Fruita Campground, near [Capitol Reef National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/utah/near/capitol-reef-national-park), is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern conveniences. With sites that allow for tent camping, RVs, and even glamping, it caters to a variety of camping styles.

This campground is known for its beautiful surroundings, including ancient trees and stunning views of the red rock formations. Visitors rave about the clean, heated bathrooms and the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “I fell asleep under the sky full of giant stars to the music of the flowing waters of Fremont River.” You can also enjoy the nearby orchards, where fruit picking is a delightful activity during the right season.

Fruita Campground is conveniently located near some of the best hiking trails in Capitol Reef, making it easy to explore the park's unique landscapes. The Gifford House, famous for its delicious pies, is just a short stroll away, adding a sweet touch to your camping experience. While the campground can get busy, the respectful vibe among campers helps maintain a friendly atmosphere. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Fruita Campground offers a memorable outdoor escape.

## Overview

 Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the [Waterpocket Fold,][1] a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles (160 km). The Fruita Campground has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable year round- there are no longer first come, first serve sites any time of year. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Sites 14, 24, and 63 are accessible sites with electrical hookups. While Loop C is closed in the winter season, generators are allowed in Loops A & B during generator hours. The rest of the year, generators are only allowed in Loop C. 
## Recreation

 Walk to historic inscriptions on the Capitol Gorge Trail and stroll the Goosenecks Trail or longer trails such as Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch. Check out our[ Trail Guide][2] to explore your options. Enjoy the geology and view the [Fremont Culture Petroglyphs][3] along Hwy 24. In addition, the [Scenic Drive][4] will introduce you to the fascinating cultural and geological history of Capitol Reef National Park. The drive includes a portion of the original road through the Waterpocket Fold. The road passes through parts of the Fruita Historic District and follows the western faces of the Waterpocket Fold, and spur roads allow exploration into beautiful Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.Check at the [Visitor Center][5] for a current schedule of interpretive programs, which may include geology talks, Fremont culture talks, evening programs, star gazing, moonwalks, and geology hikes. Wander through the historic Fruita[ Orchards][6] and pick fresh fruit when in season. The orchards contain approximately 3,100 trees including cherry, apricot, peach, pear, apple, plum, mulberry, almond, and walnut.Discover Mormon pioneer history at the historic [Gifford Homestead][7] store and museum.
## Facilities

 The Fruita Campground has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable year round. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring (except sites 7, 48 and 50, which only have an above ground grill). There is a RV dump and potable water fill station near the entrance to Loops A and B. Restrooms have running water and flush toilets, but no showers.\_Accessible campsites are located adjacent to restrooms.\_Campsites have no individual water or sewage hookups. There are no electrical hookups (except accessible sites 14, 24, and 63). Electrical hookups at these sites are for required medical devices only. There are no first-come, first-served sites during reservation season. A [Fruita Campground][8] map (PDF) is available on the park website.
## Natural Features

 The Fruita Campground area is located one mile south of the visitor center and is often described as an oasis within the desert. Fruita Campground is a semi-shaded, grassy campground and is located in the Fruita Historic District of the park. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The Fruita campground is adjacent to the Fremont River and is a short walk from the group site, amphitheater, picnic areas, hiking trails, the historic Gifford house and orchards. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (435) 425-3791. 

[1]: https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/nature/geology.htm
[2]: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/trailguide.htm
[3]: https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/fremont-culture-petroglyphs.htm
[4]: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/scenicdrive.htm
[5]: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/visitorcenter.htm
[6]: https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/orchards.htm
[7]: https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/giffordhomestead.htm
[8]: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/upload/Fruita-Campground-Map-and-site-info-Nov-2018.pdf

Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Torrey. Torrey is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Torrey, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Torrey

The Best Camping Near Torrey, Utah

We stayed at one of the walk in tent sites where were in a large field. The area is very neat with an orchard, wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The sites were not overly secluded, but the park seemed quiet enough for the amount of people there. Capitol Reef National Park seemed less busy than the other Utah National Parks and we really enjoyed our hiking adventures in the park as well as the camping opportunities.

beautiful field walk-in

Near the park entrance there are three loops for camping. Sites aren't super private but the setting more than makes up for that. No showers, but bathrooms and water available. All sites were first come, first served. We were there in July and they filled up pretty quick. I would recommend getting there early grabbing a site, then taking off for your day. There are multiple trails near by, a fruit orchard to one side and the river on the other. There was a small stage area with ranger programs, as well. We were next to an apple orchard so it was a pretty relatively quiet spot in the campground.  Orchards in the middle of the high desert made for a unique setting for this campground.  Sites included a fire pit and picnic table. Wood could be purchased in the park. While at the park I would definitely recommend checking out the Cassidy Arch and Cohab Canyon Trails. Cohab was across from the campground and while it was a steep initial climb, if offered amazing views and slot canyon adventures.

Orchards in the High Desert 

We did not read up on Capitol Reef before heading there and we were greatly surprised! Especially when the mule deer strolled through camp! Nice tent spaces, wonderful orchards offer "you pick" at great prices. You can't beat the homemade pies either! this place is a hidden treasure! Was not very crowded in September and we met some wonderful folks. Facilities were kept up real well!

A wonderful place to stay

This place does not have much for amenities, it just has water and bathrooms, however this place was such a wonderful place to camp! There were so many mule deers that were wandering around throughout the camp ground, and there was also a lively orchard neat that would let you pick some fruits, it was a great experience

Wonderful place to visit 

This park and camping area are underrated and so amazing! We love camping here because despite being in the desert, this campground is super shady because it is filled with fruit trees and near everything you'll want to do in Capitol Reef. Another amazing thing about the fruit trees is that you can pick and eat the fruit off them and others in the park...for FREE! If you take fruit with you, a small fee is assessed, but it's tough to beat free apples, pears, etc while camping. This is a large campground, but it's the only established one in Capitol Reef, so get there early to claim a spot. 

Camping in an Orchard!

Having the campground amidst the orchard is a beautiful thing. Should've planned my stay around harvest time! Very close to the Cohab canyon trail, one to hike for sure! Be sure to stop by the lil cabin nearby delectable pies and a bit of history.  My new favorite Utah national park. 

Perfect

This is a nice campground with lots of trees and shade. It's located right in the middle of the park and very close to trailheads and attractions like the ancient hieroglyphics on the rock walls. We took a really nice drive scenic drive into canyons and really cool rock formations. I would like to go back here and spend some more time to explore the park. 

Nice Campground

Super underrated, since most people pass it by and go to Zion or Arches.  Still have to get here early to grab a spot, no reservations.  Kind of a bummer with the fire in the campground, only have a BBQ  but can kind of understand.  You are literally in a fruit tree groove in a valley.  Go to the Gifford House and eat everything there.  Awesome Snacks!  Great hikes and things to see.  Get it!

Capitol Reef NP!

Really an unassuming and incredible park!  Amazing hikes, they even have their own narrows.  Petroglyphs, rock bridges and you are literally camping in a fruit grove.  Go to the gift stop store with the incredible jams and salsas!  Only bumer no, camp fires just BBQs

Capitol Reef!

We stayed at the group campground. Individual sites are first come first served, but the group site can be reserved for up to 40 people. It's HUGE. It has your own private men and women's bathroom, a large wash bin, two fire pits, and two grills with covered picnic benches. It also has its own parking lot and entrance/road where you likely won't interact with other campers. Lots of trees to hammock and the ground is flat and grass. It's about a 2-5 minute drive from the visitor's center and several trail heads. I would highly recommend for large groups that want some privacy.

Spacious and Private

Capitol Reef is a hidden gem, much less foot traffic than Bryce Canyon, let alone Zion. Here you can find petroglyphs, stunning geography, and everything from easy to strenuous hikes. Personally, I highly recommend Hickman's Arch. Check it out, there's a lot of great history to be offered!

Capitol Reef

This campground is awesome. The sites are very large. There are only about 70 and they're first come first served. There is a lot of shade and a near by orchard and the Gifford house. Both within a few minutes walk. The rover runs right next to loops a and b and is a nice cool down in the heat.

Very spacious.

First come first serve. Get there in the morning to get a camp site. Awesome campground. There is a creek. Apple orchid to pick apples with the deer. Fun activity for children. Hiking trails right there for running also. Just a beautiful remote area. Our visit was peak season - Sept/oct. very busy.

Unique campground

My friends and I were looking for a nice place to camp on our way back from our excursion in Escalante and stumbled upon the Fruita campground! We all loved this place! First come first serve, which was perfect for us because we aren't the best at planning ahead. Very reasonable price, only $20 for the group for one night. Also at every site there is either a grill or bonfire pit and plenty of shade with close trees to hang up a hammock in. Overall one of the most relaxing campsites I've been too. Oh and I can't for get the orchards surrounding the campground! We didn't even pack a breakfast because we just went to the orchards and ate the apricots for free!(they do charge you $1/lb if you plan on taking the fruit on the road with you.

Who can complain about free fruit?

Beautiful views right from the campsites. Good water. Clean bathrooms. Right next to orchards. Lots of shade

Beautiful 

The main Capitol Reef campground was our second stop on a weekend getaway. It's first come first served which makes getting a site very difficult on weekends. We were at a walk in site in Loop A and it was beautiful. We had a huge tree to pitch the tent under and we felt far enough from our neighbors. Overall the campground was a little crowded and the sites were kind of on top of each other. The walk in tent sites were a nice alternative to the RV pads. We frequented the orchards and picked apples and bought pie and coffee everyday from the Gifford House. Would definitely go again! Capitol Reef remains my favorite Utah park.

Crowded but Comfortable 

We road tripped through all of Utah’s national parks this year, and were most surprised by Capitol Reef. It is probably the least popular of the parks, but it was our favorite, by far. By chance, we stayed here just as the apple crop was ripening (August), so we got to pick some of the heritage varieties that were available. We treated ourselves to baked apples over our campfire. There’s a lovely little gift shop right near the campground, and while they sell mostly souvenires and the like, they also have homemade cherry pies. The main petroglyphs are within walking distance, as are many incredible hiking trails. If you’re there on the weekend, be sure to take advantage of some of the interpretive programs. We did a full moon hike, which was really incredible.

The campground is fairly open, with some big trees for shade. There’s a river running through the back side of the campground - perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. We did see a snake on the river bank while we were wading in the water, so be warned. Amenities are very basic - just toilets and cold water - no showers.

A Desert Oasis

I've been to Capitol Reed a handful of time and every time I find something new to do and see. While it's certainly nice to visit when the fruit trees are blooming - or harvestable, but it is less busy in the winter months. During peak times there is an campground outside the park that is worth checking if you can't find room in the park.

Multiple Visits

Fruita campground is just behind the Capitol Reef NP visitor's center and right at the start of the Cohab Canyon trailhead. There are toilets and running water, but no showers, and NO cell service. 2018 is the first year the campsite is by reservations. However, it does advertise a few walk-in sites. Those site we not full when I was there even the though the entrance of the campground was marked a full. Campsite are flat, clean, and well shaded. You might be on dirt or grass. Expect the sprinklers to be running in the spring and summer. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table, and charcoal grill.

Great place to explore the park from.

Site is shaded and backs to a beautiful orchard. Picnic table and fire ring supplied and close to the bathrooms. No showers. A short walk and you can buy cinnamon rollls, several flavors of fruit pies, and sourdough bread at the Gifford House. Items sell out by 1:00 PM. Pie flavors included: cherry, apple, peach, mixed berry, and strawberry-rhubarb.

We enjoyed the 2 mile hike to Hickman Bridge just after sunrise when we had the trail to ourself. By 8 AM more people were joining us.

The roadside overlook at Panoramic Point at sunset was breathtaking. The short hikes from this trailhead were easy and quick to take in

The 10 mike scenic drive down the water pocket fold was easy to navigate. There are several pull outs for pictures. We didn’t attempt the dirt road which leads deeper into the Gorge. I would have loved to drive this slot Canyon with a 4 wheel drive vehicle, although we did see many two wheel drives making the attempt and succeeding.

Shaded, backs to an orchard. Near amphitheater. 

The past couple times I've stayed here we've arrived late in the night and gone straight to bed. Getting up at first light is one of my favorite things to do in this park. You're greeted by the beautiful red reefs on all sides that were hidden by the night. One of my favorite camp sites in the lower 48.

Picturesque

I love capital reef. All the jazz of Zion or Bryce with less of a crowd.

Utah at is finest

You know you're in a national park campground when it's quiet before quiet hours start at 10 pm. People are here to enjoy the beauty of Capitol Reef, and they're tired. And you need to get up early the next day to beat the afternoon threat of thunderstorms.

This campground has 3 loops with lots of trees...and grass!   Finding a spot for a tent (or two or three) at a site is easy. There are 5 walkin tent sites on loop B and 2 on loop C.

Site parking pads are quite large. Ours (#13) fit our vehicle and teardrop trailer side by side with lots of room in between. We had reserved this site for two nights and then moved to #8, one of the few available sites on Sunday morning. When you look at the parking pads, you may think you share yours with another site. Nope! The pads in loop C are longer but not as wide.

Drinking water and a dishwashing sink are located near each restroom (flush toilets and sinks). Showers are available for $6 at the Chuckwagon in Torrey. You can also find Wi-fi in Torrey at the Chuckwagon, Rim Rock and visitor center.

Something unique about this campground: Mulford Orchard is on the edge of loop C. You can pick your own apricots and pay $1/pound (honor system). When you are in the orchard or any of the others in town named after Mormon settlers, you can eat the fruit... for free. There's also Hickman House near loop A which sells cinnamon rolls, small pies and sourdough bread; people line up when it opens at 8 am.

You'll need to get in your car and drive to many sights, but there are a few you can hike to from the campground:

1) Cohab Canyon: It's a 3.4 mile roundtrip if you hike to Utah 24 and back, but you should go to the overlooks that are spurs off the route (which add 1.2 miles to the hike). Or continue across Rt 24 and hike to Hickman Bridge, a 1.8 mile roundtrip.

2) Fremont River trail

3) Fremont Gorge Overlook Trail, a 4+ mile roundtrip from the blacksmith's shop

4) The truly ambitious can hike to Cassidy Arch from the campground by way of Cohab Canyon, Frying Pan and Cassidy Arch Trails. I wouldn't try that in July-August when it seems like thunderstorms are possible every afternoon.

Be sure to get the Fruita area map and guide in addition to the usual NPS brochure.

National park camping at its best; close to places to explore

Unless youre going deep into canyonlands backpacking or are canyoneering in zion its hard to find peace and quiet like you can at Capitol Reef Nat'l Park. The hikes in the park are quite long and reach hidden cowboy hideaways like Cassidy Arch. The driving loop is also nice if you have limited time and want to see the entire monocline. So if the other parks are jam packed theres a decent chance you wont have to worry about crowds here!

Most serene of the big 5

This is a relative score, considering everything around here is a parched popcorn fart. The history, beauty and jade flora stands juxtapose to the harsh, dry earth rising all around. This place is an oasis and gateway to this foreboding landscape. A word to the hearty people who pioneered this land, “You toiled to reach Zion, yet you were already there.” 

The Green Between, Dude They Have Apricots

This is a typical NPS campground, but the camp hosts were extra nice. Bathrooms were clean, water fill ups, and located next to an apricot orchard, where you can pick your own dessert.

Great campground & great hosts!

This is my favorite campground by far! All facilities are well maintained, there are orchards to pick fruit in and it’s also a certified dark area. You can actually see the Milky Way here!!

Beautiful oasis in the desert!

we went here as our first stop along the mighty five and to date my favorite campground. We came in and unloaded and set up camp and then climbed up the rock formation adjacent to our site and stayed until past sunset. 

The part that makes this the best though is that you can get total darkness and see every star! One of the most humbling things you can ever see. Take a second and find a great spot to look up at the stars because it will last you a lifetime. 

Favorite Campground to Date

We visited Capital Reef National Park and it is amazing! It feels like you’re on another planet with it’s red rocks and formations. Fruits Campground is very close to the visitor center and the Gifford House. It is really quiet and very pretty but most sites are pretty close together. It seemed to us, though, anyone who was there was coming to relax and enjoy a park less visited, so it wasn’t a problem. Don’t forget to look up at night, you can see the Milky Way there.

Sites are close together but in a nice area

We got really lucky and were able to book a tent site day-of in the National Park... There are a ton of campsites here, plenty for RVs and tents alike. The site we got was a walk-in (there were 4-6 of these available). The walk-in sites have assigned parking spots and you have to walk a very short distance to get to your spot. All of them had a table and flat spot to pitch your tent, and the spots were far enough apart that you still felt like you had privacy. The bathrooms were super clean (I didn't see any showers). It was such a beautiful place to camp – the sunset over the cliffs above us was spectacular, and there was a group of deer that wandered through the sites during the evening. I would absolutely stay here again!

One of my favorite campsites to date!

Good campground and clean, you even will see deer in the campground. Great location if you enjoy some serious hiking.

Great Park to Explore

Loved this campground perfect balance of natural wonder and history. The campsites had plenty of shade and grass to play on. Great hikes near the camp and theu the park. Loved the dome off road trail. The view of jailhouse dome was breath taking 

Beautiful views deer visitors every night and fresh fruit

Great place to enjoy views of the incredible rock formations of Capitol Reef National Park. The campground is quiet, has clean bathrooms, and the nearby store sells freshly baked pies every morning. Very enjoyable.

Amazing Views

This place was amazing. Truly an oasis in the desert. Clean, big space, the orchard is in the campground, and they have drinking water, bathrooms and showers. Every morning a deer family walkes across the campsite, they own the place. We picked apples for breakfast, then went for a hike. My favorite campsite. 

Oasis in the desert

We enjoyed this campground.  Unlike the other Utah National Parks this campground was easier to book and had sites remaining for weeks after they were released. There are 3 separate loops with orchards all around.  There is lots of grass throughout the sites and where you set up your tents.  There is not much privacy in any of the sites as the trees are all very tall and the leaves are high up.  You are sitting in the canyon so the views all around are beautiful. The contrast between the lush green grass and orchards and the red rock is stunning.  It was nice being able to walk through the orchards.  There are roads along and behind several of the camp sites.  The visitor's center and historical sites are a pretty long walk along a road from the camp site.  There are not many hikes in close proximity to the campground.  It was ideal for us to drive to the trailheads and sites as the park is quite large.  The bathrooms were well kept with flushing toilets. There is a pretty serious irrigation operation running along the orchards which resulted in a fairly loud pouring water sound.

Site C 070:
Our site was at the very end of loop C.  There are dumpsters along the side of the site, and a road leading to a parking lot for the amphitheatre and orchards directly behind the site.  Luckily it was cool when were there so there was no smell, but I would imagine in the summer the smell would be unpleasant in addition to being an unwelcome view.  The road was not at all busy when we were there in October.  Across the road is an orchard which hosted several deer while we were there. The deer also seemed to roam fearlessly throughout the entire campground.  This site is as far from the bathrooms as you can get.  I would recommend a different site if you have the option due to the dumpsters. If it was the only site left I would still stay here.

Nice Campground Site C070

Cutest Campground award! Surrounded by orchards and grassy fields, this $20 a night  campground was a lovely little stop! Super clean bathrooms and wonderful sites both tent and RV (loop pictures shown) We saw deer and tons of little critters. There were horses near by which my daughter went nuts to visit! If your driving between Utah parks this is definitely a refreshing stop to make! Unfortunately we didn’t hike in the area but there was a nature center and a little store that seemed to serve some kind of food. We did see signs for hiking trails on the way out of the Park. Overall super wonderful quiet little camp! Great experience!

Little Orchard Oasis 

This is one of my favorite places to be in the summer. Red rocks and in the mist is a green lush valley. I love going and seeing the big deer in the campground and park. Lots of great hikes close and lots of things to do.

Close to town but in some remote country. This campground is so much fun. Big sites, with tables and bathrooms.

This place is heaven in the desert.

This campsite is right at the entrance to Capitol Reef NP, so it is a perfect spot for those visiting.  All of the campsites are fairly close to each other and there is not much privacy between the sites, but that is made up for by the amazing surroundings.

  

You are right in the middle of the historical town of Fruita, with the CRNP visitor center nearby.  There is also a great picnic/day use area nearby.

  

We saw a family of deer all lounging right at the campground amphitheater after we took a walk down the Fremont River Trail.

  

If you come here, you MUST take the scenic drive to the end of the Capitol Reef Gorge, and stop for a pie on your way out

Perfect Camp for Capitol Reef Visit

Fruita Campground is well laid out with plenty of room, giving the feeling of some privacy, despite the number of people around.  The tent-only walk-in area is a very large grassy area with trees for shade, picnic tables, grills, and fire pits.

  

There are plenty of restrooms spread out throughout the campground and the facilities are kept clean.

Beautiful, Convenient Location in Wooded Area

We stayed here in September 2018, in the tent area. We didn’t have reservations, but lucked into a spot. The camp hosts we had were awful, yelling at people and definitely on a power trip. But otherwise the campground is great! It’s adjacent to the fruit orchards, which you can just wander into and pick fruit for yourself! There were a lot of deer in the CG, too. Nice bathrooms with a dish sink on the outside. I definitely hope to stay here again!

Proximity to Pie

We were lucky to get a reservation at this campground as it is in the National Park. While they have no showers or cell service, the campground was nice, toilets had running water and were clean. Our particular site had a downhill slope so we had no flat ground to set our tent on, but we made it work. Great hikes in this park that I dubbed the stepchild Utah Park, the rangers are awesome, lots of activities, we were there over the Fourth of July and they had patriotic sing-a-longs along with other ranger led activities. Highly recommend this park and campground.

Fruita at capitol reef national park, July, 2019

The Fruita Campground is open year-round, and is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park.  This campground is one of the most unique ones I’ve stayed at.  The orchard 🏕 onsite for picking fruit is so cool! There are lots of trees and shade and after driving through the desert it’s crazy to find this oasis tucked back behind these big beautiful rocks 🏜.  The sites are a good size and comfortable.  You don’t have cell service but, maybe that’s your thing?  Not having to worry about email can be a plus.  There are bathrooms but, unfortunately no showers.  Definitely, a great stop while visiting all of the National parks in Utah.

The 71-site Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef. Reservations are available March 1- October 31.

Each site has a picnic table and firepit and/or above ground grill, but no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups. 

There is a RV dump and potable water fill station near the entrance to Loops A and B. 

The nightly fee is $20.00 ($10.00 for Golden Age/Senior Pass holders.


Unique and Beautiful 

Really enjoyed this campground!  Went with friends and had a great time tent camping. The campground was nothing special- nice sites, good restrooms, pretty quiet while we were there. The Capital Reef park is fabulous! Great views of rock formations :)  The fruit orchard is something different and has a cool vibe. Staff were extremely friendly.  Lots of good hiking in the area- it was easy to spend a week with friends here exploring the fantastic flora and fauna!

awesome place!

The campground is clean and as my title states, it's amazing to have shade during the summer months.   

  

Make sure you pack in what you need for food and water as the closest town is a bit of a drive.  The restrooms were clean, but there is no shower facility.

  

You are in close proximity to many hiking trails and the ranger programs we attended were well worth it especially the night sky.

  

Be sure to eat some of the fruit available in the orchards!  The apricots were amazing!

  

Would certainly recommend making a reservation

SHADE.....glorious SHADE!!!

Stayed one night, would have loved to stay more. The campsite is nestled in the bottom of the canyon in a picturesque Fruit Orchard. Water and toilets only, strict generator hours. International Dark Sky, amphitheater with multiple talks about the area daily. Runs along the River, dear everywhere enjoying the fruit. Was a favorite by kids and parents 🌲🥰

Charming Orchard, Abundant Wildlife

One of our favorite campgrounds in southern Utah nestled in the Capitol Reef National Park. We visited in mid October, the foliage was beautiful, cool temps at night, mild to warm during the day for hiking. Probably by favorite time to visit Southern Utah, otherwise it would be SO hot. 

  

Like others have mentioned its the perfect mix of historical and geological wonders. The campsite itself is pleasant with flushing toilets, dumpsters, even water refill station and RV dump if you need. All sites are flat. The inner circle of sites are close together but you can find others along the outer edges facing out that are more spacious. All of them butt up to the orchards which you can walk through and pick your own fruit if its the right season. Deer roam around the campground, graze next to your tent or trailer, they are so sweet. The best part (beyond the views of the red rock canyons above, and gentle river that flows next to it) is the Gifford House - they sell fresh baked pies, cinnamon rolls and bread daily! Get there in the Am as they sell out. IF you ask my kids the homeade pies for breakfast might have been their favorite part! LOL.

Oasis Camping in the Desert!

I've been to my fair share of campgrounds, and Fruita Campground is, hands down, the best campground I've ever been to. Why? 

  

\- greenery. Among tons of dirt and rocks, Fruita offers gorgeous greenery and trees and shade! 

\- free fruit trees. We came during peak apricot season, so we got to pick tons of free apricots for our journey to Zion after our stay here. 

\- free firewood. Let's face it - you're in the middle of the desert so there's not a ton of firewood that you can legally buy/pick. They have it for free. 

\- camp store - sells tasty pies, desserts, and more. Be sure to grab some! 

\- wildlife. We saw lots of wildlife while we were here.

\- stars. Some of the best stars I've ever seen while camping!

The BEST Campground

Beautiful campground. Very clean flush toilets even in the winter. Site A18

Loved it! 

As many national Park campgrounds, the Freda campground in Capitol reef national Park was in a very scenic location. And historic settlement in the heart of the park with dears roaming around an incredible views of the stunning rock for missions of the park all around it. However being winter, the water was turned off except for the restrooms which were heated not had only cold water. No showers and the gray water disposal area for washing stages was also closed. Sewage drain was open near the dumpsters but the water was turned off.

Great location, minimal services

The campground is very quiet at night. The sites on loop C are spaced out, i have been in other campground where you are uncomfortably too close to you neighbors. The bathrooms are clean,  not the Ritz-Carlton but you are camping so...

The Gifford house is a short walk away and they have fresh pies every morning.  I have stayed here two years in a row around the same time of the year, end of September beginning of October. The weather is great for long hikes you may need wind breaker or sweater in the mornings.

Perfect! 

Stayed a few nights in late April when all the orchards were in full bloom. The sites were spacious and the campground was quiet. Great being so close to some awesome hikes. Being in the canyon there was no cell coverage. 

Awesome Spring Camping 

This campground was so pretty and the grass around the camp was so nice to have. And it’s right by the shop where you can get pie every night after a long day of hiking, cherry pie on top of a lovely day.

Idyllic shaded campground with a side of pie 

We booked a spot for two nights about a week in advance. The spot was large and had plenty of room for the tent.

No showers but there was a tall tree to hang out camp shower from. 

There were evening programs that the park was putting on so it was really cool that it is still going on through COVID.

Mask mandates in all federal buildings.

Some good trails right from campground. Cohob canyon, Fremont river, and a mile trail to visitor center.

Beautiful and easy

Great campground located at the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park.

Camped here during the pandemic and enjoyed a very comfortable and beautiful experience.  The site I called in was in a great location near the campground hosts and the entrance.  It was very quiet even though it was completely full.

The loops within the campground are well marked and everyone was very respectful when driving or at their sites.  The views during the day are great with the fruit orchards around you, and a backdrop of the beautiful surrounding mountains.  

There is a great little store and museum (Gifford House) within the campground area.  They have fantastic fruit pies and ice cream.  The Rangers and staff are all very nice and super helpful.

At night you have a great dark sky view of the Milky Way.  You have to walk out of the tree covered campsites  onto Scenic Drive, but it's well worth it.

I also had my bike with me and rode it the next morning up the scenic drive and explored some of the areas within the National Park.  Later I drove my Jeep into the park and really got to enjoy how close the sites are to the beautiful scenery.

The orchards around the campground are available at times to pick fresh fruit.  This also draws on a lot of wildlife like the deer in my pictures.  The orchard parking got very crowded as the day went on.  If you are in the campground, you can take a walk to the orchards.

The only downside is the fact you have absolutely no cell service once into the park, and this includes the campground area.  There is wifi provided for emergencies by the hosts.  But if you need cell service, or data, you need to actually drive nearly 20 min to the town of Torrey.  The town has limited cell service as well as town wide wifi.

Even with this drawback, I would return to the Fruita Campground any time.

Hidden Spot At A Quiet Park

We camped here for two nights and loved it. Capitol Reef is my new favorite national park because it feels built for people camping. There are many trails you can access from the campground without driving. The orchards around the park are beautiful, and you will see many mule deer eating from them. P. S. get the pies from the Gifford House; they are amazing and made from fruit grown in the park!!!

Dreamy place with adorable woodland creatures 

What a nice place to stay. Sites were a good size with all the amenities. Close to some nice hikes, the orchards and the pie place the Gifford house. 

Great quiet site 

We loved the park and being able to pick fruit from the orchards. However there were tons of noisy RVs and children. No camp-host in sight.  

No tent only sites 

Very nice campground on grounds of the original homestead lands...old cabins, corals, fruit orchards, wild turkeys and deer wandering thru.  However there is NO cell signal for ATT, Verizon or T mobile.  Has dumpsters, flush toilets, water, RV dump.  However..this cg needs a good wifi network! All sites are reserved no First come first serve unless a cancellation occurs. This cg is hard to get reservations for.  

Nice serene cg 

We stayed here on a whim on our way from Arches to Zion and couldn't have been more surprised with what we saw. There was no cell service, but that was good with us. Less than 10 minutes from the campground were some spectacular petroglyphs that require absolutely no hiking, just some walking on a boardwalk. Bring your binoculars or telephoto lens because they are a distance away. The main location has one of the pay spy glass things, but we generally don't use those. 

  

The campground itself was PACKED with all varieties of campers- tents, roof top tents, small trailers, large trailers, and motorhomes. The hosts seemed to be active and visible. Toilets and dump stations were on site. Water was at the restrooms (though I'm sure there are hookup sites, we just didn't need one.) 

  

The history of the campground was what really took us by surprise. A mormon settlement came through and created an orchard that still exists today. During certain seasons you can pick the fruit (probably best to ask the host or the visitor center first, though!)

Heart of Capitol Reef National Park surrounded by history and Petroglyphs! 

While there is a group campsite here. We stayed in one of the 70 individual sites. As with many NPs there was no electric service, but the bathrooms were clean and there was running water and an RV dump station in the campground. Each site has a fairly level gravel drive, a picnic table and fire/bbq grill. We put a hammock up in two trees by our site. We were here in the fall with lots of colorful leaves. In the early morning, I saw wild turkeys roaming the campground. The Fruit historic site with fruit orchards and the Gifford House Museum and store are nearby. As we were in the off season, we had our choice of sites.

Fruita Campground in Capitol Reef National Park

Great spot, very clean all of the amenities that you need including potable water. 

Very Nice Campground

Great little campground in the park. Trails right from the campground. Bathrooms were warm which was nice for the cold nighttime temps. Our site got great sun all day to charge our solar easily. Camphost was very nice. Henrietta the turkey was a fun camp mascot.

Beautiful place

From helpful camp hosts to spectacular views this campground exceeded our expectations. Great hiking trails from campground. Clean bathrooms.  $25 /night

We liked it so much we extended our stay

**General:** This is likely the most popular campground in the park and has three loops. Our friends made reservations exactly 6 months ahead (the earliest date possible) and we were lucky to snag two sites. The campground was completely full on a weekend at the end of April and continued to be full on Monday night. 

  

**Site Quality/Facilities:** Each site has a double-wide concrete pad that can easily accommodate a camper and an extra vehicle. The picnic table and fire pit are also on concrete. Some sites have a bbq but not all of them do. The sites do not have a lot of separation, but we did not feel crowded. Generators are allowed so there will be noise but despite it being full with lots of kids and dogs, the campground was quiet (not counting generator use). Several hiking trails are accessible directly from the campground as is the Gifford House, which sells delicious pies and cinnamon rolls.

  

**Bathhouse:** Basic National Park bathhouse. No hooks but soap and paper towels provided. No showers. It was clean.

  

**Activities/Amenities:** Hiking! We hiked the Cohab Canyon trail, accessed directly across the street from Loops A and B and continued on to the Hickman Bridge Trail for a moderately strenuous 6-mile roundtrip hike. The Fremont River Trail is a one-mile out and back trail accessed directly from Loops A and B. We also hiked the Chimney Rock Trail, but you have to drive to the trailhead from the campground. There is an amphitheater with daily programs led by volunteers which were very informative. The Gifford House is within (too easy) walking distance from Loops A and B – the pies and cinnamon rolls will have you wanting to hike to burn off the calories but get there early– the cinnamon rolls sold out within 10 minutes of opening up at 8 am on the Saturday we were there so we made sure we were waiting in line before it opened on Sunday! 

  

Capitol Reef completes our tour of Utah’s“rock” national parks and it was stunning– well worth a visit.

Great campground within Capitol Reef NP

We drove through all 3 loops of this campground on a Saturday, and every single site was marked as “reserved.” Luckily we checked with the host, just in case, and they had several spots available! Not sure why they mark the free sites as reserved. 

  

There are flush toilets (as well as vault toilets), no showers, potable water and a dump station. There are trash bins and recycling (aluminum and plastic only, no glass). Generator hours are limited to 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening, which is nice, but boy do all the generators get fired up right on cue when it’s time. 

  

This campground is within walking distance to several trails, the pie and gift shop, the schoolhouse and petroglyphs along hwy 24, and the visitor center is about a mile away. 

  

Deer trot right on through the campground, and the surrounding orchards are open for picking at harvest time. There’s no cell service anywhere in this area but the visitor center has free wifi.

If It Looks Full, Check With Host! 

Thie sites in this campground are now $25/night. This is a beautiful campground with lots of shade trees. Some sites are shaded all day long. There are 3 loops. Loop A and B seem to have the most campsites and it's a little louder. The sites in loop C are more spread out.  The campground is well maintained and clean. There's a lovely walking path along the Fremont River that goes from the campground to the Gifford house (the store with the pies) and on to the visitor center. There is no cell reception at the campground, but the Visitor Center has free wifi and is a little more than a mile away. I was told there are public showers in Torrey (11 miles away), but I did not check them out.

Beautiful campground

We loved the campground.  Easy access to trails, the scenic drive, Gifford House.  We were there April 9 for 5 days and it was a busy campground.  If visiting Capitol Reef(which is amazing) stay here.

Capitol Reef 

Fruita campground is amazing and very well kept. There is potable water and flushing toilets! The sites are very clean and come with a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Some sites have trees close enough to hammock but definitely not all of them. It’s such a lovely campground!

Very well maintained

Capitol reef is such an interesting park and so much less crowded than the others in Utah. You’ll see a lot of the same impressive red rocks but fruita is located near the orchards which is such a nice oasis. It’s still the desert, so don’t expect tons of privacy or shade. But the spaces are nice enough and perfect drive into the rest of the park!

Beautiful spot in the middle of the desert!

Wonderful campground inside of the National Park down the road from the visitors center. Gets you a great start to your day on whatever hike you choose to do the morning you wake up. No showers, but we’ll taken care of. The signs all said “No Vacancy” but we tried anyways and the staff gave us one of the few extra spots!

Great Campground

Located amongst working orchards. This campground is nature forward. Deer and turkey may visit your campsite . No hookups. Make sure you get the pie.

Wonderful location

Bathroom was so clean and heated! The campground was well maintained, very close to the scenic route and multiple trailheads. We even shared a view with an old barn and three horses

Peacefull

Cute campground great national park but in winter the electric boxes are locked against use. No public water and most of the historic attractions are closed

Better for summer/spring

Camp Hosts are super laid back and helpful.

Early April

great views, very close to the CRNP visitors center, fantastic pie, and insanely close deer. would for sure come back

great site

I enjoyed camping here, but there were a lot of people close together.  What I loved: picking fruit in the orchard, ranger talks and flush toilets. What I didn't love: setting up a tent in 30 mph winds, blowing dirt, close range neighbors who feel the need to shout all their words from 6 am to 11 pm. If you want that National Park experience, this is a great place, but should you be unlucky enough to land next to an obnoxious group there is no buffer.

Unique park serving a lot of people 

This is a wonderful campground next door to some of the prettiest hikes Capitol Reef has to offer. However, our site (B40) did not seem  appropriate for tent camping. There is no tent pad, the area surrounding the parking bay is not leveled, and it has no grass or gravel, only red dirt which turns into mud very quickly. Additionally, the site is downhill from the surrounding sites so any amount of rain will turn the site (including the blacktop) into a mud bath. At the same time, it must be a good RV camping spot as the bay is huge with lots of shade during most of the day.

Great campground - watch out for summer mudslides affecting some spots...

Absolutely wonderful experience staying at this campground. Tucked away at the bottom of the canyon, under age old trees, it is very quiet (i believe it prohibits generators) and yet lively. NP has a lot of programs for all ages, the bathrooms are clean and heated, and the people were very respectful of each other. I fell asleep under the sky full of giant stars to the music of the flowing waters of Fremont river. This was probably as close to how the Pioneers experienced this oasis when they came upon it, as one can get. 

Pure joy

Fall colours in all their splendour, deer at our fence, stroll to the Gifford house for pies and souvenirs…couldn’t have hoped for more!


Beautiful and peaceful 

Stayed for two nights in September 2024. Close to park attractions. Fantastic nighttime telescope activity on Friday night.  No hookups but potable water and dump station available.  No showers.  

Shady

1/2 off with an America the Beautiful pass. I got lucky and I was able to reserve a spot on short notice and it was one of the best spots for a truck camper which was right next to the tent camping area. Site 42.
It is crowded! The sites are right next to each other. More like a really nice RV park..sort of. Normally I don't do NP campgrounds for this reason. I just needed one night before finding some disbursed sites. 
As with other National Parks like Bryce or Zion, if you plan to see the sites more than camping then get a motel or cabin. 
I will say, it is in a beautiful location.
 

Great location 

Well spaced, paved camping sites in a shaded campground.  Fruit orchards all around with the Fremont River flowing nearby.  Heated bathrooms that are spotless.  Stop by the Gifford house for fresh baked pies. As of October 2024, the visitor center parking lot is still under construction, and the scenic drive is closed for the same.  Also.  Make a campsite reservation before you arrive as there are no payment stations in the campground.  If you don't the visitor center has Wi-Fi as there is no cell service in the park.  Oh. And loop C is the only campground that allows generators.  Enjoy Capitol Reef. 

Unique NP camping.  

campground was very clean &amp; well maintained. tons of spots with paved areas for big rigs. stargazing was incredible! 

cute little capitol reef stay

In the heart of capital reef national park, this campground offers s absolutely beautiful!  Our tent is currently surrounded by red rock structures on 3 sides, along with a horse stable, and… a fruit orchard.
This venue is surreal.

Amazing location!

Clean and quaint imbedded in historical area. Sites are on top of each other. Right inside the park and convenient to everything in the park. No showers. Grey water backed up into the bathroom sinks while I was there. Nice flat paved parking pad in site. 

Convenient “city” camping

This is one of our new favorite campgrounds! We stayed in loop C and there was plenty of shade to stay cool. There were also lots of people cooling off in the river that runs through the campground. There were abundant mule deer that walked through the campsite. Bathrooms were clean and they also provided potable water and a dishwashing station. The campground also backs up to an orchard with a brook running through it. Lots to do in walking distance. 

Beautiful Campground! 

Very nice campsite with a lot of space for tents

Very nice

Last minute res when all e cancelled. Very clean. Lovely camp hosts. Bathrooms great. No showers just fyi

Great spot

It would have been better had I pulled my camper.  Tent sites are out of the way.  No shower which makes it tough after a long day of hiking.  Bathrooms are clean and warm (November).  Sites with grass are covered in deer scat otherwise sites are dirt/clay.  If you run your engine for even a few minutes the host will tell you to shut it off bc it counts as a generator which are only allowed in loop C.

You are ver

Great access to park but mediocre camping

Good campsite with flush and pit toilets nearby. Great for tent camping. 4 stars, even though I'm not picky, no shower options available. Easy to access and get permitted for.

Photos of Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

Real photos from real campers