News Release

Proposed Changes to Campground and Full Moon Hike Reservations at Bryce Canyon National Park

NPS

News Release Date: August 1, 2023

Contact: BJ Cluff

BRYCE, UT – Bryce Canyon National Park is requesting public comment on three proposals to address discrepancies in campsite reservations and fees as well as access to full moon hike programs. 

 

Fee Activity	Change
Campground Reservations	• Sunset Campground sites would become reservable mid-May through October six months in advance through Recreation.gov. • North Campground sites would remain reservable mid-May into October six months in advance through Recreation.gov, and first-come, first-served in winter months.
Campground Fee	All sites in North and Sunset campgrounds would move to a flat fee of $30 per night.
Full Moon Hikes	In-person, same-day lottery would be replaced with advance online registration through Recreation.gov.

 

Proposal 1: Standardize Campground Reservations 

Bryce Canyon is recommending that campsite reservations for both North and Sunset campgrounds be available through Recreation.gov.  

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.  

Proposal 2: Standardize Developed Campground Reservation Fees 

Bryce Canyon 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. 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% discount on all campsite reservation fees.  

Proposal 3: Full Moon Hike Online Registration 

Bryce Canyon is recommending that registration for its 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. 25 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.  

Your Fee Dollars at Work 

80 percent of fee revenues are reinvested directly back into Bryce Canyon National Park for the benefit of park visitors. Recently these fees have funded replacement of campground picnic tables, trail rehabilitation projects, new wayside exhibits throughout the park, and operation of the park's shuttle system. Future fee-funded projects include upgrades to campsite tent pads, park facility maintenance, and additional interpretive and education programs. 
 
Comments on these proposed fee increases must be submitted online at National Park Service - ParkPlanning - Proposed Changes to Campground and Full Moon Hike Reservations at Bryce Canyon National Park (nps.gov) 

Comments can also be dropped off at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center by 5 p.m. on August 31or submitted by mail to:    

Superintendent 
Bryce Canyon National Park  
PO Box 640201  
Bryce, UT 84764   

Feedback provided though these comments will help determine how, or if, changes to the park’s fee structure will be implemented.