North Campground, situated at 7,962–8,900 feet elevation in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, is a year-round campground offering 100 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers up to 60 feet, including 46 tent-only sites, 50 RV/tent sites, and one reservable group site. From mid-May to early October, 25 RV sites in Loop A are reservable through Recreation.gov, while the remaining sites are first-come, first-served; outside this period, all sites are first-come, first-served. Nestled in a ponderosa pine forest near the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and iconic Bryce Amphitheater, the campground provides easy access to the park’s Rim Trail, Sunrise Point, and shuttle stops. Its high elevation ensures cool nights and clear skies, ideal for stargazing in this Dark Sky Park, but the lack of hook-ups and showers requires preparation. This review details the campground’s setting, amenities, accessibility, and overall experience, paired with a description of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Description of Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park, spanning 35,835 acres in southwestern Utah, is renowned for its otherworldly landscape of hoodoos—irregular, colorful rock spires formed by erosion along the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Situated at 7,000–9,000 feet elevation, the park offers dramatic vistas across the Grand Staircase, with pink, orange, and white limestone formations glowing against ponderosa pine forests. Key features include the Bryce Amphitheater, a natural bowl housing the densest collection of hoodoos, visible from Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, and Bryce Points. Trails like the Navajo Loop, Queen’s Garden, and Peek-A-Boo Loop weave through these formations, offering immersive hiking experiences.
The park’s high elevation brings cooler temperatures (50–80°F in summer, dipping to 20–40°F at night) and occasional summer thunderstorms, with snow possible into May. Wildlife includes mule deer, pronghorn, mountain lions, and Utah prairie dogs, while birds like Steller’s jays and Clark’s nutcrackers thrive in the pine forests. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Bryce Canyon offers unparalleled stargazing, with the Milky Way visible on clear nights. The park’s 60 miles of trails, free shuttle system (mid-April to mid-October), and proximity to attractions like Red Canyon and Kodachrome Basin State Park make it a geologic wonderland, drawing hikers, photographers, and stargazers to its serene, high-plateau beauty.
Campground Details
Location and Accessibility
North Campground is centrally located just east of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center, accessible via Highway 63 from Highway 12. From Panguitch, Utah, travel 7 miles south on Highway 89, east on Highway 12 for 14 miles, then south on Highway 63 to the park entrance; the campground is the first left after the fee station. Its proximity to the Visitor Center (0.5 miles), Bryce Canyon Lodge, and Sunrise Point (1 mile) makes it ideal for exploring the Bryce Amphitheater. The free park shuttle stops at the Visitor Center, connecting to major viewpoints and trailheads from mid-April to mid-October.
The campground features paved roads and spurs in Loops A and B, with gravel spurs in Loops C and D, suitable for vehicles up to 60 feet in Loop A but limited to 20 feet in Loops C and D (tent/camper vans only). There are no ADA-accessible sites, and the rolling, uneven terrain may challenge mobility-impaired visitors. Flush toilets and potable water are available year-round, but no cell service or Wi-Fi exists, so bring printed confirmations for reservations. Check-in is at the entrance kiosk, with rangers assisting site selection for first-come, first-served campers. “Arrive by 9 AM for FCFS sites—filled by noon,” noted a camper (The Dyrt, 2025).
Amenities
Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (recommended but not mandatory in Bryce, as bear activity is low). Flush toilets and potable water spigots are available throughout, with clean facilities noted by campers: “Bathrooms were spotless,” said a reviewer (Tripadvisor, 2025). No showers or laundry are on-site, but coin-operated showers and laundry are available at the General Store near Sunrise Point (0.5 miles, seasonal). A free dump station is located at the campground’s southern end (mid-May to mid-October). No electric, water, or sewer hook-ups are provided, and portable showers/toilets are prohibited. The General Store sells groceries, firewood, and supplies, while Bryce Canyon Lodge (1 mile) offers dining. Trash and recycling are provided, with bear-proof dumpsters.
Campsite Layout and Privacy
North Campground spans four loops (A, B, C, D) in a ponderosa pine forest with rolling hills, offering a mix of sun and shade. Loops A and B accommodate RVs and tents, with paved spurs (20–60 feet), while Loops C and D are tent/camper van-only with gravel spurs (20–25 feet). Sites are spacious but vary in privacy; outer sites (e.g., 73, 99) offer more seclusion, while inner sites can feel close together. “Site 97 was quiet with good shade, but neighbors were close,” noted a camper (PerfectCamp, 2025). The hilly terrain adds separation, but large pines provide limited ground-level privacy. Loops C and D are quieter, with no generators allowed, unlike Loop A (8 AM–8 PM). The campground’s proximity to the Rim Trail and Visitor Center adds convenience but occasional road noise.
RV and Tent Camping
Loops A and B support RVs and trailers up to 60 feet, though most sites accommodate 20–40 feet; Loops C and D are limited to tents and camper vans (20 feet max). “Our 16-foot Scamp fit Loop D perfectly—quiet and cozy,” shared a camper (Campendium, 2025). Two vehicles are allowed per site (trailers excluded), with overflow parking at the entrance. Sites may be unlevel, especially in Loop A: “Site 53 was on a hill—tough for leveling,” reported a camper (The Dyrt, 2025). No extra lighting (e.g., string lights) is allowed due to Dark Sky Park regulations. The forested setting and proximity to trails like Fairyland Loop make it ideal for tent campers seeking a backcountry feel.
Reservation and Cost
From May 18 to October 7, 25 RV sites in Loop A are reservable up to six months in advance on Recreation.gov, while all other sites are first-come, first-served. From January 1 to May 17 and October 8 to December 31, all sites are first-come, first-served. Sites cost $30 per night for tents/RVs, $50 for the group site, with a 50% discount for Senior/Access Passholders. A $35 vehicle entrance fee (valid 7 days) is separate, and day-use reservations may be required in peak season (check NPS.gov). “Get there by 8 AM for FCFS—sites go fast,” advised a camper (DirtInMyShoes, 2025). The group site accommodates up to 30 people and requires reservations year-round.
Activities and Attractions
North Campground is steps from the Rim Trail, connecting to Sunrise Point (1 mile) and Sunset Point (1.5 miles), with stunning hoodoo views. The Navajo/Queen’s Garden Loop (2.9 miles) and Fairyland Loop (5.5 miles) are accessible on foot, ideal for sunrise hikes. “Walking to Sunrise Point from camp was unforgettable,” said a camper (PerfectCamp, 2025). The park shuttle, stopping at the Visitor Center, links to Bryce Amphitheater viewpoints and trailheads. Nearby attractions include the Bryce Canyon Lodge (1 mile), Ebenezer Bryce Cabin (4.8 miles), and Mossy Cave Trail (8 miles). Stargazing is exceptional, with ranger-led astronomy programs at the Visitor Center. Horseback riding, biking on paved paths, and winter snowshoeing are also available. The park’s 60 miles of trails and proximity to Red Canyon and Kodachrome Basin State Park offer endless exploration.
Wildlife and Safety
Wildlife includes mule deer, Utah prairie dogs, and occasional mountain lions or black bears. Food must be stored securely in vehicles or lockers to deter animals, though bear activity is minimal. The 8,000–8,900-foot elevation may cause altitude sickness, so hydrate and rest upon arrival. Weather ranges from warm days (50–80°F) to cold nights (20–40°F), with snow possible into May and lightning risks in summer. “A thunderstorm hit fast—bring a tarp,” noted a camper (The Dyrt, 2024). Dress in layers, carry rain gear, and check weather alerts on NPS.gov. No open flames are allowed during fire restrictions, and pets must be leashed (6 feet or less) on paved areas.
Campground Map
Camper Feedback
Positives
- Location: Proximity to trails and the Visitor Center is a major draw. “Steps from the Rim Trail—perfect for sunrise hikes,” said a reviewer (Tripadvisor, 2025).
- Scenery: The pine forest and hoodoo proximity are stunning. “Camping among pines with hoodoos nearby was surreal,” noted a camper (PerfectCamp, 2025).
- Clean Facilities: Flush toilets and restrooms are well-maintained. “Bathrooms were clean and close,” shared a reviewer (Yelp, 2025).
- Stargazing: The Dark Sky Park status is a highlight. “The Milky Way was unreal from our site,” said a camper (Campendium, 2025).
Negatives
- No Reservations (Off-Season): First-come, first-served sites fill quickly. “Got there at 10 AM and barely snagged a spot,” complained a camper (The Dyrt, 2025).
- Unlevel Sites: Some RV sites are sloped. “Site 53 was tough to level,” noted a reviewer (The Dyrt, 2025).
- No Showers: The lack of on-site showers frustrates some. “Had to walk to the General Store for showers,” said a camper (Campendium, 2024).
- Ranger Interactions: Some report unfriendly staff. “One ranger was overly strict about tent placement,” noted a reviewer (Tripadvisor, 2024).
Tips for Campers
- Arrive Early: For first-come, first-served sites, arrive by 8–9 AM, especially in summer. Check Recreation.gov for reservable Loop A sites.
- Choose Tent Sites: Loops C and D are quieter, with no generators and more shade. “Loop D was serene,” said a camper (Yelp, 2025).
- Bring Water: Carry extra water (1 gallon per person per day) as a backup, though potable water is available.
- Weather Prep: Pack for cold nights and summer storms. A tarp and warm layers are essential.
- Acclimatize: Rest upon arrival to adjust to the high elevation. Stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
- Explore Early: Hike the Rim Trail or Navajo Loop at sunrise to avoid crowds and heat. Use the shuttle to save parking hassles.
Overall Experience
North Campground is a gem in Bryce Canyon National Park, offering a woodsy, high-plateau retreat with unparalleled access to the Bryce Amphitheater and Rim Trail. Its ponderosa pine setting, clean facilities, and Dark Sky Park stargazing make it ideal for tent campers and RVers seeking a central base. The lack of hook-ups, showers, and reservations for most sites, plus occasional unlevel sites, requires planning, but the proximity to hoodoos and trails outweighs these drawbacks. “Camping here felt like living in a postcard,” summed up a camper (PerfectCamp, 2025). With early arrival, proper gear, and altitude awareness, North Campground delivers an unforgettable Bryce Canyon experience.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars. The location, scenery, and stargazing are exceptional, but limited amenities and site leveling issues prevent a perfect score.
Sources: Recreation.gov, NPS.gov, The Dyrt, Tripadvisor, Campendium, PerfectCamp, Yelp, DirtInMyShoes.com, NationalParksTraveler.org