Top Glamping near Capitol Reef National Park

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 Glamping Sites Near Capitol Reef National Park, UT (15)

    Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    1. Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    81 Reviews
    372 Photos
    172 Saves

    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, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles (160 km). The Fruita Campground has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable from March 1 to October 31. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Sites 14, 24, and 63 are accessible sites with electrical hookups. Beginning August 1, 2023 generators are only allowed in loop C. There are no first come first serve sites during peak season.

    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 to explore your options.Enjoy the geology and view the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs along Hwy 24. In addition, the Scenic Drive 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 for a current schedule of interpretive programs, which may include geology talks, Fremont culture talks, evening programs, star gazing, moonwalks, and geology hikes. Stop in at Ripple Rock Nature Center to experience interactive exhibits, games, activities, and free educational programs.__ Wander through the historic Fruita Orchards 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 store and museum.

    Facilities

    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 to explore your options.Enjoy the geology and view the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs along Hwy 24. In addition, the Scenic Drive 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 for a current schedule of interpretive programs, which may include geology talks, Fremont culture talks, evening programs, star gazing, moonwalks, and geology hikes. Stop in at Ripple Rock Nature Center to experience interactive exhibits, games, activities, and free educational programs.__ Wander through the historic Fruita Orchards 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 store and museum.

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wonderland RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wonderland RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wonderland RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wonderland RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wonderland RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wonderland RV Park

    2. Wonderland RV Park

    22 Reviews
    71 Photos
    99 Saves

    Wonderland RV Park is the perfect spot to hang your hat while you explore Capitol Reef National Park, after all, we've been welcoming guests to the wonders of Southern Utah since 1934.

    We're located at the junction of Scenic Byway 24 and All American Highway 12 – just three miles away from Capitol Reef. We provide outstanding amenities to ensure that your stay is both comfortable and convenient. Come stay with us, and discover why we're Capitol Reef's Best RV Park. So welcome to Southern Utah. Welcome to Wonderland.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground

    3. Goblin Valley State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    334 Photos
    478 Saves

    The campground at Goblin Valley State Park consists of 25 sites and two yurts. Goblin Valley camping is divided into ten walk-in tent pads, fourteen RV spaces, and one group site able to accommodate up to 35 people. Showers and flush toilets, as well as a communal water and dump station are all available free of charge. All sites contain a picnic table, metal fire ring, and shade shelter.

    Cowboys searching for cattle first discovered secluded Goblin Valley. Then in the late 1920s, Arthur Chaffin, owner/operator of the Hite ferry, and two companions were searching for an alternative route between Green River and Caineville. They came to a vantage point about a mile west of Goblin Valley and were awed by what they saw, five buttes and a valley of strange-shaped rock formations surrounded by a wall of eroded cliffs.

    In 1949, Chaffin returned to the area he called Mushroom Valley. He spent several days exploring the mysterious valley and photographing its scores of intricately eroded creatures. The area was acquired by the state of Utah and in 1964 was officially designated a state park.

    Goblin Valley State Park is a showcase of geologic history. Exposed cliffs reveal parallel layers of rock bared by erosion. Because of the uneven hardness of sandstone, some patches resist erosion much better than others. The softer material is removed by wind and water, leaving thousands of unique, geologic goblins. Water erosion and the smoothing action of windblown dust work together to shape the goblins.

    Bedrock is exposed because of the thin soil and lack of vegetation. When rain does fall, there are few plant roots and little soil to capture and hold the water, which quickly disappears, in muddy streams without penetrating the bedrock.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents

    4. Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents

    14 Reviews
    23 Photos
    77 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Lakes RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Lakes RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Lakes RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Lakes RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Lakes RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Lakes RV Park

    5. Thousand Lakes RV Park

    12 Reviews
    59 Photos
    88 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunglow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunglow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunglow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunglow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunglow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunglow Campground

    6. Sunglow Campground

    11 Reviews
    32 Photos
    112 Saves

    Overview

    Sunglow Campground is located in a scenic red rock box canyon just 2 miles from Bicknell, Utah. Visitors enjoy exploring local trails and day-tripping to Capitol Reef National Park. View Sunglow Campground Map __

    Recreation

    Many miles of trails for hiking, biking and off-road vehicles are in the area. The Great Western Trail passes nearby.

    Facilities

    Many miles of trails for hiking, biking and off-road vehicles are in the area. The Great Western Trail passes nearby.

    Natural Features

    The canyon sits at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Cottonwoods and junipers provide very limited shade. Sagebrush and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (877) 444-6777.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Ke Bullock Waterfowl Management Area is nearby, just south of Bicknell, with wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities.Capitol Reef National Park is approximately 20 miles away, offering excellent hiking trails, historic sites, scenic driving and breathtaking scenery.Sightseeing along Utah Highway 12, a National Scenic Byway, is very popular. Travelers visit from every corner of the world to gaze upon stunning red rock canyons and desert landscapes.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Bowns
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Bowns
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Bowns
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Bowns
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Bowns
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Bowns

    7. Lower Bowns

    7 Reviews
    18 Photos
    67 Saves

    Overview

    Lower Bowns Campground is located on the east side of Boulder Mountain on the shore of Lower Bowns Reservoir at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring local trails. View Lower Bowns Campground Map__

    Recreation

    Popular activities in the area include hiking, biking, hunting and riding the Rosebud ATV Trail. Lower Bowns Reservoir offers boating, canoeing and fishing for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout.

    Facilities

    Popular activities in the area include hiking, biking, hunting and riding the Rosebud ATV Trail. Lower Bowns Reservoir offers boating, canoeing and fishing for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout.

    Natural Features

    The campground is sparsely forested with pinyon pines and juniper, which offer only limited shade. Boulder Mountain lies to the west of the site, and Capitol Reef National Park's Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains lie to the east.

    Nearby Attractions

    Capitol Reef National Park is just 45 minutes from the campground. This unique park offers excellent hiking trails, historic sites and breathtaking scenery. Sightseeing along Utah Highway 12, a National Scenic Byway, is very popular. Travelers visit from every corner of the world to gaze upon stunning red rock canyons and desert landscapes.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Pleasant Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Pleasant Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Pleasant Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Pleasant Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Pleasant Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Pleasant Creek Campground

    8. Lower Pleasant Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    6 Photos
    197 Saves

    Campground. This is a favorite for campers. There is trout fishing nearby at Lower Bowns Reservoir and Lower Pleasant Creek. RVs over 25 feet long are not advised.__ Water will be turned off at threat of first frost.__ Campground closes 10/15/20 or threat of__first frost.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park

    9. Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park

    8 Reviews
    11 Photos
    38 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park

    10. Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park

    7 Reviews
    20 Photos
    122 Saves

    Camp along the shores of Wide Hollow Reservoir, or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard on its clear waters. Hike along park nature trails through a petrified forest, but remember to take only photographs. Some say the petrified wood is haunted and removing a piece brings the taker nothing but bad luck.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews In Capitol Reef National Park

229 Reviews of 15 Capitol Reef National Park Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park
    October 5, 2024

    Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park

    Loved it

    Very nice campground, I like the older part much better, the newer one that was added on in 2024, it is not nearly as nice, it’s new but very open and no trees. I had water and electric and shade and privacy. A very relaxing experience! The hiking trail was fun, the rainbow loop is a little tough but well worth it

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wonderland RV Park
    September 26, 2024

    Wonderland RV Park

    Great little spot near Capital Reef NP

    Tranquil, don’t make the mistake of reaching over the fence to take a picture and accidentally touching the electric wire. It was literally the shock of my life lol.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    September 12, 2024

    Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    Great location

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ofland - Escalante
    July 23, 2024

    Ofland - Escalante

    Incredible - true oaisis

    This spot is incredible. Airstreams, pull in spots, cabins. AMAZING year round outdoor heater showers, “drive in” movies every night. My kids loved it, I loved it. Great homemade, great for zero days. Highly recommend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park
    July 14, 2024

    Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV Park

    A little tight but nice

    We had to back out of the "pull through" site because there wasn't clearance to pull forward with our 30ft 5th wheel. The double sites are wide and spacious but all the sites seem to be short. The owner upgraded us to a double site since in a single there would have been no space for our truck. Check in is at noon but no one is in the office until 3 so you have to text to get your site number. Very quick response on the text though.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Lakes RV Park
    June 5, 2024

    Thousand Lakes RV Park

    Great place to stay

    This is a great little park with beautiful views and lots to do in the area. There is a restaurant on site, small park for the kids, basketball court and dog walk area. The sites are very close no privacy. There are two styles ld cabins. They sell wood and propane by the tank they do not fill tanks.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Lakes RV Park
    May 30, 2024

    Thousand Lakes RV Park

    Electricity at site went off and on, but otherwise OK

    We stayed in May 2023 and we were given a site all the way to the back. The view was pretty, the site was level, but when all the large RVs returned for the night, our electricity browned out and we couldn't run our AC. Our power also cut out during the night. The response from the management was, lets just say - unhelpful. Otherwise, it's a good location, the grounds are nicely maintained, the bathroom/showers were old, but they worked and had hot water. Unfortunately for us, we needed electricity for a CPAP, and our RV was 95 degrees inside, so for us, this campground gets two thumbs down.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    May 11, 2024

    Goblin Valley State Park Campground

    Clean facilities and friendly staffs

    I stayed at the campground for one night. As with all Utah State Parks we have stayed the place was clean and well maintained. I am so impressed with Utah State Parks.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    March 23, 2024

    Goblin Valley State Park Campground

    State park quality

    Though we tend to prefer a more low-key experience, GBSP camping is beautiful and the sites are well taken care of. If you're fortunate enough, snag a site adjacent the sweet rocks. Level sites w shades at the picnic tables. The bathroom has running hot and cold water, and there are showers available. Expensive, but the fee includes entry to the state park.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    November 27, 2023

    Goblin Valley State Park Campground

    Explore the hoodoos!

    General: Small campground with 24 sites, and two yurts. Sites are designated as RV or tent with the main difference being that the tent sites have multiple vehicle pads right next to each other. We did see some vans in the tent sites and in November, that was not a problem. All camping is dry camping. Each site has a covered picnic table with side shelters, not needed when we were there in November but a necessity in the warmer months, and a fire pit. 

    Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and level. Some were pull-thru and others back-in. The ones on the exterior of the loop have the best views IMO. 

    Bathhouse: (automatic) flush toilets, two sinks, paper towels, and soap. There were showers but they were closed for the season as of November 6. 

    Activities: There are three valleys filled with hoodoos. No distinct trails so you can wander freely among the hoodoos. Several moderately challenging hiking trails, including one directly from the campground (Entrada). We did the Caramel Canyon Loop which included several scrambles in narrow canyons (but doable for two seniors – 65 and 71 years old in good physical shape). There are also designated biking trails and horseback riding is allowed in the Red Canyon Primitive area. 

    We were last here 35 years ago, but it was so much fun to explore the area again. Utah State Parks are getting pricey (not the only expensive state) but this one is worth it IMO. It is a photographer's dream!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wonderland RV Park
    November 24, 2023

    Wonderland RV Park

    Torrey UT

    Wonderland was a great place to stay to visit Capitol Reef National Park. Only a few miles to the entrance. Park was clean and the town of Torrey was small but great. Our site was #5. Good amount of space but you are still close to your neighbors. FHUs, restrooms, showers, and laundry available. Apple trees are scattered throughout the campground. We ate dinner at a great food truck Capitol Burger in Torrey.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    November 5, 2023

    Goblin Valley State Park Campground

    Yurt 1 Goblin Valley

    3 nights in Yurt 1. Coolest yurt location of any we’ve stayed in previously. Beautiful canyon. Heater worked well. There are a couple electrical receptacles. BBQ works well. Fire pit and picnic table are great. The park office has ice and firewood. Everything was great about our stay, EXCEPT… mice. The yurt management should either let guests know this in advance, or set some traps and take care of the problem. Make sure and only store food in mice proof containers, otherwise they will infiltrate.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents
    October 18, 2023

    Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents

    Great staff. Nice clean BR/SH/grounds

    Setting is simple, nice and clean. Staff was extremely helpful. Located on Highway 24. This is a dark sky community, so it was hard to see the signage, but worth the trouble. Nice enough Mexican restaurant next-door.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    October 13, 2023

    Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    Pure joy

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    October 3, 2023

    Goblin Valley State Park Campground

    First Class with many options for things to do.

    Great facility. Many options for hiking, off road FWD. 

    Also darkest point in US for star gazing. No lights visible for 10 miles.

    The Goblins absolutely amazing

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lower Bowns
    August 6, 2023

    Lower Bowns

    Surprisingly Pleased

    Great Campsites! Calf Creek is close. The well manicured sites are on the left, somehow east to miss if not watching. I pulled a 25ft tongue pull trailer with a half ton but be careful, go slow! The long road down isn’t easy with heavy loads, the road is narrow. We had our daughter ride a bike ahead of us before we pulled out of ravine to hold off or warn oncoming traffic. We thought it was wise to put it in 4WD high but transmission in low, to grind out of the washboard roads and steep grades, it was a good idea.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    July 25, 2023

    Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

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

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Goblin Valley State Park Campground
    July 8, 2023

    Goblin Valley State Park Campground

    Other worldly scenery

    Only 24 sites makes this one of the hardest campgrounds in Utah to book. If you’re lucky enough to get in then you are going to love Goblin Valley. All of the sites come equipped with a shade structure, picnic table & fire ring. Best sites are on the out side of the loop, with the cliffs right behind you. No hook ups, but the is potable water & dump station. Small visitor center/store offers a few essentials. Very hot & windy when we were there in June. Dark skies offer amazing star gazing. Clean bathrooms and free, private showers.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park
    July 6, 2023

    Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    Unique park serving a lot of people

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sunglow Campground
    July 6, 2023

    Sunglow Campground

    Quiet, Beautiful little campground

    This campground is small but there seemed to be plenty of space between sites. It felt quite private and was such a nice sanctuary from the National Park crowds. I reserved site two. It was quite nice with room for one tent. Some sites were much larger, while others were pretty small and probably better for van campers. Get there early enough and you should have some options. Flush toilets and water were a nice benefit.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park
    June 14, 2023

    Wide Hollow Campground — Escalante State Park

    The worst campsite ever

    I reserved site 16, which is described on the Park's website like this: 

    "Dirt area will accommodate 1 12x12, 1 12x15 and 1 10x12 tent.

    Morning shade over table, evening shade over the driveway.

    Popular site."

    The site was nothing as described. They have clearly been upgrading the service road that borders the site  and the construction has had a major impact on this site, which people should be aware of. With room for 3 large tents, I thought this site would have plenty of room for my one tent. I was incredibly upset when I arrived and found the entire site (with the exception of the concrete picnic table pad) is a slope down to the service road. One of the flat areas pictured on the Park's reservation site was covered in some sort of construction debris or a large pile of dirt/mulch. There was nowhere flat to pitch a tent except MAYBE at the bottom section which borders the service road. I stood there in disbelief as  I watched a front-end loader and other service trucks rumbled up and down the service road and couldn't imagine pitching my tent a few feet from all that noise. I paid $58 for two nights and was beyond upset to find a campsite with no place to camp.



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

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Capitol Reef National Park is Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 81 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Capitol Reef National Park?

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Capitol Reef National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.