Capitol Reef Campgrounds
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Cathedral Valley Campground
This high desert campground has six primitive sites sitting at 7,000 feet above sea level and nestled in between juniper and pinyon forests. It should be noted that the road to Cathedral Valley is rough and high-clearance 4x4 vehicles are recommended. There is no water available, so bring in plenty to spare. No reservations are required. The no-fee campsites are first-come, first-served and each site has a picnic table and fire pit. It’s open year-round.
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Cedar Mesa Campground
Cedar Mesa Campground has five primitive sites that are first-come, first-served. Situated at 5,500 feet, two-wheel-drive vehicles can reach the campground, but high-clearance is advised. Much like Cathedral Valley, each site has a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water is available. This no-fee campground is open year-round and is known for its access to the Red Canyon Trail.
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Fruita Campground
The Fruita Campground is located by the Fremont River, a permanent water source that keeps the landscape green with grass and nurtures the leafy trees of old orchard groves. It offers 71 sites complete with firepits and picnic tables. RVs have access to a dump station and potable water, but no electric hookups. Sites are $20 per night. Campsites are reservable from March 1-October 31 via Recreation.gov. During the off-season (November 1-February 28), campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Camping in Capitol Reef National Park harkens to an ancient time when the American Southwest was formed by the raw power of the elements. "
Capitol Reef is a certified International Dark Sky Park.
Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef National Park
Backcountry and Other Camping
Backcountry camping is allowed in Capitol Reef. A free permit must be acquired at the visitor center for all overnight backcountry visitors. The National Park Service has several recommended backpacking routes that visit slot canyons, hidden creeks and high mesas.
There are also established campgrounds in nearby Dixie and Fishlake national forests and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. And dispersed camping is allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land east of the park, contact Henry Mountains Field Station for more information.
RV Camping and Glamping
RVs are allowed at the Fruita Campground, and there are several RV parks located outside of the park perimeter as well. (Read: “Wheeling It: An RV Primer for Utah Family Trips”)
If you prefer something more luxurious, Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey offers lush and unique glamping options just seven miles outside the park. Stay in a gorgeous cabin, cozy teepee or Conestoga wagon.
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