Fruita Campground is the only developed campground inside Capitol Reef National Park, with 71 sites along the Fremont River. It books through recreation.gov, and reservations are recommended from March through October when demand peaks. The campground has flush toilets, water, and fire grates, but no hookups. Sites fill weeks to months in advance for spring and fall weekends. Torrey-area free dispersed sites are a practical alternative about 11 miles west of the park entrance, on BLM land with no fees and no reservation requirements.
Developed campgrounds in Torrey and Bicknell give a middle-ground option between in-park and fully primitive camping. Both towns are within about 10-11 miles of the park entrance and have private campgrounds with water and defined sites that book more easily than Fruita. Torrey has the most options. Capitol Reef dispersed camping covers BLM land on multiple sides of the park where free sites are spread across dirt roads, with no water or restrooms on-site.
The Waterpocket Fold creates a 100-mile reef through the park's center. Access to the south end near Notom-Bullfrog Road requires high-clearance and adds time to any day-trip plan from Torrey. Check current road conditions before driving any unpaved route inside or outside the park boundary.
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Round 1 of 5
$25 / night
"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."
"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."
"This is a very popular area that's conveniently situated between Torrey and Capitol Reef National Park."
"this is a nice spot with lots of space close to capitol reef national park. showed up on a monday afternoon and had a lot of choice of spot, made it up just fine in a subaru legacy. lots of trailers, so"
"Quiet beautiful place right off highway 24 and so close to Capitol Reef National Park entrance."
"After visiting two very popular Utah parks -- Zion and Bryce Canyon -- Capitol Reef was a breath of fresh air."
$25 - $110 / night
"Adjacent to Capital Reef National Park. $20/night. Only negative was that a lot of rigs were using generators (!)"
"Some campsites are great, with shade and a creek that travels next to the tents. Others, particularly in the center of the loop, are not as glamorous."
"Small, but clean and friendly RV Park very conveniently located to Capitol Reef National Park."
"As promised, clean and great little spot near Capitol reef national Park."
"This one does not, and I believe it is Utah state land that is managed by SITLA . (Google that if you want.). Anyway it was Wednesday October 21, and we pulled in here about 2 PM."
"It’s very close to the highway but not noisy and is quiet and dark at night. It’s a beautiful setting with classic southern Utah red cliffs as your backdrop."
"Set amid the orchards developed by Mormon pioneers in 1880 it offers easy access to all Capitol Reef offers: history and the beauty of the outdoors."
"We chanced upon this location as we exited Capital Reef eastbound and were starting to look for a place to stop for the night. "
"Easy access to downtown Torrey & Capitol Reef National Park."
"Amazing vista point to look down into capitol reef national park or Torrey. Close to town with great cell signal. Close to National Park."
"The views of the canyons are breathtaking and very close to downtown Torrey. The sites are well maintained and groomed daily, as well as clean. The staff are very friendly, welcoming, and helpful."
"This is one of the nicest camp spots around. Close to town but close to the boulder mountains. Full hook ups for trailers. Cabins you can rent, and tent spots. Best views in Utah."
$20 - $65 / night
"The spots on the edge looking over the field toward the cliffs were more secluded and nice, but very windy."
"Close to a bike/ ohv trail. Restaurant next door. Great view"
GuideThis place is beautiful. It is very rustic but even had some flush toilets. The sites are small and if you have a unit bigger than 25 ft you would have trouble. We fit with out teardrop just fine. The hike to the falls is 6 miles round trip and totally worth it. A great campground to base out of for several hikes. The coffee shop 1miles south on 12 is the best we’ve been at.
GuideThe previous review still apply; facilities are clean and well maintained, staff is friendly. While the spaces are close to each other, they are angled so you aren't necessarily looking out your window and into your neighbor's window. Also, the park wisely put wooden fences between sites so you aren't stepping out your door and into your neighbor's sewage pipe. Washers and dryers all in good working order, bathrooms and showers exceptionally clean.
TravelerI have an AWD camper van. Great place to camp and spectacular views, and it’s not far off paved road close to Goblin Valley State Park.
RangerI’m not much of an RV park person, so the tight spacing here threw me—the sites are so close together. We lucked out, though, with a perimeter site and a lovely view of the mesas (buttes?) behind us. The bathrooms were clean, and the people running check-in and the well-stocked camp store were friendly and helpful. We also had dinner at the onsite BBQ restaurant, which was convenient after a day on the road. This park also provided a good jump-off spot for exploring Capitol Reef. For a one-night stopover, though, it was pricey, and I think I’d choose something different next time.
TravelerThe wash itself is a playground for motorcycles and off road vehicles.
GuideSo many spots with a wide hard packed gravel road - some close in and some way down the road. Great Tmobile and Verizon service. We opted for one if the first spots on the right coming in because it was easy to turn around our towed vehicle.
GuideWe've stayed here in our hard-sided travel trailer on three occasions. The campground is a large dirt parking lot, divided into 12 campsites. There are two group sites, one at each end, and 10 individual sites. The individual sites are very generously sized, and include picnic tables and fire rings.
The campground has two sets of restrooms, but no water or dumpsters. No cell service, but a parking area on high ground about a mile east allows intermittent signal for cell searches.
The main appeal of this campground is the location (and the cost - $7.50 w/ Senior Pass). Hanksville, Goblin Valley State Park, Factory Butte, Mars Research Station, Bentonite Hills, Moonscape Overlook, Horseshoe Canyon, and many slot canyons are day trips from this home base.
ScoutThis is a small campground a little outside the town. Very well kept, super nice hosts and the best showers I have encountered.
ScoutThis is a full service, very nicely appointed and maintained rv campground. With a nice gift shop and aBBQ restaurant on site
Camping in Capitol Reef National Park includes options at both high and low elevations, with some campgrounds sitting at 8,000 feet while others rest at 5,500 feet in the desert valleys. The temperature differential between these elevations can exceed 20°F, providing refuge from summer heat for those willing to drive to higher ground. Most dispersed camping areas lack facilities but offer minimal light pollution for superior stargazing conditions.
Fruit picking in historic orchards: Capitol Reef maintains working orchards from the pioneer settlement of Fruita, where visitors can pick seasonal fruit. "In the heart of capital reef national park, this campground offers 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," notes a camper at Fruita Campground.
Creek hikes with waterfalls: Several trails follow creek beds with natural waterfalls. "Awesome place to camp when you can't get a spot at Capitol Reef. It's a 15 minute drive away from a great hike to a waterfall and you can swing over to Capitol Reef in about 40 minutes," explains a visitor to Lower Bowns.
Dark sky viewing: The minimal light pollution makes astronomy activities particularly rewarding. "The night sky was magnificent and may have made up for our inability to shower for a couple days. We were the only ones in the park, winter camping. It's located in a dark sky area, so the skies are clear and the air is clean," reports a winter visitor to Route 24 Dispersed Camping.
Elevation options for temperature control: Higher elevation sites provide relief from desert heat. "Not a far drive to Capitol Reef and much higher in elevation in the mountains so it was a nice relief from the heat," explains a camper at Singletree.
Accessible dispersed camping: Free camping options near the park offer surprising accessibility. "Plenty of great spots with fire rings for all types of vehicles. We brought our 26ft Class C Motorhome here although we were towing a dolly and our drop hitch did get stuck on a steep part and we had to dig it out. But, we just got a little overzealous with the clearance. There are plenty of spots that are easily accessible," notes a visitor to Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed.
Wildlife encounters: Wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience. "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," shares a visitor at Fruita Campground.
Seasonal facility closures: Some campgrounds close amenities during shoulder seasons. "Located in Torrey, Utah this RV park was a great place to stay when visiting Capitol Reef National Park. The National Park was a 10 minute drive away. They're still open in the Winter, but we didn't find out they closed their showers and bathrooms until we were told upon arrival (They close 10/31)," cautions a visitor to Sand Creek RV.
High winds at dispersed sites: Exposed plateau locations experience strong winds. "This is a great spot not far at all from the Park. You're up on a beautiful bluff but we won't stay again due to relentless wind. Zero wind in the park just a 15 min drive away but the wind here was just terrible. I feel sorry for the tent campers!" warns a camper at Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed.
Limited water sources: Bring your own water for dispersed camping areas. "Great dispersed camping right outside the west side of the park in a beautiful area next to a small canyon. Plenty of room, accessible with low clearance car. There are porta potties on site that were cleaned the morning we got there! I also had service which was nice," notes a visitor to Route 24 Dispersed Camping.
Seek shaded sites: Summer heat makes shade critical for comfort. "This campground was clean and calm. We liked having the store on site, and the drive to Capitol was an easy one. The staff was very friendly, the showers and bathrooms were very clean, and we loved the open lawn in the middle," recommends a family staying at Thousand Lakes RV Park.
Consider wind protection for tents: Many campgrounds have wind barriers for tent sites. "Very nice campsite with a lot of space for tents," notes a visitor to Fruita Campground, though at more exposed sites, "The site had nice views but is very exposed and very very windy which means we kept time outside of the van to a minimum as it wasn't very relaxing. There are wooden shelters for tent spots to mitigate the wind," explains a camper at Sand Creek RV.
Look for recreation areas: Some campgrounds offer additional activities for children. "There is a restaurant on site, small park for the kids, basketball court and dog walk area. The sites are very close no privacy," reports a visitor to Thousand Lakes RV Park.
Site selection for privacy: The perimeter sites typically offer more seclusion. "We were able to drive up on a high ridge of the pull-out area that the RVs could not easily access, so we felt alone and watched the gorgeous sunsets from our campsite each night," explains a visitor to Route 24 Dispersed Camping.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "No issues finding a spot for our 30ft 5th wheel. Very quiet and right off the highway. Plenty of spots mostly level. Can be very windy. Good t-mobile coverage," reports an RVer at Overlook Point.
Road conditions for larger rigs: Many access roads require caution. "Easy to find & pretty smooth road to some nice spots. Beautiful view! Easy access to downtown Torrey & Capitol Reef National Park," shares a visitor to Overlook Point, while another camper warns, "The road is a little rough in spots, so slow is good."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish while camping in Capitol Reef National Park?
Yes, fishing opportunities exist near Capitol Reef National Park, primarily along the Fremont River which flows through the park. Fremont River Dispersed Site offers camping right on the water just outside the park boundaries, providing convenient access for anglers. The Fremont River contains trout and other fish species, though fishing is subject to Utah state fishing regulations, including license requirements. Pleasant Creek, near Dispersed Campsite Near Capital Reef National Park, also offers fishing opportunities. Remember that while fishing is permitted, you'll need a valid Utah fishing license, which can be purchased online or from local retailers in nearby towns like Torrey.
Are there private campgrounds near Capitol Reef National Park?
Yes, several private campgrounds are located near Capitol Reef National Park. Wonderland RV Park is a small, clean, and friendly option conveniently situated close to the park entrance, offering full hookups for RVers. Sunglow Campground provides another excellent option about 15-20 minutes from Capitol Reef, though tent sites are somewhat small and may require setting up on gravel spots. These private campgrounds offer amenities not available at park campgrounds, including reliable utilities and services. Most are located near the town of Torrey, making them convenient bases for exploring the national park while having access to additional services and restaurants.
What state parks offer camping options near Capitol Reef?
While there are no Utah state parks with campgrounds immediately adjacent to Capitol Reef National Park, several dispersed camping areas on public lands provide alternatives. South Temple Wash Campground offers multiple dispersed sites along dirt roads and remains available even during busy periods like holiday weekends. Overlook Point Dispersed Site provides beautiful views of both Capitol Reef and Torrey with good cell reception. For those willing to venture further, Goblin Valley State Park (about 1.5 hours from Capitol Reef) offers developed campsites among unique hoodoo formations. Thousand Lake Mountain area also provides forest service campgrounds within driving distance of Capitol Reef, offering a cooler alpine camping experience during summer months.
What campgrounds are available within Capitol Reef National Park?
Capitol Reef National Park offers Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park as its main developed campground. This scenic campground features quiet surroundings, clean bathrooms, and beautiful views of the park's impressive rock formations. Located in a historic orchard setting, Fruita provides walk-in tent sites in a large field area. The campground tends to be less crowded than other national parks, and visitors can enjoy freshly baked pies sold at the nearby store each morning. For those seeking more primitive options, backcountry camping is permitted with a free permit from the visitor center. The park also allows dispersed camping in designated areas along the Notom-Bullfrog Road and Cathedral Valley.
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