Ranchito Feliz

98%

716 reviews

· Cannonville, Garfield, Utah · 9 acres

Hosted by Roy S.

6 RV/tent sites

Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the B-53 Entrance Station East.

Best in Utah: 3rd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

When booking please add in your note the type of camping you are doing, ie. tent, car, van, or larger RV and please, only texts...NO calls. In the middle of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument; adjacent to Bryce Canyon National Park; within walking distance of Kodachrome Basin State Park; and an easy drive to Zion and Capital Reef National Parks, as well as Lake Powell National Recreational Area, this unique site is an opportunity not to miss. The pet/horse friendly property (approximately 9 acres/3 ha/64 sq. m) boasts private designated single tent sites, and a mix car camping and larger RV sites, as well as paleontological, geological, biological, astronomical, and historical interests of the ranch. The equestrians will find three paddocks, a round pen, as well as beautiful places to ride from the ranch. This secluded location has a small town of about 175 (Cannonville) three miles/5 k distant where there is a small store, gas, and a Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center. And, bonus, the in town campground has: high speed internet, and cell phone service and laundry. This ranch and campground is an off the grid, passive/active solar voltaic, so no electricity, no internet and only Verizon works here. In Tropic 12 miles distant all carriers get service. Potable water, shower, dish washing station and composting toilet (This means that all campers count when booking, even the kids...their poops add up too). The views are spectacular from any site where the xeroscaped landscape uses indigenous material and plants to complement the quintessential Pinon/Juniper ecosystem the campground sits in. On three sides you are surrounded by red cliffs in the Carmel Formation which can give shelter from wind and sun, but campers can also look out over the Paria River (you can hear the river from camp as well as its amphibians) which runs south in front of the property and eventually meets the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry where most put-in to raft the Grand Canyon. Looking north, one sees the meaning of the term “Grand Staircase” by viewing The Entrada, Tropic Shale, Straight Cliffs, Wahweap, Kaiparowits, and Pink Limestone Formations capped by late Tertiary Volcanism; or, the “steps” of Promise Rock, Sand Point, Powell Point, and the Aquarius Plateau (highest forested mesa in North America at over eleven thousand feet.). The biological diversity here is also astounding: Birds: 140 species and counting including the tiny Costa’s Humming Bird all the way up to the enormous California Condor. Plants: 2 species of Sagebrush, 4 species of trees, numerous grass species, and a plethora of beautiful wildflowers and cacti. Reptiles: Many species of snakes and lizards. Unfortunately, this includes the occasional rattlesnake. It is advised that you have your pets vaccinated. Amphibian: Toads and Salamanders Insects: There are very few mosquitos. There are a few biting Deer Flies, and worse yet, those damn gnats. These “no-see-ums” are temperature dependent so are not a bother in the shade, early mornings, late evenings and at night. It is recommended that you bring some kick ass insect repellant and a “bee hat” if you are out and about in the sun during the day between May and July. Fossils: Bivalves, snails, petrified wood (many types) and various other corals, insects and plant fossils abound and are often incorporated into the ranch infrastructure. The nearby area is considered the hottest paleontological spot on the planet. Astronomy: The area is widely considered to be under the darkest skies in the lower 49. The Milky Way and Presides are common sights without the unsightly annoyance of any neighbor’s lights. The climate is varied and interesting. All four seasons are here and occasionally all in one day. Winter snows melt quickly though temperatures can dip into the sub-zeros. The 5,900 ft./1800 m. elevation keeps the summer temps reasonable and always gives a chilly summer evening to cool things off. If you want climatic extremes, you can, within an hour or so, be at Lake Powell and its 100+ F/38+ C heat or on the Aquarius Plateau at 65 degrees F/18 C in midday June. Recreation on many levels is all within proximity. From canyoneering, “free” climbing on an established nearby crag composed of a welded tuff capping the Aquarius Plateau (see Mountain Project and “The Aquarius Plateau”) and many aid lines on Entrada Formation towers within walking distance (see Mountain Project and “The Grand Staircase”), water sports of Lake Powell and the Colorado River as well as fishing in the cool temps of Pine Lake 35 minutes distant. Then of course, there is the Monument, National Park and the State Park only a short drive away. Seclusion, security, water, and views all within a short walk or drive of exiting destinations, make this worth the stop.** When booking, please ensure you send us a message via the "Message to Host" step @ checkout to let us know if you will be tent camping or RV camping; and if RV camping, what the length of your vehicle is. Please also note, this is a MEET and GREET campground and I place you in a site that best fits. **Due to the strange world we now live in...talking about only the virus, I am asking all campers to avoid each other at the "Poo Place" and the dish washing station. As much as I would like to, I will not shake your hand when I meet you and we will do our social distancing. Sorry. In the middle of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument; adjacent to Bryce Canyon National Park; within walking distance of Kodachrome Basin State Park; and an easy drive to Zion and Capital Reef National Parks, as well as Lake Powell National Recreational Area, this unique site is an opportunity not to miss. This is MST so adjust your clocks if needed. The pet/horse friendly property (approximately 9 acres/3 ha/64 sq. m) and is welcoming to all folks/types of families, and boasts private designated single tent sites, one group tent site, two car camping sites. The equestrians will find a two-acre pasture, three paddocks, a round pen, as well as beautiful places to ride from the ranch. No arrivals after an hour prior to my sunset sunset (check MST and MDT times for the large variations in those sunset timings {NO EXCEPTIONS}). This is a meet and greet campground. Sites will be selected for you. All children count (sorry, all about the poops) as campers, and must be added as additional guests. ***There are no specific site numbers; all sites are tent sites but larger RVs/trailers can be accommodated on a limited basis (-RV max. lengths: Bumper PullTrailer- 26ft./7.9m, 5th Wheel- 26ft./7.9m, Standard RV- 28ft./8.5m) CHECK-IN (on foot) prior to RV arrival for your site assignment!*** Leave rig at the gate. ***There is only one location for an RV and one location for a trailer, the rest are sites designed for folks who drive or walk in and have a tent. You must arrive one hour before sundown Utah time for check in! This secluded location has a small town of about 75 (Cannonville) three miles/5 k distant where there is a small store with gas, and a Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center. And, bonus, this campground has a shower (cold camp shower), fire rings, potable water, a place to wash dishes or clean fish, and cell phone service is getting better (only Verizon currently works at the Ranch other carriers work in Tropic 12 miles distant). The ranch is an off the grid, passive/active solar voltaic, so no electricity. Firewood can be purchased at the ranch or in Tropic. The views are spectacular from any site where the xeriscaped landscape uses indigenous material and plants to complement the quintessential Pinyon/Juniper ecosystem the campground sits in. On three sides you are surrounded by red cliffs in the Carmel Formation which can give shelter from wind and sun, but campers can also look out over the Paria River (you can hear the river from camp as well as its amphibians) which runs south in front of the property and eventually meets the Colorado River at Lee’s Ferry where most put-in to raft the Grand Canyon. Looking north, one sees the meaning of the term “Grand Staircase” by viewing The Entrada, Tropic Shale, Straight Cliffs, Wahweap, Kaiparowits, and Pink Limestone Formations capped by late Tertiary Volcanism; or, the “steps” of Promise Rock, Sand Point, Powell Point, and the Aquarius Plateau (highest forested mesa in North America at over eleven thousand feet.). The biological diversity here is also astounding, the (*) might indicate alarming: Birds: 125 species and counting including the tiny Costa’s Humming Bird all the way up to the enormous California Condor. Plants: 2 species of Sagebrush, 4 species of trees, numerous grass species, and a plethora of beautiful wildflowers and cacti. *Reptiles: Many species of snakes and lizards. Unfortunately, this includes the occasional rattlesnake. It is advised that you have your pets vaccinated. Amphibians: Toads and Salamanders Mammals: Predators-Lions, Coyotes, Bobcats, & Badgers. Ungulates-Elk, Deer & Pronghorn. Rodents-Lots of those! *Insects: There are very few mosquitoes. There are a few biting Deer Flies, and worse yet, those damn gnats. These “no-see-ums” are temperature dependent so are not a bother in the cool shade, early mornings, late evenings and at night. It is recommended that you bring some kick ass insect repellent and a “bee hat” if you are out and about in the sun during the day between May and July. Fossils: Bivalves, snails, petrified wood (many types) and various other corals, insects and plant fossils abound and are often incorporated into the ranch infrastructure. The nearby area is considered the hottest paleontological spot on the planet. Astronomy: The area is widely considered to be under the darkest skies in the lower 49. The Milky Way and Presides are common sights without the unsightly annoyance of any neighbor’s lights. The climate is varied and interesting. All four seasons are here and occasionally all in one day. Winter snows melt quickly though temperatures can dip into the sub-zeros. The 5,900 ft./1800 m. elevation keeps the summer temps reasonable and always gives a chilly summer evening to cool things off. If you want climatic extremes, you can, within an hour or so, be at Lake Powell and its 100+ F/38+ C heat or on the Aquarius Plateau at 65 degrees F/18 C in midday June. Recreation on many levels is all within proximity. From canyoneering (many close and amazing slot canyons, both technical and casual) , “free” climbing (both trad and sport) on an established nearby crag composed of a welded tuff capping the Aquarius Plateau (see Mountain Project for "The Jungle on the Aquarius Plateau") and many aid lines on Entrada/Navaho Formation towers within walking distance (see Mountain Project for "The Grand Staircase" ), water sports of Lake Powell and the Colorado River as well as fishing in the cool temps of Pine Lake 35 minutes distant. Then of course, there is the Monument, National Park and the State Park only a short drive away. Seclusion, security, water, and views all within minutes to spectacular destinations, makes this worth the stop.

RV details

Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Not all RVs are created equal! Nor are the drivers;) These are the length restrictions: Bumper pull - 24ft./7.3m 5th Wheel - 25ft./8m Standard fixed wheel RV - 20ft./7m

Vehicles under 28 feet allowed

Cars, trucks, and vans can go directly to the high graveled location. RVs need stop at the gate and call me or walk up and get me so that I can direct you to your specific site as well as guide you through the angles.

Pull-in site

Accommodates slideouts

Surface type: Loose Gravel

Some sites for trailers may require a bit of leveling.

Surface levelness: Flat

Some sites for trailers may require a bit of leveling.

No electrical hookup

No internal combustion engines after parking. Generators are not allowed

No water hookup

No RV water fill ups

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

Generators not allowed

What to expect

RV/tent site

Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.

6 guests max per site

Campfires allowed

Firepit, private. On occasions, climactic forces and local governments dictate fires are not permitted. Also, there is wood in your fire ring. You can purchase bundles of wood from Ranchito Feliz for $8.00. If you have your own wood, you can burn what's in the ring and then leave an equal amount or bundle..

Toilet available

Pit toilet. BYOTP/Bring your own toilet paper.

Pets allowed

Off leash. Dogs & Equines welcome.

Potable water available

Spigot

Showers available

Cold water only

Bins available

Trash bin

Cooking equipment present

Sink or other dishwashing station

Picnic table present

There are rock tables and benches at the sites rather than the traditional table.

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 1:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

2WD accessible

Follow directions to the high graveled area where you park. Walk the short distance to the house where we meet and greet. I will assign you to your site based on your needs and the needs of the ranch.

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

98% Recommend888 ratings · 716 reviews

Sydney P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent · Group trip

Definitely worth it! It is a beautiful site with a great view and Roy keeps it very well maintained. We had two sites for a bigger group and it worked great.

Helensluis@Hotmail.Com H.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

14 ft campervan

What a beautiful spot and fabulous host. Roy was incredibly helpful, personable and knowledgeable and made our experience a 5-star one! Thank you for sharing your little piece of paradise with us! Will definitely be back.

Jessica R.

4 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

19 ft campervan · With pets

Roy’s property was absolutely incredible! He does an amazing job with upkeep to create beautiful and comfortable campsites. The benches and seats he built adds a great touch for enjoying the view. He was so helpful from the moment we checked in to the time we left, and even introduced our daughter to the donkeys. We just stopped by for one night, but will be back for a longer trip!

Natalie T.

7 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent

This is a wonderful spot and Roy has clearly put a lot of thought into the campsites. The proximity to Bryce Canyon and Escalante is fantastic, and Roy has a bunch of great recommendations for what to do in the area. I would recommend to anyone!!

Molly M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

A Tropic Gem

Tent

I stayed at Ranchito Feliz for a few days while I explored Bryce Canyon National Park. It was a 30 minute drive to the entrance. oy was an excellent host and has created a beautiful oasis, a true eco camp. There is a washing station for dishes etc., potable water, refreshing showers and beautiful done composting toilets located in a few spots for convenience. He was gracious and kind and offered maps and assitance when I was moving on to Zion! I also was lucky enough to see the aurora borealis while I was there-spectacular! Highly recommend site 7 for some privacy and amazing star gazing!

Sandra D.

4 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Oasis near the canyons

20 ft campervan

Ranchito Feliz was definitely one of our favourite sites on our 5-week road trip! Roy has created a little oasis and we wished we could have stayed longer. The site is neat, beautifully landscaped, has all amenities (including a refreshing outdoor shower) and comes with spectacular views, an amazing night sky and DONKEYS! Roy is a great host, knowledgeable, chilled, and welcoming. Hopefully we will be back one day 😃.

Location

Cannonville, Garfield, Utah, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos, and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking