Sunset Campground
4.42443 reviewsP.O. BOX 640201 BRYCE CANYON, BRYCE, UT 84764, USA
Sunset Campground
$30.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$55.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group sites range in cost from $55 to $100, depending on group size. Tent-only and RV sites are priced at $30 per night during peak and non-peak seasons.
About this campground
Perched on the rim of one of nature's most spectacular amphitheaters, Sunset Campground serves as your gateway to the otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park. Whether you're tucking into a cozy tent beneath towering ponderosa pines or settling your RV into one of the spacious pull-through sites, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the park's famous hoodoo formations. As darkness falls, the campground transforms into a premier stargazing destination, where the Milky Way blazes across the pristine night sky. Photographers cherish the golden hour here, when the setting sun ignites the red rock spires in a symphony of color.
Sunset Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile Bryce Canyon's fantastical spires have inspired countless legends among the Paiute people who first called this land home, Sunset Campground itself stands as a testament to the conservation movement that preserved these wonders for future generations. The surrounding amphitheater of hoodoos represents millions of years of geological artistry, each twisted spire telling its own story of erosion and time. Today's campers follow in the footsteps of early park visitors who marveled at what Paiute elders described as the petrified remains of the Legend People.
Weather and SeasonsAt 8,000 feet above sea level, Sunset Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, with daytime temperatures hovering in the comfortable 70s and 80s while nights dip into crisp sleeping weather. Spring arrives tentatively here, often bringing surprise snowflakes as late as May, while autumn paints the landscape in golden aspens against the red rock backdrop. The thin mountain air and intense sun remind visitors they're camping in the clouds, where weather can shift from sunshine to thunderstorms in minutes.
ElevationRising to 8,000 feet where the air grows thin and the views grow spectacular, Sunset Campground offers a true high-country camping experience. This lofty perch rewards visitors with naturally air-conditioned summers and crystalline skies, though the altitude demands respect—many first-time visitors find themselves catching their breath on even gentle walks. The elevation creates perfect conditions for those seeking refuge from desert heat below, while reminding everyone to hydrate frequently and take it easy on their first day.
Natural Features and ScenerySunset Campground unfolds across a gentle plateau where stately ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral, their vanilla-scented bark and evergreen canopy providing dappled shade throughout the day. In summer, Indian paintbrush and wild geraniums splash color across the forest floor, while mule deer often wander through campsites in the quiet morning hours. The real magic happens at the canyon rim, just a short walk away, where the earth seems to drop away into a fantasyland of crimson spires, pink cliffs, and orange hoodoos that glow like embers in the changing light.
Geological RegionSunset Campground sits atop the Paunsaugunt Plateau, part of the Grand Staircase that rises in magnificent steps across southern Utah's Colorado Plateau. Here, ancient lakebeds have been sculpted by frost and rain into the largest collection of hoodoos on Earth—whimsical rock spires that seem to defy gravity. The famous Bryce Amphitheater stretches below, a natural colosseum carved from the Claron Formation's pink limestone, where iron oxides and manganese paint the rocks in sunset hues. This geological wonderland represents the youngest and highest step of the Grand Staircase, where visitors can literally camp on the edge of time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsite options and accessible grills are available. Restrooms are designed with wheelchair accessibility, including spacious layouts and accessible dishwashing facilities.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents, RVs, and groups. Many sites are noted to be small, with reviewers mentioning difficulties for large RVs.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer limited privacy, with some closely spaced, while others, such as corner spots, provide a more secluded experience.
Total Campsites100 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIn tent loops, sites like B262 and C282 are noted for privacy and proximity to facilities. RV campers should select smaller vehicles for easier maneuvering.
Best CampsitesSite B262 is frequently praised for its corner location offering ample space and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in available from 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard sites allow up to 6 people. Group sites allow up to 30 people.
Groups
Group sites accommodate up to 30 individuals, with pricing ranging from $55 to $100 per night depending on group size. Reviewers noted the amenities at group sites, such as ample picnic tables and private bathrooms.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree loops: A for RVs, B and C for tents. Sites are paved and include fire rings and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 15 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for group sites can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll non-group sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during operational dates from April 15 to October 31.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled through Recreation.gov. A $10 change/cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sunset Campground offers a wide variety of recreational activities due to its proximity to Bryce Canyon's renowned hiking trails and viewpoints.
Hiking
Bryce Canyon provides several interconnected hiking trails of varied difficulty levels. Popular trails include the Navajo Loop and the Rim Trail. Reviewers consistently praise these trails for their stunning views and accessibility.Biking
The campground is near a bike path that connects to major trails and viewpoints within Bryce Canyon, as noted by several reviewers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is consistently mentioned in reviews, with deer and chipmunks frequently spotted near campsites.Cultural and Educational Programs
Bryce Canyon hosts annual events like the Astronomy Festival and night sky programs, offering educational experiences. Reviewers highlight stargazing as a popular nighttime activity.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowshoeing or winter hiking are available in Bryce Canyon but are not specifically part of Sunset Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Gathering firewood within park boundaries is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 8 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsAltitude sickness may affect some campers due to the campground's elevation of 8,000 feet. Monsoon rains can cause localized flooding.
Active alertsNo active alerts noted.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital is Garfield Memorial Hospital in Panguitch, UT (approximately 21 miles away). Emergency services are available in Bryce Canyon City, approximately 5 minutes from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 17 - October 11.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are located at the campground entrance, but recycling bins are not clearly marked or available, as highlighted by user comments.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct access to lakes or rivers, but potable water is available at the campground.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include the small size of RV sites and narrow roads, lack of privacy between sites, and limited parking availability.
HostCamp hosts are generally responsive and helpful, though reports of overzealous enforcement of rules exist.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 640201 BRYCE CANYON, BRYCE, UT 84764, USA
Driving directionsFrom Highway 89 approximately 7 miles south of Panguitch, Utah, travel east on Highway 12 for about 14 miles. Turn south on Highway 63 to the main entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park. Sunset Campground is on the west (right) side of the road approximately 1.5 miles past the Visitor Center.
This campground is accessible via paved roads, and its proximity to Highway 12 and Highway 63 ensures ease of navigation. Roads appear to be well-maintained and suitable for normal vehicles, though the narrowness of site entry roads can present challenges for larger RVs.Nearby places
Panguitch, UT (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Tropic, UT (11 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Bryce Canyon City, UT (approximately 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Camping necessities and groceries can be found at the General Store near Sunrise Point within Bryce Canyon National Park. For additional needs, Bryce Canyon City is the nearest option.
Camper Reviews
4.4
443 reviews
Sunset Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Sunset Campground is highly favored for its clean facilities, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. However, some reviewers mention concerns about site sizes, privacy, and strict enforcement of park rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 443 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and heated bathrooms, proximity to Bryce Canyon viewpoints, accessible dishwashing sinks, and friendly camp hosts are commonly praised features.
Based on 443 reviewsCommon Concerns
Small campsite sizes, lack of privacy, strict enforcement of rules, and limited parking space for RVs are recurring issues noted by users.
Based on 443 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arriving early is recommended to secure first-come-first-serve spots. Reviewers suggest booking corner spots for more privacy. Avoid oversized RVs due to space constraints.
Based on 443 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often highlight the shaded sites and cooler night temperatures, while fall reviews praise the tranquility and spectacular stargazing opportunities. Winter camping is less prominent but...
Based on 443 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Cleanest campground bathrooms I’ve ever seen, very quiet and a camp host that is on top of it." - User Nathan F
"The location of Sunset Campground is perfect for spending several days hiking in...
Based on 443 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site C288 is praised for its isolation and proximity to clean facilities. Site A236 is noted for its wildlife views but criticized for sharing a parking pad. Group sites are highly appreciated for...
Based on 443 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible campsites and facilities are noted positively, including wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and dishwashing areas.
Based on 443 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Some users highlight the convenience of walking pets near trails, while others suggest avoiding crowded loops for a quieter experience.
Based on 443 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025