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Camping near Capitol Reef National Park

915 Reviews

The red rocks of Capitol Reef National Park draw campers to central Utah with a mix of established and primitive sites. Wonderland RV Park sits just outside the park boundaries with good restrooms and shower facilities that many visitors appreciate after a day of hiking. Capitol Reef also has areas for dispersed camping where you won't find any facilities, but you'll have more space to yourself. Many people camp here as part of a larger trip through southern Utah that includes stops at Zion and Bryce Canyon. The park has lots of trails that take you past interesting rock formations and through narrow canyons. The night sky gets really dark here, making it great for looking at stars. You can drive a regular car to most of the main campgrounds, but you might need a truck or SUV with higher clearance for some of the backcountry spots. If you want to avoid both heat and crowds, plan your trip for April-May or September-October. It's always smart to look up current road conditions and weather before heading out, especially if you're planning to camp in the more remote sections.

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Best Camping Sites Near Capitol Reef National Park (197)

    1. Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

    88 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 425-4172

    $25 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed

    45 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 896-1500

    "This is a very popular area that's conveniently situated between Torrey and Capitol Reef National Park."

    "We spent a week along Beas Lewis Flat Road just outside of Torrey, to explore Capitol Reef National Park. This is free BLM dispersed camping with a 14-day stay limit, no sites or services provided."

    3. Capitol Reef National Park Dispersed Camping

    50 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 425-3791

    "After visiting two very popular Utah parks -- Zion and Bryce Canyon -- Capitol Reef was a breath of fresh air."

    "I love dispersed camping...especially in Utah. The red cliffs and astounding. It is pretty easy finding a nice place to make home right outside of the park."

    4. Singletree

    13 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    5 miles
    Website

    $25 - $110 / night

    "Adjacent to Capital Reef National Park. $20/night. Only negative was that a lot of rigs were using generators (!)"

    "Some campsites are great, with shade and a creek that travels next to the tents. Others, particularly in the center of the loop, are not as glamorous."

    5. Route 24 Dispersed Camping - Capitol Reef

    24 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 836-2800

    "This one does not, and I believe it is Utah state land that is managed by SITLA . (Google that if you want.). Anyway it was Wednesday October 21, and we pulled in here about 2 PM."

    "It’s very close to the highway but not noisy and is quiet and dark at night. It’s a beautiful setting with classic southern Utah red cliffs as your backdrop."

    6. Wonderland RV Park

    22 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 425-3665

    "Small, but clean and friendly RV Park very conveniently located to Capitol Reef National Park."

    "As promised, clean and great little spot near Capitol reef national Park."

    7. Sand Creek RV, Cabins, Tents

    17 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    14 miles
    Website

    $20 - $65 / night

    "The spots on the edge looking over the field toward the cliffs were more secluded and nice, but very windy."

    "Close to a bike/ ohv trail. Restaurant next door. Great view"

    8. Lower Bowns

    7 Reviews
    Boulder, UT
    5 miles
    Website

    $20 - $75 / night

    "The lake is easy to fish with lots of hungry trout. The camp site is clean and the mountain air is amazing.

    Make sure you pack a pontoon boat with you."

    "It is pretty far off the beaten path, down a rough gravel road. There are also several free dispersed camping sites nearby, and other campsites closer to the road."

    9. Overlook Point Dispersed Site

    10 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 896-1500

    "Easy access to downtown Torrey & Capitol Reef National Park."

    "Amazing vista point to look down into capitol reef national park or Torrey. Close to town with great cell signal. Close to National Park."

    10. Thousand Lakes RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Torrey, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 425-3500

    "The views of the canyons are breathtaking and very close to downtown Torrey. The sites are well maintained and groomed daily, as well as clean. The staff are very friendly, welcoming, and helpful."

    "This is one of the nicest camp spots around. Close to town but close to the boulder mountains. Full hook ups for trailers. Cabins you can rent, and tent spots. Best views in Utah."

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Recent Camping Photos near Capitol Reef National Park

219 Photos of 197 Capitol Reef National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Capitol Reef National Park

915 Reviews of 197 Capitol Reef National Park Campgrounds

  • Polly A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Road to the Sun Ranch

    Astrid the Griff’s Oasis

    I’m Astrid, a Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon. I need lots of room to run and roam and chase sticks. I lived it here at the ranch racing around the pasture in the morning and evening golden light. And seeing the Bluebirds greet me every morning. My hoomans lived the full hookups a little piece of paradise with no neighbors. Great location to run me in National Forest and to hike Capital Reef while I went to a friendly doggie daycare in Torrey. 5 Star for Griff’s and their humans!!!🤩

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Cook’s Messa Trailhead Dispersed Camping Site 2

    Easy pile in spot

    Right off highway but a very short rocky road, be careful if in a car but should be okay. Good cellphone signal and close to the park and right outside town so from a location perspective ita an A+ for proximity. But this is a pile in spot. The main area here is not secluded its a large oval with some little branch offs, nothing is very defined. At night people juat pile in where they can fit and go to sleep. If you venture around and have 4x4 you might be able to find some better spots but dont try it in the dark. Its VERY dark out here. Overall no issues even with others very close by maybe I was lucky but on my night everyone just wanted a safe place to sleep and we all were respectful

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Thousand Lakes RV Park

    Clean with awesome scenery

    Nice campsite with great views of spectacular scenery. Clean toilets and showers. Friendly staff. Great location with easy access to Capitol Reef NP

  • Hawkin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    East Dispersed Area — Goblin Valley State Park

    Incredible Campground Soon To Be Paid

    Get here while it's free! This area so close to Goblin Valley is one of the favorite places I have camped. There are sights along the rock wall and even some like our own that is actually within the start of slot canyons. We stayed at site #4.

    The roads were definitely bumpy and not maintained at all so make sure your have a vehicle with enough clearance. If there is recent rain, many vehicles might struggle but our SUVs and truck had no issue at all.

    This area will soon become part of Goblin Valley where they will charge for camping. It looks like it will be $15 a night, which is honestly still worth it to me if you get a cool site. The signs for future camping information are all in place, but the parts about cost were all taped over with no date listed for when they will start charging.

  • Terry M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Singletree

    Wonderful place. Would go again.

    Just west of capitol reef. Very nice campground. Well definitely be going back to this area again.

  • Terry M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Lonesome Beaver Campground

    Inaccessible without serious off-road gear

    Unfortunately we could not make it to the site. The BLM office said that the road was a "tire popper". This was also confirmed by the nearby gas station attendant... I was also told that in order to avoid tire damage it took as much as 2 hours to get up the mountain for a stretch. That was about 13 mi. I wish I could have made it. It would have been an excellent place for stargazing.

  • Terry M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Starr Spring Campground

    Very dark nights. Isolated. Good accommodations.

    My stay at this secluded campsite from August 20th to 23rd was a welcome escape. With only two other campers in sight during my four-night stay, the spacious sites felt very private and peaceful. The area is also perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering quick access for off-roading. I was also able to easily find a safe target practice area within a mile of my campsite. The campsites are only $10 a night and run on the honor system, which was a great value. The highlight of the trip, however, was seeing my son’s reaction to the wildlife. He was thrilled to no end to have been able to pet a bat, a toad, and a salamander. The site is well-equipped, with two bathrooms and three water spigots. Just remember to bring your own drinking water, as the water from the spigots is likely non-potable. The creek that runs through part of the camp was a nice bonus, and the plenty of shade made the hot August days more bearable. Unfortunately, campfires weren't allowed during this time of year. We were also unlucky to not have a truly clear night the whole week, but whenever the clouds broke, the darkness was unbelievable, and you could see everything possible in the night sky. Since we were there during the new moon, this was one of the darkest sites in Utah. I think it would be better to go back in the fall to enjoy more moderate temperatures and a clearer view of the sky.

  • Brian P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Moonscape Overlook

    Nice spot but crowded at times

    The road in to moonscape is not too bad, be careful if the roads are wet or rain is in the future. The easier route is 155D. Incredible views at suns rise and sunset, be prepared for lots of people during those times. Otherwise it was fairly quiet and we were one of three small groups camping overnight at the edge of the cliffs. Not much to do other than to take in the incredible views and enjoy the quiet once the people leave.

    We visited in August and it was a warm, but cooled off nicely for bedtime.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Deer Creek Lake Trail

    Deer Creek Trailhead

    Nice little sites. Fire pit. Some rock in the road. 9250 elevation. Near trailhead for hiking tomorrow. Spooked a few deer as I drove up. Quiet!

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

Can I fish while camping in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, fishing opportunities exist near Capitol Reef National Park, primarily along the Fremont River which flows through the park. Fremont River Dispersed Site offers camping right on the water just outside the park boundaries, providing convenient access for anglers. The Fremont River contains trout and other fish species, though fishing is subject to Utah state fishing regulations, including license requirements. Pleasant Creek, near Dispersed Campsite Near Capital Reef National Park, also offers fishing opportunities. Remember that while fishing is permitted, you'll need a valid Utah fishing license, which can be purchased online or from local retailers in nearby towns like Torrey.

Are there private campgrounds near Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, several private campgrounds are located near Capitol Reef National Park. Wonderland RV Park is a small, clean, and friendly option conveniently situated close to the park entrance, offering full hookups for RVers. Sunglow Campground provides another excellent option about 15-20 minutes from Capitol Reef, though tent sites are somewhat small and may require setting up on gravel spots. These private campgrounds offer amenities not available at park campgrounds, including reliable utilities and services. Most are located near the town of Torrey, making them convenient bases for exploring the national park while having access to additional services and restaurants.

What state parks offer camping options near Capitol Reef?

While there are no Utah state parks with campgrounds immediately adjacent to Capitol Reef National Park, several dispersed camping areas on public lands provide alternatives. South Temple Wash Campground offers multiple dispersed sites along dirt roads and remains available even during busy periods like holiday weekends. Overlook Point Dispersed Site provides beautiful views of both Capitol Reef and Torrey with good cell reception. For those willing to venture further, Goblin Valley State Park (about 1.5 hours from Capitol Reef) offers developed campsites among unique hoodoo formations. Thousand Lake Mountain area also provides forest service campgrounds within driving distance of Capitol Reef, offering a cooler alpine camping experience during summer months.

What campgrounds are available within Capitol Reef National Park?

Capitol Reef National Park offers Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park as its main developed campground. This scenic campground features quiet surroundings, clean bathrooms, and beautiful views of the park's impressive rock formations. Located in a historic orchard setting, Fruita provides walk-in tent sites in a large field area. The campground tends to be less crowded than other national parks, and visitors can enjoy freshly baked pies sold at the nearby store each morning. For those seeking more primitive options, backcountry camping is permitted with a free permit from the visitor center. The park also allows dispersed camping in designated areas along the Notom-Bullfrog Road and Cathedral Valley.

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