Bryce Canyon parking restrictions will impact RVers this season

Hoodoos  R&T De Maris

Along the "grand staircase" of National Parks in the midsection of the U.S. is Bryce Canyon National Park. It's a bit of misnomer, because Bryce Canyon really isn't a canyon, but rather a collection of colossal rock-formed amphitheatres. Perhaps best known for its odd erosion created hoodoos, it's a picturesque – and wildly popular – destination.

That popularity led to the introduction of a voluntary shuttle bus system, in an attempt to alleviate vehicle traffic in 2000. But RVers, perk up your ears, while the shuttle service may be voluntary for most, there are some restrictions now in place that could have an impact on your visit – at least through September 30.

Parking restrictions will basically force most all RVs to park only in a few designated lots and in campsites, whereafter you'll be in your toad car, tow vehicle, bike, foot, or shuttle bus to get around. Here's the finer points of the rule: Restrictions apply to all vehicles in excess of 25 feet, including motor homes and vehicles with trailers. You'll not be able to park anywhere in the park with the exception of:

• Shuttle Station in Bryce Canyon City (3 miles north of park). 
• Bryce Canyon overflow parking lot (across from visitor center at entrance to North Campground)
• Campsites in North, Sunset, and Ruby's campground (for those who are camping)
• Sunrise Point Loop Road (use ONLY parallel parking spaces along one-way road)
• All viewpoints and parking lots south of mile marker 3. 

Put another way, RVs will not be allowed at the visitor center, Sunrise General Store, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Paria View or Fairyland Point, among other places. However, you can grab a shuttle bus to the park's most popular viewpoints and destinations. The busses run on a 15-minute schedule, but the routing times will vary through the season. Here's the skinny: Now through May 17, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 18 through September 8, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; and September 9 through the 30th, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Camping in nearby National Forest

What about camping? Glad you asked. Bryce Canyon National Park has two campgrounds, North and Sunset, located in close proximity to the visitor center, Bryce Canyon Lodge and the geologic wonder that is the Bryce Amphitheater. Both have restrooms with flush toilets, and drinking water. During the summer months coin-operated laundry and shower facilities are available at the general store nearby. There are no hook-ups in the campgrounds, but a fee-for-use dump station is available for RV users at the south end of North Campground.

Both of these campgrounds are located in a Ponderosa Pine forest habitat with equal amounts of shade and sun, giving them a similar appearance. All sites are limited to 10 people (with no more than 6 adults (adult=16 and up)), 3 tents and 2 vehicles and cost $15 per site/per night. Holders of special Park Passes; Senior Pass, Access Pass (part of the America The Beautiful - National Park Service & Federal Lands Pass System) or the Golden Age & Golden Access Passes, receive a 50% discount. Sites fill by early afternoon during the summer months.

We've camped both inside the park, and outside in "dispersed" camping in nearby National Forest Service land. While "free" in the National Forest is certainly an advantage, the convenience of camping in the park itself has its advantages.

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All photos, R&T De Maris

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Virginia

This month's National Park Getaway

By Jim Godburn, park ranger, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

NOTE: Five days of 150th anniversary (click for schedule) commemorative events are planned from April 8 to April 12, 2015, at Appomattox Court House to mark the end of America's Civil War. 

Photo: NPS Image of "The Surrender"
by contemporary artist Keith Rocco

Appomattox – the name echoes through history, beckoning people worldwide to this historic village nestled in the quiet Virginia countryside.

Stroll into the village and stop at the court house, a re-creation of the building that was the 19th-century seat of government in Appomattox County and today serves as the park's visitor center. There, you can talk with a ranger and find park brochures. Head to the second floor to tour the museum and view a short film in the theater.

NPS Photo of Appomattox County Court House

Just a two-hour drive west from Richmond, Virginia, Appomattox Court House is the site where Robert E. Lee surrendered Confederate forces to the Federal command of Ulysses S. Grant. The surrender, on April 9, 1865, ushered in the final days of the American Civil War as well as the first, halting footsteps of the journey toward citizenship for former slaves.

At the court house, join one of the scheduled talks, presented daily from May through October. You'll hear about military events and village life from a 21st century perspective from a uniformed ranger. Gain a 19th century perspective from staff or volunteers outfitted in attire of the 1860s: you might meet a soldier, a former slave, a doctor, or a citizen of the village. For these characters, the year is always 1865.

You can tour the village at your own pace. Visit a lawyer's office, county jail, general store, and tavern to get a feeling for 19th century village life. At Clover Hill Tavern, the neighborhood's oldest building, you'll learn how 30,000 paroles were printed and distributed to surrendering Confederate soldiers. A small bookstore is located in the kitchen building behind the tavern.


Appomattox Court House is open 360 days a year, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Read more here.