You are here

Bryce Canyon National Park Proposing Changes To Camping Reservations, Moonlight Tours

Share

Published Date

August 4, 2023
Monsoon rains and rainbow over Bryce Amphitheater, Bryce Canyon National Park / Rebecca Latson

Camping fees would go up and reservations via recreation.gov would be required under proposals made by Bryce Canyon National Park staff/Rebecca Latson file

Campground reservations and registration for full moon hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah both would move to recreation.gov under a proposal the park staff has made. Additionally, the park wants to standardize camping fees for both tent campers and RVers at $30 per night in the North and Sunset campgrounds.

Currently, Sunset Campground sites are first-come, first-served from mid-May through October. Sunset’s Group Site is reservable 12 months in advance through recreation.gov and the campground is closed in winter months. North Campground sites are already reservable May through October six months in advance on recreation.gov. North Campground is first-come, first-served in winter months.

To offer visitors a more predictable planning experience, Sunset Campground sites would become reservable during their regular season six months in advance through recreation.gov. Group site reservations would remain available 12 months in advance. North Campground’s reservation system would remain unchanged.

Additionally, staff is recommending that North and Sunset campground reservations move to a flat fee of $30 per night. Currently, park campground loops are either designated for tents, or RVs and tents. In RV loops, sites cost $30 per night. In tent-only loops, sites cost $20 per night. This fee structure was established in 2015.

Cost comparison of fees at surrounding campgrounds, confusion over which vehicles are permitted in which loops, and that RV hookups are not available at any park campsites all support moving to a flat fee of $30 per night, a park release said. Generators would still be prohibited in traditional tent-only loops and generators would continue to be subject to limited operating hours in traditional RV loops.

Senior Pass and Access Pass holders would continue to receive a 50 percent discount on all campsite reservation fees.

Finally, the park staff is recommending that registration for Bryce Canyon's popular full moon hike program be available through recreation.gov.

Currently, all visitors hoping to attend a full moon hike must be physically present at the visitor center at 4 p.m. on the day of the hike for a ticket lottery. Twenty-five individuals are selected for each hike and must then return to the park hours later to participate.

To offer visitors a more predictable planning experience, first-come, first-served full moon hike registration would become available through recreation.gov a few days prior to the hike. A $1 fee would be charged to cover the cost of online registration.

Additional information on these proposals can be found at this site, where you also can leave your comments through August 31.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.