Prepare for hot temps. Especially in Moab. That being said, no humidity really is all it's cracked up to be. Part of the reason I moved west from Va Beach.
If I may suggest, take a look at campendium.com as well. It's updated regularly by fellow full time travelers. And lists both paid and free options. I use it only for free options all the time.
In Moab, there is very little free camping at the moment. Most of it has been ruined. However, there are a few places about 20 mins outside of town with decent dispersed camping.
Moab:
https://www.campendium.com/willow-springs-trail
https://www.campendium.com/klondike-bluff-road
https://www.campendium.com/yellow-circle-road
https://www.campendium.com/dalton-well-road
While in Moab, I would recommend you check out Canyon Lands and the White Rim. It might seem intimidating, but for the most part, the road is a dirt road. I've seen people driving an Impala out there, despite the High Clearance 4x4 only signs. You'll be fine if you just go down the switchbacksks and drive out to the rim and then go back. Canyonlands gets about half the traffic of Arches, but is a beautiful park in it's own right with amazing views.
It really is a dirt road.
This is not the Grand Canyon, this is Canyonlands, just blows my mind.
Also while in Moab, take a hike out to Corona Arch, which is outside the NPS.
Anotehr dirt road you can drive that is scenic in Moab is the Beef Basin, there is also camping out there too as most of the land is BLM
And finally for Moab, do yourself a favor and stop here for a burger and shake, you will not regret it.
And might I recommend you check out Capitol Reef, it's a jem of a National Park and doesn't get the traffic of the other parks you mentioned, but is beautiful. You will not regret it, and it's on your path.
I don't really have any recommendations of Zion or Bryce, other than Zion gets crowded. Have fun.
For the Grand Canyon, same recommendation as above. Go to the North Rim. Less people, beatiful, dense forest. And I highly recommend if you are comfortable with it, getting a backcountry camping permit to drive out to Point Sublime.
https://www.campendium.com/point-sublime
So long as it's not raining, it's another dirt road.
It's pretty awesome being able to camp right on the Grand Canyon
We are a family of 5 out of New York and are traveling out west this coming week (for a few weeks) with the plans to spend a lot of time in the Moab, Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon region. During this time, we plan to take part in camping off the grid using freecampsites.net. I am looking for just some general information in regards to #1. Saftey (Animals, People, insects), #2. locations the kids will also enjoy, and #3. excellent places for photography. Thank you in advance and look forward to some Tricks and Tips!
