Capitol Reef National Park sits at an elevation of 5,500 feet in south-central Utah, creating dramatic temperature variations between seasons and from day to night. Summer highs often reach into the 90s while winter nights can drop well below freezing. RV campgrounds near Capitol Reef typically operate from spring through fall with most closing during winter months due to harsh conditions.
What to do
Hiking near Capitol Reef: Access trailheads directly from Wonderland RV Park in Torrey, which serves as an excellent base camp. "Tons of awesome hikes nearby," notes one visitor, while another mentions the park is "perfect for visiting National Parks in the area."
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution makes for exceptional night sky viewing. "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 camper at Sand Creek RV.
Wildlife viewing: Many RV parks border natural areas with opportunities to see local wildlife. A guest at Wonderland RV Park appreciated "pasture adjoining sites with bison, cows, and horses just feet from us," providing a unique addition to the camping experience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds consistently receive praise for their cleanliness standards. At Thousand Lakes RV Park, visitors appreciate the "facilities were very clean. Office/general store was nice, all the basics; food, ice, wood and souvenirs. Pool is small but well kept."
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites. As one guest at Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents noted, "The spots on the edge looking over the field toward the cliffs were more secluded and nice, but very windy. There were wind huts for some, and fire rings."
Convenient location: Proximity to Capitol Reef National Park is a major draw. A visitor at Wonderland RV Park mentioned it was "right at the main junction in town. A couple food options right across the street with Capitol Reef National Park very close nearby."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations. A camper at Canyons of Escalante RV Park advised, "Central to Bryce Canyon to the west and Grand Staircase Escalante to the east... Sites are dirt with trees and just about enough space for a slide on one side and an awning on the other."
Seasonal availability: Most RV campgrounds Capitol Reef National Park close during winter. "We stayed a single night in one of the tent sites, which are immediately behind the office/owner's residence. Sites have a parking space, fire ring with grill attachment, a picnic table and a gravel tent pad," shared a camper who visited Sand Creek RV in September.
Reservation requirements: During peak season, securing spots in advance is crucial. A visitor to Wonderland RV Park reported, "For a town of Torrey with a population a little over 100, this is a Hotspot for through-passing travellers. Was booked fully at arrival and departure. Glad we had our 1 night reservation."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many parks cater specifically to families with children. A visitor at Thousand Lakes RV Park mentioned, "The small swimming pool was loved by the kids. The grassy park area was nice," making it a good choice for family outings.
Pet accommodations: For those traveling with furry family members, most parks welcome pets. "They have a dog run on the premises as well as grass areas throughout," noted a visitor at Capitol Reef RV Park and Glamping, which also features "everything is new. The private bathrooms and showers are great. Everything is spotless clean."
Safety considerations: Families should be aware of potential hazards. One camper at Wonderland RV Park cautioned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. At Offroad RV Resort, "Epic RV resort! Epic rides right out of camp and our kids loved playing in the river! It's so nice to have an RV resort that spreads its spots out!!! Truly the first! Reverse Osmosis water with the perfect PH at every site."
Connectivity concerns: Internet access varies between locations. A recent visitor to Capitol Reef RV Park and Glamping noted, "WiFi is great, but not many campers here," suggesting bandwidth might be an issue during busier periods.
Level sites: RVers prioritize level parking areas. As one reviewer at Sand Creek RV noted, "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."
