Camping near Capitol Reef National Park

Camping near Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers rave about the hikes near the Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park, with one reviewer saying, "This campground is next door to some of the prettiest hikes Capitol Reef has to offer."
• Stargazing: The clear night skies make for fantastic stargazing. A visitor at the same campground shared, "Fantastic nighttime telescope activity on Friday night," highlighting the area's dark skies.
• Fruit Picking: At Fruita, you can pick fruit in the orchard. One camper mentioned, "What I loved: picking fruit in the orchard," making it a fun activity for families.

What campers like:

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of the area. A review from Calf Creek Campground noted, "This is a peaceful little desert oasis," which is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
• Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Lake View Campground — Escalante State Park said, "This campground had thermostat-controlled bathrooms and had the cleanest showers I’ve encountered so far."
• Great Views: The scenery is a big draw. One camper at Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed remarked, "The views are amazing & hearing coyotes off in the distance gave some cool ambiance."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities. A reviewer noted, "No toilet, picnic tables or garbage bins. Very primitive."
• Windy Conditions: Be prepared for windy weather, especially at dispersed sites. A camper at Route 24 Dispersed Camping - Capitol Reef mentioned, "Extremely windy which made it impossible to cook food."
• Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Wonderland RV Park advised, "Need to arrive early to get a spot."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Established Campgrounds: Sites like Lake View Campground — Escalante State Park offer amenities that make family camping easier. One family shared, "Lots of activities for kids... We even stayed in overflow right on the lake."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to include activities like hiking and fruit picking. A camper at Fruita Campground said, "Deer at our fence, stroll to the Gifford house for pies and souvenirs… couldn’t have hoped for more!"
• Bring Entertainment: Since some sites are remote, having games or books can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Calf Creek Campground noted, "It was perfectly quiet down there," making it a great place to relax.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Canyons of Escalante RV Park mentioned, "Sites are dirt with trees and just about enough space for a slide on one side and an awning on the other."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, consider places like Wonderland RV Park, which offers full hookups. A reviewer said, "Great full hook up option."
• Be Prepared for Dust: Some dispersed sites can be dusty. A visitor at Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping - Grand Staircase Nat Mon noted, "Very full mid week late September. Quiet. At 2 miles in, found spot above cliff providing panoramic views."

Camping near Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the area while enjoying various outdoor activities. Just be prepared for the unique conditions and amenities each campground offers!