An RVer’s Guide to Dixie National Forest

Carrie Cassity and her family surround a campfire.
TRAVIS AND CARRIE CASSITY headshot
TRAVIS AND CARRIE CASSITY headshot

Carrie Cassity

Carrie is an outdoor enthusiast and is always chasing her next adventure! Since 2020, she's been living life to the fullest, taking extended trips with her husband, Travis, and their two children. Together, they've explored 48 states and even journeyed to Canada and Mexico in their 2018 Entegra Aspire 44R! Traveling as a family while the kids are still young has been an absolute dream come true for them!

Take your RV on a journey where red rocks meet lush green ponderosa pines. Spanning nearly two million acres in southwestern Utah, Dixie National Forest offers a diverse and stunning landscape, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. 

We recently returned from an amazing RV trip in our Entegra Aspire 44R to Dixie National Forest. Unlike national parks, national forests offer more camping opportunities for RVs of all sizes. With a little online research, reading campground reviews, and looking at Google Maps, we were able to locate the perfect campground for our 45-foot Class A Motorhome. 

Carrie Cassity and her family in front of their Entegra Aspire Class A motorhome.

We chose to stay at Red Canyon Campground in Panguitch, Utah. This campground is truly a hidden gem in Dixie National Forest! It offers a perfect base for exploring one of Utah's most stunning and lesser-known landscapes.  

Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your camping trip to Red Canyon Campground in Dixie National Forest. 

The Campground 

Red Canyon Campground is conveniently located along Scenic Byway 12, about 13 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park. This makes it an excellent spot for campers looking to explore both Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon. The campground is easily accessible by car or RV, with paved roads leading right to the entrance. 

This is a first-come, first-served campground and does not offer reservations. We found several spots that would fit our large Class A Motorhome. The roads were a little tight in some spots, but ultimately, we were able to navigate through the entire campground with our RV. 

The Red Canyon Campground, Dixie National Forest sign.

The Amenities 

We found this campground offered everything needed for a comfortable stay. Here’s a rundown of the amenities: 

  • Sites: Sites are large with ample space between you and your neighbors. 
  • Water: Potable water is available at several points throughout the campground. 
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. 
  • Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and a fire ring, perfect for evening cookouts and family meals. 
  • Showers: Available throughout the campground. 
  • Dump Station: There is a dump station for your RV on the premises. 
  • Accessibility: Some sites are ADA-accessible. 
Carrie Cassity's Entegra Aspire Class A motorhome at a campsite.

Reservations and Fees 

  • Open Season: The campground is open from May 5 to October 9. 
  • Reservations:** Sites cannot be reserved in advance. I recommend arriving early, preferably on a weekend during peak season (summer and holiday weekends), because sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • Fees: Camping fees are reasonable; we paid $20 per night, but there are additional fees for extra vehicles. 
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What to do in

Dixie National Forest

This area is full of outdoor adventures and fun family activities!
1
Red Canyon Visitor Center
Make your first stop at the Red Canyon Visitor Center. It’s a great place to pick up a map, check out the educational displays, and learn more about the activities offered.
2
Pink Ledges Hiking Trail
A 0.4-mile loop that showcases the vibrant red rock formations and hoodoos. This easy trail is perfect for families.
3
Birdseye Hiking Trail
A 0.8-mile trail offering panoramic views of the canyon and its unique geological features.
4
Arches Hiking Trail
A 0.7-mile loop that takes you past several natural rock arches. Moderate difficulty but highly rewarding.
5
Buckhorn Hiking Trail
Located inside Red Canyon Campground, connects to the Golden Wall Trail for a scenic 5-mile round-trip hike.
6
Red Canyon Bike Trail
This trail runs right next to the campground and offers approximately 11 miles of paved bike trail through ponderosa pines and scenic red rock views.
7
Thunder Mountain Bike Trail
A popular trail for mountain biking, offering challenging terrain and spectacular views.
8
Grand View Bike Trail
This trail offers 78 miles of scenic Dixie National Forest views, perfect for mountain biking and equestrian use.
9
Scenic Byway 12
Red Canyon Campground is located on Scenic Byway 12, known as one of America’s most scenic drives. This route offers numerous pullouts and viewpoints, perfect for a leisurely drive. Tip: Don’t forget your camera; the entire drive is Instagram-worthy with endless photo opportunities.

Tips for a Memorable Camping Experience 

Our trip was certainly a memorable one. Here are our best tips to make your trip just as amazing: 

Respect Wildlife 

Dixie National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife. Practice safe and respectful viewing: 

  • Keep Distance: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. 
  • Store Food Properly: Use bear-proof containers or keep food in your vehicle to avoid attracting animals to your campsite. 

Leave No Trace 

Help preserve the natural beauty of Dixie National Forest by following Leave No Trace principles: 

  • Pack It In, Pack It Out: Take all your trash with you when you leave. 
  • Stay on Trails: Protect vegetation and prevent erosion by sticking to marked trails.

What to Pack

  1. Food

    Bring meals that can be cooked outside or over the campfire. The views are so incredible you won’t want to spend any time inside preparing meals. Don’t forget the S'mores! 

  2. Clothing

    Jacket, hat, and rain gear; be prepared for varying weather conditions. Even in summer, nights can be cool. 

  3. Gear

    Bring sturdy hiking boots, bikes, and plenty of water for outdoor activities. 

  4. Camping Supplies

    Don’t forget essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and firewood (available for purchase at the campground). 

Carrie Cassity and her family pose in front of Red Canyons in Utah.
Dixie National Forest offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Whether you're hiking among the red rock hoodoos, biking the fun trails, or simply relaxing under the starry sky, this Forest provides an unforgettable camping experience. So pack up your RV and head out for an unforgettable vacation to Dixie National Forest! Happy Camping! 

Class A Motorhomes

Built with the same framing and construction as commercial trucks and buses, Class A motorhomes are some of the largest vehicles on the road. What does that mean for your next adventure? Lots of room to stretch out and get comfortable. From spacious sleeping and lounging areas to full kitchens to upscale bathrooms, Class A vehicles take features and amenities to a higher level.

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