For those who want to experience Eggnog, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Eggnog experience while glamping. These scenic and easy to access Utah glamping locations are perfect for any adventurer.
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- there are no longer first come, first serve sites any time of year. 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 during generator hours. The rest of the year, generators are only allowed in Loop C.
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
This campground is located in the Bullfrog developed area and is operated by Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. 78 sites, restroom, phones, dump station, potable water station, mile to laundry, store, post office, launch ramp. No reservations. Fees apply. The concessioner also operates a separate RV park with 24 sites, full hook-ups, restrooms, showers, and 1/2 mile to laundry, store, post office, launch ramp. For reservations visit www.lakepowell.com or call 800-528-6154. Fees apply.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
$20 - $75 / 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
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.
Ranger
Just like the title says, the bathrooms and showers were very nice and even though the sites were close, there were privacy fences put up. Only problem was the place said it was open and when we tried to go in the office it was closed. Just stayed there for one night and it was around $30, a little pricey but we didn’t have any where else to crash. It was a solid place. Probably better for glamping purposes.
Traveler
Having the campground amidst the orchard is a beautiful thing. Should've planned my stay around harvest time! Very close to the Cohab canyon trail, one to hike for sure! Be sure to stop by the lil cabin nearby delectable pies and a bit of history. My new favorite Utah national park.
Legend
I love this place. The lake is easy to fish with lots of hungry trout. The camp site is clean and the mountain air is amazing.
Make sure you pack a pontoon boat with you. There is really good fishing only steps away from the campsite. Nice cedar trees to get you out of the sun. The Boulder mountain is one of the most beautiful places in Utah.
Guide
Great little campground right off 12. Only a few site here for tents and rvs. No electricity but does have water and pot toilets (very clean). This place is surrounded with pine trees and a rushing stream. Very well maintained and only 12$ a night. Was a nice break from my dusty Utah desert camping. Picnic table, fire ring with grate, as well as a bbq grill all provided.
RangerCapitol reef is such an interesting park and so much less crowded than the others in Utah. You’ll see a lot of the same impressive red rocks but fruita is located near the orchards which is such a nice oasis. It’s still the desert, so don’t expect tons of privacy or shade. But the spaces are nice enough and perfect drive into the rest of the park!
LegendWe 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.
TravelerOne 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.
RangerWe were lucky to get a reservation at this campground as it is in the National Park. While they have no showers or cell service, the campground was nice, toilets had running water and were clean. Our particular site had a downhill slope so we had no flat ground to set our tent on, but we made it work. Great hikes in this park that I dubbed the stepchild Utah Park, the rangers are awesome, lots of activities, we were there over the Fourth of July and they had patriotic sing-a-longs along with other ranger led activities. Highly recommend this park and campground.
GuideThe main Capitol Reef campground was our second stop on a weekend getaway. It's first come first served which makes getting a site very difficult on weekends. We were at a walk in site in Loop A and it was beautiful. We had a huge tree to pitch the tent under and we felt far enough from our neighbors. Overall the campground was a little crowded and the sites were kind of on top of each other. The walk in tent sites were a nice alternative to the RV pads. We frequented the orchards and picked apples and bought pie and coffee everyday from the Gifford House. Would definitely go again! Capitol Reef remains my favorite Utah park.
LegendCutest Campground award! Surrounded by orchards and grassy fields, this $20 a night campground was a lovely little stop! Super clean bathrooms and wonderful sites both tent and RV (loop pictures shown) We saw deer and tons of little critters. There were horses near by which my daughter went nuts to visit! If your driving between Utah parks this is definitely a refreshing stop to make! Unfortunately we didn’t hike in the area but there was a nature center and a little store that seemed to serve some kind of food. We did see signs for hiking trails on the way out of the Park. Overall super wonderful quiet little camp! Great experience!
LegendLocated in Torrey, Utah this RV park was a great place to stay when visiting Capitol Reef National Park. The National Park was a 10 minute drive away from the park. They’re still open in the Winter, but we didn’t find out they closed their showers and bathrooms until we were told upon arrival. (They close 10/31)
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. The surrounding views of the mountains and red rock were also gorgeous. The WiFi was good as well.
Guide
Launch your boat at the Bullfrog Marina, then pick any spot on the ENTIRE LAKE! We drove a houseboat and moored/anchored in Good Hope Bay, which is a 2-3 hour houseboat ride (averaging 8.4 mph). There were quite a few beautiful canyons that had rock slides and small beaches that you could anchor a houseboat to, but those were all taken up by the time we got there. We kept wandering NE until we found Good Hope Bay, which is a bay that is as large as most Utah lakes (thinking Pineview and East Canyon). This made for ideal skiing and boarding because the bay was large enough to dissipate the waves from the passing boats. The beaches were very rocky and riddled with thorny bushes, but it was bearable in bare feet as long as you watched where you were going. The best part? We were one of only two houseboats in the entire bay, which made us feel like we had the place to ourselves!
Legend
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. If you like red dirt this is the place to be. Close to Capital Reef or the Boulder Mountains. The owners are on site and are very friendly. Lots of stuff to do in Torrey. They have a store on site plus it is close to gas station if you forgot anything.
Make sure you reserve a spot of Apple Days in July it is a fun time to be in Torrey. Lots of stuff going on. This place is busy all summer long so it is best to call ahead. Spring and Fall is amazing in Torrey and is not as hot as the summer months.
LegendWe road tripped through all of Utah’s national parks this year, and were most surprised by Capitol Reef. It is probably the least popular of the parks, but it was our favorite, by far. By chance, we stayed here just as the apple crop was ripening (August), so we got to pick some of the heritage varieties that were available. We treated ourselves to baked apples over our campfire. There’s a lovely little gift shop right near the campground, and while they sell mostly souvenires and the like, they also have homemade cherry pies. The main petroglyphs are within walking distance, as are many incredible hiking trails. If you’re there on the weekend, be sure to take advantage of some of the interpretive programs. We did a full moon hike, which was really incredible.
The campground is fairly open, with some big trees for shade. There’s a river running through the back side of the campground - perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. We did see a snake on the river bank while we were wading in the water, so be warned. Amenities are very basic - just toilets and cold water - no showers.
LegendThe 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.
TravelerThis is our favorite place to stay when visiting the Capitol Reef area! We have been here a few times now and keep coming back! 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. Some of the sites along the back near the fence are a bit tight, however the pull throughs are spacious. We have also stayed in the cabins before and are cute and roomy with nice private back “yards” and front porches with chairs. The pool area is a bit small for the size of the campground and could use some upkeep, however still enjoyable. The gift shop is a must see and the best one near Capitol Reef! There are many clothes, trinkets, Native American decor, and camping supplies to choose from. There is now a grille however it is expensive. Sites are gravel with some full hookup and other partial hookup. It was a bit noisy due to the campground being full and the sites are somewhat close together and close to the cabins. The campground could use some more room as they have tried to fit a lot of sites and amenities into a “smaller” campground. The views are truly breathtaking and easy access to hiking trails, OHV trails. This is a must visit campground if you are looking to take in the beauty of the colorful Utah canyons!
GuideWe enjoyed this campground. Unlike the other Utah National Parks this campground was easier to book and had sites remaining for weeks after they were released. There are 3 separate loops with orchards all around. There is lots of grass throughout the sites and where you set up your tents. There is not much privacy in any of the sites as the trees are all very tall and the leaves are high up. You are sitting in the canyon so the views all around are beautiful. The contrast between the lush green grass and orchards and the red rock is stunning. It was nice being able to walk through the orchards. There are roads along and behind several of the camp sites. The visitor's center and historical sites are a pretty long walk along a road from the camp site. There are not many hikes in close proximity to the campground. It was ideal for us to drive to the trailheads and sites as the park is quite large. The bathrooms were well kept with flushing toilets. There is a pretty serious irrigation operation running along the orchards which resulted in a fairly loud pouring water sound.
Site C 070: Our site was at the very end of loop C. There are dumpsters along the side of the site, and a road leading to a parking lot for the amphitheatre and orchards directly behind the site. Luckily it was cool when were there so there was no smell, but I would imagine in the summer the smell would be unpleasant in addition to being an unwelcome view. The road was not at all busy when we were there in October. Across the road is an orchard which hosted several deer while we were there. The deer also seemed to roam fearlessly throughout the entire campground. This site is as far from the bathrooms as you can get. I would recommend a different site if you have the option due to the dumpsters. If it was the only site left I would still stay here.
LegendGeneral: This is likely the most popular campground in the park and has three loops. Our friends made reservations exactly 6 months ahead (the earliest date possible) and we were lucky to snag two sites. The campground was completely full on a weekend at the end of April and continued to be full on Monday night.
Site Quality/Facilities: Each site has a double-wide concrete pad that can easily accommodate a camper and an extra vehicle. The picnic table and fire pit are also on concrete. Some sites have a bbq but not all of them do. The sites do not have a lot of separation, but we did not feel crowded. Generators are allowed so there will be noise but despite it being full with lots of kids and dogs, the campground was quiet (not counting generator use). Several hiking trails are accessible directly from the campground as is the Gifford House, which sells delicious pies and cinnamon rolls.
Bathhouse: Basic National Park bathhouse. No hooks but soap and paper towels provided. No showers. It was clean.
Activities/Amenities: Hiking! We hiked the Cohab Canyon trail, accessed directly across the street from Loops A and B and continued on to the Hickman Bridge Trail for a moderately strenuous 6-mile roundtrip hike. The Fremont River Trail is a one-mile out and back trail accessed directly from Loops A and B. We also hiked the Chimney Rock Trail, but you have to drive to the trailhead from the campground. There is an amphitheater with daily programs led by volunteers which were very informative. The Gifford House is within (too easy) walking distance from Loops A and B – the pies and cinnamon rolls will have you wanting to hike to burn off the calories but get there early– the cinnamon rolls sold out within 10 minutes of opening up at 8 am on the Saturday we were there so we made sure we were waiting in line before it opened on Sunday!
Capitol Reef completes our tour of Utah’s“rock” national parks and it was stunning– well worth a visit.
LegendYou know you're in a national park campground when it's quiet before quiet hours start at 10 pm. People are here to enjoy the beauty of Capitol Reef, and they're tired. And you need to get up early the next day to beat the afternoon threat of thunderstorms.
This campground has 3 loops with lots of trees...and grass! Finding a spot for a tent (or two or three) at a site is easy. There are 5 walkin tent sites on loop B and 2 on loop C.
Site parking pads are quite large. Ours (#13) fit our vehicle and teardrop trailer side by side with lots of room in between. We had reserved this site for two nights and then moved to #8, one of the few available sites on Sunday morning. When you look at the parking pads, you may think you share yours with another site. Nope! The pads in loop C are longer but not as wide.
Drinking water and a dishwashing sink are located near each restroom (flush toilets and sinks). Showers are available for $6 at the Chuckwagon in Torrey. You can also find Wi-fi in Torrey at the Chuckwagon, Rim Rock and visitor center.
Something unique about this campground: Mulford Orchard is on the edge of loop C. You can pick your own apricots and pay $1/pound (honor system). When you are in the orchard or any of the others in town named after Mormon settlers, you can eat the fruit... for free. There's also Hickman House near loop A which sells cinnamon rolls, small pies and sourdough bread; people line up when it opens at 8 am.
You'll need to get in your car and drive to many sights, but there are a few you can hike to from the campground:
Cohab Canyon: It's a 3.4 mile roundtrip if you hike to Utah 24 and back, but you should go to the overlooks that are spurs off the route (which add 1.2 miles to the hike). Or continue across Rt 24 and hike to Hickman Bridge, a 1.8 mile roundtrip.
Fremont River trail
Fremont Gorge Overlook Trail, a 4+ mile roundtrip from the blacksmith's shop
The truly ambitious can hike to Cassidy Arch from the campground by way of Cohab Canyon, Frying Pan and Cassidy Arch Trails. I wouldn't try that in July-August when it seems like thunderstorms are possible every afternoon.
Be sure to get the Fruita area map and guide in addition to the usual NPS brochure.
GuideNice campground, a good place to stay while you play on the lake!
ScoutHot but fun.
GuideThere is camping all over the place here. I think is is best to get on the water early to beat all the house boats.
LegendJust beyond the Bullfrog marina, there are tons of little coves and canyons just waiting to be explored. Camping is allowed in most of these secluded spots off of the main channel of Lake Powell and offer quiet refuges from the main shores that can tend to get quite busy. We found a wonderful cove that was about a 40-minute boat ride from the marina and were totally secluded in our campsite, minus just a few fishermen that stopped in during the day. This area offers water sports and hiking galore and is ideal for camping with a large group or solo if looking for seclusion. Some drive up campsites exist, but those looking for more privacy and freedom, having a boat is crucial. We had a houseboat and a speed boat which allowed us to have a main home base and the ability to explore. Our group was quite large (20+) so some camped on the houseboat while others slept in tents on the shore. Camping just in sleeping bags and on pads directly on the rocks was a treat under the cloudless starry skies. With that being said, the weather can change quite rapidly at Powell so proper precautions and gear should be taken in preparation for large storms or cold winds. Also, I would recommend wearing some sort of water shoe or sandal, as the Zebra Mussels along the shore can really do some damage on bare feet!
TravelerNot many trees. Showers work great. Clean campground. There’s a grill at each campground .
LegendThis is a great place to camp close to the lake. Lots of sandy beaches close and lots of fun in Powell. It can get hot so having a place to get out of the sun is key.
Big campsites with a table and nice restrooms. The only problem is in the summer it can be over 100 degrees. This is a great way to see Lake Powell.
GuideThis was a favorite spot on our 2 week trip around the southwest. We were here a week before opening season (the first week of March).
Some people may not like it during this time because it’s a ghost town. For us, it was perfect. No crowds... we had the place to ourselves.
Laundry facilities were clean and views were incredible.
Close drive to the dam, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Pros: tranquil, beautiful, close to nearby attractions Cons: limited hours and dining options during off season, no boat rentals available during off season
TravelerThis RV park is different than the campground that you drive by on the main road on the way in. This is down past the residential area and the lodge by the marina.
Many of the sites were out of order or had problems with their water/and or electric. The men’s wash area only had one working toilet and one working shower. The shower that was working only had a hand held shower head with no mount.
No shade whatsoever, but good views of the marina. Save your money for the big campground on the road and you will have a much better experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Eggnog, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Eggnog, UT is Fruita Campground — Capitol Reef National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 82 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Eggnog, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 glamping camping locations near Eggnog, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
