Camping

One of the best ways to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, especially in warmer months, is in an RV, or in a car or truck while spending your nights in a tent -- assuming you don't mind roughing it a bit.

One advantage to this type of travel is that early morning and early evening are among the best times to be in these parks, and it's a lot more convenient to experience the parks at these times if you're already there, staying in one of the park campgrounds. Another reason to camp is that if you have special dietary requirements, you won't have to worry about trying to find a restaurant that can meet your needs; you'll be able to cook for yourself, either in your RV or on a camp stove.

But the best reason is simply that inexplicable feeling of contentment that comes from waking up to the sound of birds singing and furry little creatures scurrying about outside your door -- you're living the national park experience rather than just visiting as if it were an amusement park.

There are disadvantages, of course. Tents, small trailers, and even the most luxurious motor homes and fifth-wheel trailers provide somewhat close quarters. Facilities in national park campgrounds are limited, although they are being upgraded. Even in most commercial campgrounds, the facilities are less than you'd expect in moderately priced motels. But regardless of the drawbacks, camping is still a whole lot of fun -- especially in settings as spectacular as Zion and Bryce Canyon.

There are a few things that RVers might want to know. Entering Zion from the east in an RV will involve an extra fee and probably a short wait to get through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, and there may be parking restrictions along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. However, entering the park from this direction is worth it, and you'll find that taking your RV into these parks isn't that much of a hassle, especially if you plan ahead.

Parking is limited, especially for motor homes and other large vehicles, so park your RV where you'll be camping, and take shuttle buses as much as possible. It's also helpful to drive either early or late in the day, when there's less traffic.

If you'll be traveling in the parks in your RV and want to make it obvious that your campsite is occupied, carry something to leave in it, such as a cardboard box with "Site Taken" clearly written on it.

Because many of the national park campsites are not level, carry four or five short boards, or leveling blocks, that can be placed under the RV's wheels. You can buy small, inexpensive levels at RV and hardware stores, and you'll discover that not only will you sleep better if your rig is level, but your food won't slide off the table and the refrigerator will run more efficiently.

Once you've got an RV or tent, you'll need a place to put it, of course. Elsewhere in this book you'll find information on camping in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, on nearby federal and state lands, and in the parks' gateway towns. Those planning to camp elsewhere in the state can get information on Utah's national forests from the U.S. Forest Service Regional Office, 324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401 (tel. 801/625-5306; www.fs.fed.us/r4). The Utah State Office of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is at 440 W. 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0155 (tel. 801/539-4001; www.ut.blm.gov). For information on Utah's state parks, contact Utah State Parks, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 (tel. 877/UTPARKS or 801/538-7220; www.stateparks.utah.gov).

Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) can request the club's free Southwestern CampBook, which includes campgrounds and RV parks in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Also try The Unofficial Guide to the Best RV and Tent Campgrounds in California and the West (Wiley Publishing, Inc.) for loads of options.

Renting an RV for Your National Park Trek

If you own an RV, you're all set for a trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks; but if you don't, you might want to consider renting one.

But first, let's get one thing straight: You probably won't save a lot of money. It is possible to travel fairly cheaply if you limit your equipment to a tent, a pop-up tent trailer, or a small pickup truck camper, but renting a motor home will probably end up costing almost as much as driving a compact car, staying in moderately priced motels, and eating in family-style restaurants and cafes. That's because the motor home will go only one-third as far on a gallon of gas as your car, and they're expensive to rent (generally between $1,000 and $1,500 per week in mid-summer, when rates are highest).

But carrying your house with you gives you the opportunity to stay in relative comfort in the national park campgrounds, which many park visitors feel is one of the highlights of their trip. It also lets you stop for meals anytime and anywhere you choose. An added benefit is that you won't spend time searching for a restroom -- almost all RVs have some sort of bathroom facilities.

If you're planning to fly into the area and rent an RV when you arrive, choose your starting point carefully. Rental rates vary depending on which city you pick up your RV in. Rental rates are usually less in Las Vegas, Nevada, than in Salt Lake City, and most of Utah's national parks are closer to Las Vegas than to Salt Lake City anyway.

The country's largest RV rental company, with outlets in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, is Cruise America (tel. 800/671-8042; www.cruiseamerica.com). RV rentals are also available from El Monte RV (tel. 888/337-2214; www.elmonte.com). Information on additional rental agencies, as well as tips on renting, can be obtained online from the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association (www.rvra.org).