Zion and Bryce Trip early September - Where to stay?

[Njmurvin]

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)?

[Njmurvin]

Thanks for the input. I have booked with Ruby's and am waiting for a response from Zion Canyon (I hate those email-based reservation systems). We decided we'd like to be closer to the park. If we can't get into Zion Canyon, we'll try Zion River.

[starcraft69]

2gypsies wrote:
Since you're only spending a few days at Zion, I'd recommend Zion Canyon RV in Springdale. The free shuttle into the park stops there and it's even close enough to walk into the park to catch the shuttle from there.

https://www.zioncamp.com/locations/utah-rv-campground-zion-national-park/

This would save time and hassle driving to the park and finding a place to park because you'll need to take the shuttle anyway.

For Bryce, Ruby's is the place to stay.

Have a great trip!

+1 This is the place to stay at Zion We loved it it will give you the whole Zion experience with full hook ups.

[Lauren]

I fully agree with 2gypsies - based on personal experience.

[2gypsies1]

Since you're only spending a few days at Zion, I'd recommend Zion Canyon RV in Springdale. The free shuttle into the park stops there and it's even close enough to walk into the park to catch the shuttle from there.

https://www.zioncamp.com/locations/utah-rv-campground-zion-national-park/

This would save time and hassle driving to the park and finding a place to park because you'll need to take the shuttle anyway.

For Bryce, Ruby's is the place to stay.

Have a great trip!

[Veebyes]

We did Rubys on our very first RV trip. A rental. That was when we did not know any better. It is a typical commercial CG We have been back to Bryce 3 times since. Each time staying inside the park. Each time within easy walking distance to the rim.

Bryce is high altitude & cool, cold even, at night. No need for AC.

[Two_Jayhawks]

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!

[Njmurvin]

Thanks everyone. All great advice!

[one_strange_tex]

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.

[Flapper]

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.

[rr2254545]

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

[ORbiker]

Where ever you decide, get your reservations soon.

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

[lanerd]

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

[outdoorlovers]

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.

[srdeane]

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.