Zion and Bryce Trip early September - Where to stay?

While I have not stayed at the Zion River Resort there are several fine campgrounds in and on the way into Springdale, I have always stayed in the park but they do not have full hookups only elec in a couple loops. Ruby's is fine as well.
As far as length of time it depends on what you want to do. I have hiked virtually every mile of trail in Bryce in few days. Otherwise a couple days in Bryce is probably more than plenty. Surrounding area could add more time for sure again depending on what you like to do and how far you are willing to day trip. Zion I have not hiked all it's trails but it is a much larger park. If not hiking a couple days in Zion would be plenty to do the pullouts and view points without rushing and some short hikes as well. Probably another day if you went up into Kolob Canyon area of the park.

Njmurvin wrote:
We're from SoCal and will be towing our 5th wheel to Las Vegas in early September where we will meet up with friends from Minnesota who are renting a small MH. Our plan is to drive to Zion on Saturday for a few days' stay and then move on to Bryce for a few days there.

We'd like to stay in RV parks with full hookups if possible. So far I have found Zion River Resort and Ruby's Inn Campground in Bryce. Are these OK or are there better campgrounds we should consider? We're thinking it will be a Saturday check-in in the Zion area and Friday checkout from the Bryce area campground.

For those who have made a similar trip, how many days in each place are recommended given our overall schedule (1 week)?

I recommend the campground right inside Zion located next to the visitors center. If you can get in there, you will have power but no water, but it's a great little campground and has awesome views right out of your camper door. Just like a postcard. There is another campground inside the park, but it's not as beautiful as far as the scenery is concerned. Go online now and see if you can get a campsite. it's very popular. We stayed a week in a 30' motorhome. We used 5 gal jugs to refill our water. That's the only inconvenience.

We've stayed at Ruby's Inn @ Bryce. You will be fine there but unless you're an avid hiker a couple days there will suffice.

We've stayed at both... and both are just fine. Virgin is a few miles from the Zion entrance, but the park is A-1. Ruby's is not quite as nice, but better location.

Ron

Where ever you decide, get your reservations soon.

I had a hard time getting a tent site last Sept.

lanerd wrote:
We've stayed at both... and both are just fine. Virgin is a few miles from the Zion entrance, but the park is A-1. Ruby's is not quite as nice, but better location.

Ron

x3 stayed at both on our trip to Utah in 2015, Zion does have some tight sites

We were at Zion River last late Sept. A little pricy, but a very, very well maintained CG. WiFi a bit spotty, but aren't all CGs? They host various activities, included a weekly wine and cheese party. Best bet is to drive into Springdale, park along the main road, and catch the shuttle bus into Zion. Parking in Zion is very hard to find at peak times. We did find that around/after "dinner hour" that the parking at the visitor center opened up a lot! We were there 4 nights.
We stayed at the Cannonville KOA for Bryce. About 1/2 hr drive back to Bryce, but a good base for some Grand Staircase and Kodachrome Park explorations, also. We did 2 days in Bryce, a GSE slot canyon hike, and a day at Kodachrome, which seemed about right. In late Sept. it was wide open for space. Ruby's was busier, but also appeared to have lots of openings. Looked acceptable also from the drive bys we did.

Njmurvin wrote:
So far I have found Zion River Resort

You have definitely made a good choice with the Zion River Resort. It is on my list as one of the best resorts I have stayed in, especially in the Mountain West.

Thanks everyone. All great advice!

lanerd wrote:
We've stayed at both... and both are just fine. Virgin is a few miles from the Zion entrance, but the park is A-1. Ruby's is not quite as nice, but better location.

Ron

I actually liked that Zion River Resort was about ten miles from Springdale & park entrance. Springdale gets crazy crowded and it was very nice to get away from that and stay in Virgin. To the OP, both great choices!