Dispersed camping areas near Capitol Reef National Park sit between 5,500-6,000 feet in elevation, contributing to rapid temperature fluctuations. During summer months, daytime temperatures in these rustic sites often exceed 90°F while dropping into the 40s at night. The terrain consists primarily of high desert landscape with juniper trees providing limited shade in select locations.
What to do
Explore Pleasant Creek: Take a day hike directly from Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping into the park's backcountry areas. As one camper noted, "Lots of parking, easy access" and "the sites towards the end of the road are near a hike into Capitol Reef so you can access from camp."
Watch for wildlife: Early mornings at dispersed sites offer opportunities to spot desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various raptors. Many campers report seeing wildlife during first light. "The sound of a nearby creek is nice to listen to before you fall asleep" and provides watering spots for local wildlife.
Night photography: Capitol Reef's designation as an International Dark Sky Park makes these dispersed areas excellent for astrophotography without park entrance fees. The sites along Notom Road provide unobstructed views of the night sky. "No cell service" at many of these locations means minimal light pollution for optimal stargazing.
What campers like
Accessibility to town services: Most dispersed camping areas are within 15-20 minutes of Torrey, where you can find restaurants and basic supplies. One visitor at Overlook Point Dispersed Site appreciated this convenience: "Easy access to downtown Torrey & Capitol Reef National Park."
Unique landscape views: Each camping area offers distinct perspectives of the park's geological features. "Panoramic views of mountains and terrain" are common at sites along Notom Road. At one site, a camper mentioned, "You're up on a beautiful bluff" with excellent visibility of the surrounding formations.
Rock climbing: Intermediate climbing areas exist near several dispersed sites with routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.11 in difficulty. From Capitol Reef Dispersed Camping, you can access climbing areas with a short drive. One climber shared, "Easy access off Notom rd just before cottonwood wash" to reach climbing spots.
What you should know
Tent stakes and wind protection: Standard tent stakes often fail in the hard desert ground and high winds. A camper at Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed warned, "100% recommend the views and quiet are amazing. Very windy!!!! I would be cautious of tent placement."
Wildlife concerns: Small rodents can damage vehicles at some locations. One camper reported, "a rat crawled up into our warm engine bay and chewed through our fuel injector copper wires. Had to spend the whole afternoon in Bicknell at Park Auto supply fixing the damage."
Water availability: All dispersed sites require you to bring your own water. The nearest reliable water source is in Torrey, with some gas stations offering potable water for a small fee. "We stopped and got wood at the gas station .8 miles up the road. 8.50$ a bundle."
Cell service variations: Signal strength varies dramatically between sites. Eastern sites typically have no service while western sites report stronger connections. "Great cell service I was in 5G 2 bars so a really good connection" at Beas Lewis Flat, while sites near Pleasant Creek report "No cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Areas with natural barriers and distance from drop-offs provide safer environments. Large Dispersed Campsite off BLM 0151 offers "Nicely spaced trees" and "Room for several rigs" creating natural play areas away from cliffs.
Educational opportunities: Several sites contain visible geological features that correspond with educational materials available at the visitor center. "Stunning red rock scenery!" provides hands-on learning about the area's formation.
Protection from elements: Sites with natural windbreaks provide more comfortable family camping. "We camped down in the gully a little to get out of the wind. Beautiful view of thousand lake mountain and surrounding red rock."
Accessibility from main roads: With children, sites requiring minimal off-road travel reduce travel stress. "It's also 12 minutes from capitol reef. Local restaurant has good food, gas station has water fill."
Tips from RVers
Approach angles: Many sites require careful navigation of dips and washes. At Fremont Granary Site, "Roads are good but it was very hard for us to turn around. It's absolutely beautiful tho." Another RVer noted, "Tight and only one spot for rv."
Site selection for larger rigs: Bigger RVs should scout locations before committing. "We found a very scenic spot to camp here! It's pretty popular" so arriving early increases options for larger vehicles.
Leveling challenges: Most sites require leveling blocks. "Not all are level but you have to look for the flat ones. Stunning views." Prepare with sufficient leveling equipment, especially for longer stays.
Road surface conditions: Seasonal changes affect road quality substantially. "The road is a little bumpy in some spots but our 27'rv did just fine, we just drove slow." After rain, many access roads become temporarily impassable even for 4WD vehicles.
