Hi Meinsprinter,
Sorry for the delayed response- just got back from another Utah trip- this time with my wife.
You'll have a great time in southern Utah.
The various Parks and Monuments all have ranger stations that are great sources of information.
Definitely worth the stop as you move from one area to another.
For the latest weather outlook, road conditions, places to drive, topping off your water jugs, maps, guide books, hiking info (and flush toilets!) they can't be beat.
Google searches will also help find those lonely roads off the beaten path where you want to boondock.
There is a wealth of info on obscure tracks and possible campsite locations on the internet.
The National Parks and the roads between them from Zion to Bryce to Capitol Reef to Canyonlands and Arches are crowded in the peak spring and fall seasons.
Despite the crowds all of them are worth the stop or drive thru- some of the prettiest land in the USA.
All it takes to get away from the masses is to hike farther than an overlook or get off the main highway and drive a side road.
Lots of the tourists are trying to "do" all the parks and move from one to another each day.
If it's Tuesday it must be Bryce!
Those on a slower schedule can find solitude and nice dispersed camping away from the fray.
Escalante and Bears Ears Monuments aren't on the radar of a lot of travelers and there is a lot of BLM land in Utah!
The Cottonwood Canyon road , Hole in the Rock road, Burr Trail, and Cedar Mesa area would be some good starting points for some possible places to get your van dusty!
Sometimes the best places are found by accident just exploring around...
Stay safe and have fun on your road trip!