bryce Canyon's hoodoos are a must, and Zion's scenic drive is breathtaking. For easy fishing, try Tropic Reservoir near Bryce Canyon, perfect for your 8-year-old. Keep in mind, Zion can get hot in June, so early morning or late evening visits might be best. You can also try a Portable Bath Tub. It can be the best thing ever after a day of hiking and exploring.

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