Best Tent Camping near Capitol Reef National Park, UT

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. The sites were not overly secluded, but the park seemed quiet enough for the amount of people there. Capitol Reef National Park seemed less busy than the other Utah National Parks and we really enjoyed our hiking adventures in the park as well as the camping opportunities.

Stayed here while social distancing during the initial phase of the pandemic sometime in May 2020. Campsites have a decent amount of space between them. Very close to Capitol Reef National Park, this is a popular site for many park goers.

Facilities are very well kept and pleasantly clean. Nice, hot showers included with the campsite price and bathrooms are close to sites. One downside to this RV park is that the designated tent sites are right across from the designated RV sites. Any tent camper knows how annoying this can be, and although it did get fairly loud during the day and lunchtime, after dinner time it was fairly quietly and we slept soundly.

This RV park is very family-friendly, so keep in mind there are kids EVERYWHERE - kids riding their bikes in the roads, kids crying, kids yelling. All in all, a decent campsite that is pleasant enough and made worth it for the very clean facilities. Stay here when visiting Capitol Reef if this sort of place is your speed or you’re in need of a good shower. Tons of awesome hikes nearby (pictured).

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. Very enjoyable.

Right at the main junction in town. A couple food options right across the street with Capitol Reef National Park very close nearby. The sites are a bit tight but less so than the other major option in town. No fire pits but they rent gas ones.

Beautiful mountain view, open location a couple of miles off the Notom Bullfrog road. Didn't see a soul.  Road is easy going.  Near to Pleasant Creek. Rock fire ring.  Other sites are dispersed around. Very close to the Capitol Reef National park boundary. 5535 feet elevation. No cell service.

As many national Park campgrounds, the Freda campground in Capitol reef national Park was in a very scenic location. And historic settlement in the heart of the park with dears roaming around an incredible views of the stunning rock for missions of the park all around it. However being winter, the water was turned off except for the restrooms which were heated not had only cold water. No showers and the gray water disposal area for washing stages was also closed. Sewage drain was open near the dumpsters but the water was turned off.

Such a unique and beautiful place. I highly recommend visiting the Goblin's Lair, I was not expecting it at all and it was spectacular. There's a fun little cave you can crawl through inside the Goblin's Lair by its entrance too that's worth checking out. Everyone should at least visit Goblin Valley once in their life. Although not as big as Capitol Reef National Park, it is very similar and equally spectacular.

The campground is reasonably priced with nice showers and super cool scenery. They have a very interesting disc golf course set up near the campground.

This location is perfect for those planning on exploring in Capitol Reef National Park, as you’re less than 15 minutes away. You can’t beat the scenery, especially if you get there in the early afternoon and snag a spot on the river. You can get even better ones if you’re able to navigate a small drop with rocks, on your right immediately as you pull off the highway. Don’t blink or you’ll miss your turnoff next to the guardrail in the bend. The scenery is amazing! We also found recent mountain lion tracks within 50 yards of our site. No cell service, if you’re on Verizon. The river is great for a quick shower, washing dishes etc.

One of our favorite campgrounds in southern Utah nestled in the Capitol Reef National Park. We visited in mid October, the foliage was beautiful, cool temps at night, mild to warm during the day for hiking. Probably by favorite time to visit Southern Utah, otherwise it would be SO hot. 

Like others have mentioned its the perfect mix of historical and geological wonders. The campsite itself is pleasant with flushing toilets, dumpsters, even water refill station and RV dump if you need. All sites are flat. The inner circle of sites are close together but you can find others along the outer edges facing out that are more spacious. All of them butt up to the orchards which you can walk through and pick your own fruit if its the right season. Deer roam around the campground, graze next to your tent or trailer, they are so sweet. The best part (beyond the views of the red rock canyons above, and gentle river that flows next to it) is the Gifford House - they sell fresh baked pies, cinnamon rolls and bread daily! Get there in the Am as they sell out. IF you ask my kids the homeade pies for breakfast might have been their favorite part! LOL.

The Fruita Campground is open year-round, and is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park. This campground is one of the most unique ones I’ve stayed at. The orchard 🏕 onsite for picking fruit is so cool! There are lots of trees and shade and after driving through the desert it’s crazy to find this oasis tucked back behind these big beautiful rocks 🏜. The sites are a good size and comfortable. You don’t have cell service but, maybe that’s your thing? Not having to worry about email can be a plus. There are bathrooms but, unfortunately no showers. Definitely, a great stop while visiting all of the National parks in Utah.

The 71-site Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef. Reservations are available March 1- October 31.

Each site has a picnic table and firepit and/or above ground grill, but no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups.

There is a RV dump and potable water fill station near the entrance to Loops A and B.

The nightly fee is $20.00 ($10.00 for Golden Age/Senior Pass holders.

Each tent site has a pad and a shelter that has a shade panel. There is no parking next to the site, but it is small walk to the site. The tent sites are spaced far apart and some are tucked behind the Goblins.

There is a good restroom facility with running water and showers that do not need a token or coins. There are 4 showers. Overall, this is a great place to stay.

Utah has such a wide variety of geology and Goblin Valley campground is in the middle of it. Sites are a bit close together, but they have shelters over the tables and there are some walk-in tent sites that are more secluded. Nice, free showers too.

There are only 11 asphalt paved RV camp sites. There are 14 tent sites.
Each site has a covered pavilion with a picnic table, fire ring and a tent site. Drinking water is located throughout the campground. The bathrooms have flushing toilets and hot water in the sinks. They are spotless! The showers are equally as clean. There are no bad views here! The hiking and biking trails are right there. This one is one of my favorites! Go!

Sand Creek is 15 miles from Capitol Reef and 1,500’ higher - much cooler. Good wi-fi, showers, bathrooms and laundry. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. The grounds have not been maintained like they were two years ago in 2019, but that may be due to the drought. Sand Creek has simple reasonable cabins along with 6 tent sites and maybe 8 or 9 RV sites.

Capitol Reef has a great campground but it often fills up. This is a great alternative for $22 a night for a tent site.

We came in winter this time and got a tent camp easily, only one other group was camping. If you dont want to tent camp in the winter they also have yurts for rent. We had a different approach to Goblin Valley this time around and decided to do the Lair of the Basilisk (Goblins Lair) canyoneering route. We got to hike in and around snow covered hoodoos that culminates in a 100' drop into the lair! It is truly a magical place and worth a visit! You can also get ti the lair by a now popular marked trail around the east side of the park. 60 m rope recommended plus helmets.

There were a decent amount of spots but it was incredibly windy and there were no fire rings. We made our own and enjoyed a nice fire but the wind makes it brutal when tent camping. All in all, great spot just outside of Capital Reef.