What Is The 3 3 3 Rule For RV Living?

Generally, the 3-3-3 Rule is a popular guideline for new (and also for experienced) full-time RVers to help manage expectations, reduce stress, and prevent burnout while traveling in an RV. This 3-3-3 Rule also applies very well to Southern Utah. This being said, you will want to adapt it slightly due to the region’s unique terrain, vast distances, and limited services. Here’s how it plays out in actual practice:

3 – Its Recommended to Drive no more than 300 miles per day. This often gets shortened to 200-250 miles in UT



• Normally this keeps driving manageable and safe (typically 5–7 hours max).  However, Southern Utah’s roads (especially off I-15) are winding, steep, and slow (e.g., Zion’s SR-9, Capitol Reef’s SR-24, or the Burr Trail).
• Example routes:
• St. George → Zion NP: ~45 miles (easy)
• St. George → Bryce Canyon: ~135 miles (2.5 hrs, but scenic)
• Moab → Monument Valley: ~150 miles (3+ hrs on two-lane roads)
• Page, AZ → Escalante: ~140 miles (slow, curvy)

• Allow time to enjoy the journey and arrive before dark.

3 – Arrive by 3:00 PM → But Aim for 2:00 PM (or earlier in peak season)

• Why?
• Campground check-in lines (especially at Zion, Bryce, Arches) peak 2–4 PM.
• Boondocking spots fill fast (e.g., BLM land near Moab or Valley of the Gods).
• Daylight fades fast in canyons—setting up a 35-ft rig in the dark on uneven red dirt is not fun.
• Pro move: Call ahead or use apps like Campendium or The Dyrt to confirm availability.

3. Stay ≥ 3 nights → Strongly recommended (or longer)

• Why? Southern Utah is destination-rich, not a pass-through.
• Zion: 3 nights barely covers Springdale + East Side + Kolob Canyons.
• Bryce: 3 nights = hoodoos by day, stargazing at night (International Dark Sky Park).
• Moab: 3 nights = Arches AM, Canyonlands PM, Dead Horse Point sunset.
• Capitol Reef / Escalante: 3+ nights to explore slot canyons, waterfalls, and dirt roads.
• Bonus: Many Utah state parks (e.g., Dead Horse Point, Goblin Valley) have 2-night minimums in peak season.

Pro Tips for the Region

• Fuel up in towns (St. George, Page, Moab)—next station might be 100 miles.
• Carry extra water (boondocking = no hookups).
• Check weather: Flash floods in slots, snow on high passes (Bryce at 8,000 ft).
• Book ahead: Zion’s Watchman fills 6 months out.