Camping near Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Camping near Capitol Reef National Park in Utah is worth the drive to the state’s south-central desert. Located a few miles away from Torrey, UT, the nearby campgrounds are the perfect place to stay before spending a day or more exploring all of the natural wonders in the park. It’s also some of the best camping in the state with campsites designed to accommodate single campers, groups or RVs. Spend the day marveling at the stunning rock formations that include pristine white sandstone domes like the Capitol Dome the park is named for, as well as Hickman Bridge, the Chimney Rock pillar and the thousand-year-old Fremont Petroglyphs.

Best Camping Sites Near Capitol Reef National Park (192)

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Recent Reviews near Capitol Reef National Park

833 Reviews of 192 Capitol Reef National Park Campgrounds



Guide to 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!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Capitol Reef National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Capitol Reef National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 192 campgrounds and RV parks near Capitol Reef National Park and 100 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Capitol Reef National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Capitol Reef National Park is Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 100 free dispersed camping spots near Capitol Reef National Park.

  • What parks are near Capitol Reef National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Capitol Reef National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.