Looking to find an RV campground or tent campsite near Capitol Reef National Park that allows dogs? Find the best information on pet-friendly campsites and dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each pet-friendly spot offers quick access to one or more of Capitol Reef National Park's most popular destinations.
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 year round. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Sites 14, 24, and 63 are accessible sites with electrical hookups. While Loop C is closed in the winter season, generators are allowed in Loops A & B, 8 am-10 am and 5 pm-7 pm. The rest of the year, generators are only allowed in Loop C. There are no first come first serve sites during peak season.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (435) 425-3791.
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.
$25 / night
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
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.
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.
Calf Creek Campground is a desert oasis located within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Recreation Area includes a 13-site campground, a day-use picnic area and a trailhead. The campground provides small sites nestled along Calf Creek on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevation 5400 ft. campsites in Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument. Self-guided interpretive trail to Calf Creek Falls (126 feet). 6 mile round trip.
$15 / night
$20 - $65 / night
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.
$25 / night
Guide
A large space, though uneven in parts. We pulled in later so there were a few folks already parked up for the night. A quiet nights sleep.
Scout
Fit my 22' TT without issue. Road is a bit rocky to get into the better sites, but there is a spot right off the turnoff that would accommodate bigger rigs. Woke up to a herd of Elk grazing outside the camper and a gorgeous sunrise. Will definitely stop here again when I'm coming through
Scout
Solid dispersed camp with room for 2 or more campers. Requires solid 4x4 to get to but not technical driving to get there.
There are one or two spots to park in the final 3/4 mile descent to the trailhead offer even more amazing views (they were occupied when we arrived)
Guide
Well spaced, paved camping sites in a shaded campground. Fruit orchards all around with the Fremont River flowing nearby. Heated bathrooms that are spotless. Stop by the Gifford house for fresh baked pies. As of October 2024, the visitor center parking lot is still under construction, and the scenic drive is closed for the same. Also. Make a campsite reservation before you arrive as there are no payment stations in the campground. If you don't the visitor center has Wi-Fi as there is no cell service in the park. Oh. And loop C is the only campground that allows generators. Enjoy Capitol Reef.
Traveler
Excellent boondock site. I had no problem with my thirty foot travel trailer. Excellent AT&T coverage
Traveler
A beautiful camp to set up RVs, vans, and tents. Plenty of space. There were several others here and did not feel close to anyone. Fire pits are available, but they are just slightly dug holes with small rocks. Recommend reinforcing the rocks before use.
GuideGreat place to stay close to Torrey, Utah, and Capitol Reef NP. There are lots of places to choose from with some spots with make shift fire rings. Great views of the Boulder Mountains, Thousands Lake Mountains, and Capitol Reef in the distance. There are no restrooms, water or electricity. Close to Torrey where you can find the essentials.
Guide
Calf Creek campground was full and the host told us about this spot. Up a dirt road you end up just below the radio tower. Very private and quiet
TravelerBumpy dirt road going in. Large area with plenty of private dispersed camping spots.
TravelerThis is just a pull out off the hwy. Sign says no camping.
TravelerIf you have a 4x4, we recommend pulling back slightly to the right as far as you can. We went back and got tucked into a more secluded nook with a good fire ring. It looks bumpy and uneven, but it’s possible to level a vehicle that’s 21 feet and under.
The hike up above the site is really beautiful. The trail took us up above the cliff edge that borders the site. From there you have sweeping views of the valley and out to the mountains in both directions.
Important to note:
Guide
~$13.50/night to park in the gravel lot. I’ve got a RTT so it worked out perfectly. Full access to shop/restaurant, laundry, dish sink and shower (very hot, which was awesome).
Covered picnic tables and a communal fire pit nearby. Great alternative to the numerous BLM sites in and around town.
Traveler
We liked this spot however we could not go in very far due to the fact that our trailer has low clearance. There are a lot of long ruts from water run off.
There are two dumpsters near the entrance. Area was clean and good cell service.
Location is ideal for area slot canyons etc.
Ranger
Large campgrounds in area including this one. Camped in September (Doctor Creek CG up road was closed). Quiet, clean. End of tourist season and so couple of nearby stores were selling out their ice cream--Got giant couple of scoops in a bowl. For water/boaters & fishing, mainly, typically sold out during summer. Sites go in rows inching up-slope and some have nice views of lake.
Ranger
Stayed in spot 7 which purported to have shade most of the day, but maybe that's just the picnic tables because the parking spot itself was completely exposed. Nice sites around a central bathroom/shower building that was clean, free 8 min showers available. Reservoir appeared closed to boaters so quiet and really not very many sites so decent place to stay without being overrun. Water taps are not easy to spot and basically require a lengthy hose or to park in a neighbor's spot to avail, but we did this stealth and no one was inconvenienced. Overall a pretty quiet and pleasant experience. Petrified forest trail was nice and we did it early in the am, so no one on the trail until we ended and the sun was just on the rise.
GuideBeautiful new campground with great site spacing and excellent views. All new facilities nice and clean
Guide
Although the sand wasn’t a surprise, i was shocked at how much it stuck to everything LOL! But the site had lots of dedicated spots for camping and went on the quite a few miles. The view was beautiful, but we were nervous about mountain lions as we noticed a lot of tracks when we arrived, and saw even more next to our car in the morning as we were leaving. The road in isn’t very rough, just lots of sand and small bumps. Would stay here again!
Scout
Up on a mesa (not super high that it’s a tough climb), on Notom road which is paved, then turn on dirt road not far from Hwy 24 (maybe 1/4-1/2 mile). Only two other campers about a football field apart from me. Amazing view of Henry mountains and sunrise!! Made it slowly in my front wheel drive van over the rocks that stick up. No problem. Just slow.
Guide
The tent site were a little tight for our camper van so they pro rated us the tent price for the first night. Very clean showers and bathrooms. Washing machines and dryers available for a fee in an air conditioned room. Very friendly staff!
Traveler
This family run business knows what travelers need and will do whatever possible to accommodate them. I asked for a larger space as I have a rescue dog that’s reactive, and they accommodated me. And as I was getting ready to leave I checked my tires and noticed they were low. The young woman at the front desk called around and found a place where I could get air in them! Super clean bathrooms and showers, with ample washers and dryers, too. All of this and a great location. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay again.
GuideVery 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
Legend
Panoramic views of mountains and terrain. Room for several rigs. Clean site. Nicely spaced trees. No cell service. 5530 ft elevation
LegendThis area is close to the summit elevation of Boulder Mt at 9550 elv. A rough rocky road leaves a scenic pull off all g hwy #12 and heads to some Aspen stands and a corral. The best sites are in the vicinity of the corral. Good cell signal, but no water, no dumpsters, however the views are great. In the fall season, the yellow aspens are spectacular.
Legend
This is a small CG and limited to TT or RVs under 20 ft; however, there seems to be an overfull area just outside the CG gate that is for bigger TTs and RVs. Unclear if the CG fee applies. Vault toilets. No cell signal.
Traveler
Many spots to select from. The road is a little rough in spots, so slow is good. Great views
Scout
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.
GuideThis spot is up on a hill top. Plenty of spots to camp. Nice views, good fall breeze. There are 2 Porta potty on site. The only issue I didn't like was right at the entrance for the first 75 feet there were a lot of rocks sticking up out of the ground. Made it very uneven. Had my wife get out to make sure I didn't rip anything off the RV. We run a 36' Solitude. Only 7 miles to Capitol Reef visitor center.
If you're looking for a pet-friendly camping experience near Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, there are several great options that welcome your furry friends. Enjoy the stunning landscapes while ensuring your pets have a comfortable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Capitol Reef National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Capitol Reef National Park is Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 82 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Capitol Reef National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 102 dog-friendly camping locations near Capitol Reef National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
