Located just 20 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park is an attractive alternative for those wanting to camp in the area. Kodachrome’s sites are available for reservation up to four months in advance. Some sites have full RV hookups, and they are spacious, uncrowded, and far from the bus tours and day-trippers typically seen in a popular national park.
Nothing can compare to Bryce Canyon’s scenery, but Kodachrome Basin is an extremely scenic and interesting geologic formation in its own right. There are several hiking trails, and you'll find a very nice ranger staff that actually has time to chat with visitors about the park and interesting sites in the surrounding area. Rental cabins are available, there is a small store in the park, and horseback trail rides can be booked in season. Nearby points of interest include Grosvenor Arch, Willis Creek (a beautiful slot canyon that is easy to hike), and some very attractive rock formations along Cottonwood Canyon Road. All of these are less than 30 minutes from Kodachrome Basin.
The campground has two main sections. In front are the full-hookup sites for RVs: these are very large for all sizes of vehicles and have great views but not a lot of privacy. Behind these is a loop of RV/tent sites which are a mixed bag. Some are nothing more than wide spots in the road with a nearby picnic area, while others are legitimate pull-through sites that are very private, almost like having your own private road. No sites are bad, and at least 75% of them are excellent. There are also two group sites. Restrooms, showers, a dump station, and dish washing stations are all first rate.
Several trails leave from near the campground including a half-mile nature trail that is ADA-accessible and a very beautiful introduction to the unique flora and fauna of the area. It should also be pointed out that this area has some of the darkest skies in the country, and on moonless nights the stars are incredible. Kodachrome Basin is quite far from most of the trappings of civilization, but gas and limited food are available in the town of Tropic just 20 minutes away.
Note: Being tucked deep in the basin, this campground has no cell reception and no Wi-Fi service.
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