Kodachrome Basin State Park

4.59

143 reviews

BOX 180069, CANNONVILLE, Utah, 84718-0069, United States

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Bryce Canyon National Park#1 Spring Camping Utah#2 Fall Camping Utah#3 +4 more

Quick Facts

5,794 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Kodachrome Basin State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,794 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Kodachrome Basin State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Kodachrome Basin State Park

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The park charges a nominal $10 entry fee per car. Additional fees apply for camping sites and horseback riding tours.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 143 reviews

1024 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"User reviews for Kodachrome Basin State Park are overwhelmingly positive. Visitors praise the clean and modern facilities, luxurious showers, and tranquil environment. The park is seen as a hidden gem, offering a less crowded alternative to nearby Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks."

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Campground Map

BOX 180069, CANNONVILLE, Utah, 84718-0069, United States

Kodachrome Basin State Park

BOX 180069, CANNONVILLE, Utah, 84718-0069, United States

Driving directionsFROM Salt Lake City, travel south on Interstate 15 to US 20, then east to US 89. Travel south through Panguitch to US12, then east to Cannonville. From there, proceed south nine miles to the park.

Roads are mostly paved leading to the park, but some loops within the campground have dirt roads. Reviewers mention that roads to Chimney Rock and Shakespeare Arch Trail are rough and might be challenging for smaller sedans. There are no major obstacles indicated for the main approach to the park.

Nearby places

Cannonville (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Panguitch, and Bryce Canyon National Park (approximately 30 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Supplies are available at the park store, which offers snacks, ice cream, and other small items. For more extensive options, visitors are advised to stock up in Cannonville or nearby towns.

Best Time to Camp at Kodachrome Basin State Park

The desert's moods shift dramatically with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Spring arrives as the park's golden season, when wildflowers carpet the desert floor and temperatures hover in that perfect sweet spot for hiking and exploration. Fall mirrors spring's gentle temperament, painting the landscape in warm afternoon light. Summer transforms the basin into a sun-drenched furnace where early morning and evening adventures become the norm, while winter occasionally dusts the red rocks with snow, creating a stunning contrast that photographers dream about.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer but can be hot; less comfortable than spring/fall.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in UT

Fall cited as ideal with moderate temps and fewer crowds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in UT

Spring called the 'golden season' with wildflowers and ideal temperatures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park open year-round; winter is quieter but colder and less predictable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates are provided, though reviews highlight spring and early fall as the best times for camping.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, though reviews suggest spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit due to weather conditions.

About Kodachrome Basin State Park

Step into a photographer's paradise where 67 towering sedimentary pipes rise from the desert floor like ancient sentinels, each one telling a story written in stone. Kodachrome Basin State Park captivates visitors with its otherworldly landscape of multi-hued sandstone formations that seem to glow in the changing light. "This is probably one of the greatest campgrounds we have ever stayed at," marvels one enchanted visitor, echoing the sentiments of countless others who've discovered this hidden desert jewel. Here, luxury amenities blend seamlessly with raw natural beauty, creating an unforgettable camping experience where every sunrise paints the rocks in new shades of crimson and gold.

Kodachrome Basin State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping with full hookups, and bunkhouses for those seeking additional amenities.

Historical SignificanceIn 1948, a National Geographic Society expedition gazed upon these remarkable formations and saw something extraordinary – a landscape so vibrantly colorful it reminded them of the revolutionary Kodachrome film that was capturing the world in unprecedented hues. The park's name became a tribute to both the cutting-edge photography of the era and the natural palette that rivals any artist's imagination. This christening forever linked the park to the golden age of color photography and exploration.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert's moods shift dramatically with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Spring arrives as the park's golden season, when wildflowers carpet the desert floor and temperatures hover in that perfect sweet spot for hiking and exploration. Fall mirrors spring's gentle temperament, painting the landscape in warm afternoon light. Summer transforms the basin into a sun-drenched furnace where early morning and evening adventures become the norm, while winter occasionally dusts the red rocks with snow, creating a stunning contrast that photographers dream about.

ElevationPerched in Utah's high desert country, the park occupies that magical elevation where desert and sky seem to merge. The moderate altitude creates a unique climate that allows for both desert flora and cooler evening temperatures, making stargazing from your campsite an extraordinary experience as the thin, clear air reveals countless stars.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece here, where sandstone chimneys thrust skyward like petrified geysers frozen in time. These remarkable spires transform throughout the day as sunlight plays across their surfaces, shifting from pale morning yellows to deep afternoon oranges and finally to purple shadows at dusk. Winding trails lead adventurers through this geological wonderland, revealing hidden alcoves, sweeping vistas, and rock formations that defy imagination. Each turn presents a new perspective on these ancient sculptures, carved by millions of years of wind, water, and time.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Kodachrome Basin showcases 180 million years of Earth's history in its exposed rock layers. The park's signature sedimentary pipes – unique geological phenomena found nowhere else in such concentration – stand as monuments to ancient geological processes. These monolithic spires, formed through a still-debated process involving ancient springs or earthquake-liquefied sediments, create a landscape that feels more like another planet than southern Utah, making every visit a journey through deep time.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

03:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Reviews suggest reservations are necessary, but maximum stay limits are not mentioned explicitly.

Guests Allowed Per Site

User reviews mention spacious sites with room for tents and RVs, but exact guest limits are unclear.

Groups

The group campsite is spacious and offers a great base for exploring the park.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, including gravel and paved roads. Basin Campground and Bryce View are noted for privacy and scenic views.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made via Recreation.gov, based on Tentrr campsite mentions.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, though reviews emphasize the need for reservations due to high demand.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy details are provided in the source materials.

AccessibilityHandicap-accessible facilities are available within the campground.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with ample privacy between them. Some are large enough for RVs and tents.

PrivacySites are well-separated, with trees and natural features providing a sense of privacy.

Total Campsites67 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose the full hookup loop for scenic views and easier access to amenities. Bryce View and Basin Campground are quieter areas with more privacy. Tent campers should prepare for limited shade.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Kodachrome Basin State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and photography. Visitors often highlight the tranquility of the park and the opportunity to explore its unique geological formations.

HikingThe park features numerous hiking trails, such as Angel's Palace Trail and Panorama Trail. Trails vary in difficulty, with some being easy and suitable for families, while others are moderate to strenuous. Trails like Angel's Palace offer stunning views but may require caution due to poorly marked paths.

BikingMountain biking is supported, and trails range from easy to intermediate. Visitors recommend starting early to avoid the heat.

Wildlife viewingVisitors can enjoy stargazing and observing local wildlife in the park’s quiet, natural setting.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough terrain on some trails, extreme weather variations, and limited cell service. Visitors should carry sufficient water and supplies.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed, and firewood is available for purchase on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned, though generators are restricted to use between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesRanger station on-site. The closest hospital, police station, and emergency services are likely in Panguitch or Cannonville.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and firewood are available near campsites. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo significant water bodies within the park, though nearby attractions include slot canyons and Grosvenor Arch.

Camp HostPark rangers are praised for their hospitality and assistance, with some reviews specifically mentioning Ranger Ricki.

Weather at Kodachrome Basin State Park

Reviews

4.6

143 reviews

Top-Rated

Kodachrome Basin State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Kodachrome Basin State Park are overwhelmingly positive. Visitors praise the clean and modern facilities, luxurious showers, and tranquil environment. The park is seen as a hidden gem, offering a less crowded alternative to nearby Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

Review Summaries

Based on 143 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights from reviews include the spacious and private campsites, exceptional shower and bathroom facilities, friendly park staff, and the park’s stunning geological formations and trails.

Based on 143 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are minimal but include issues such as the lack of cell phone reception, poorly marked trails, and limited shade at some campsites.

Based on 143 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend stocking up on supplies before arriving, as the camp store only offers limited items. Other tips include downloading trail maps in advance due to the lack of cell service and...

Based on 143 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular seasons due to moderate temperatures and fewer bugs. Summer can be hot, while winter may offer a quieter experience but with colder temperatures.

Based on 143 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The showers are nicer than the ones at my house!" "The campsites are spacious and private, with views to die for." "Angel's Palace Trail is a must-do for beautiful views."

Based on 143 reviews