Capitol Reef National Park sits at the heart of glamping opportunities close to Eggnog, Utah. This region transitions between the high desert plateau and mountain terrain, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet creating dramatic temperature variations between seasons. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter access at lower elevations.
What to do
Lake activities at Bullfrog Marina: The expansive reservoir provides cooling relief during summer months. "There is camping all over the place here. I think is is best to get on the water early to beat all the house boats," notes Dan G. about Bullfrog RV & Campground. Water levels fluctuate seasonally.
Fruit picking at Fruita: Harvest schedules depend on fruit variety, typically starting mid-June with cherries, followed by apricots in July, and apples through October. "We frequented the orchards and picked apples and bought pie and coffee everyday from the Gifford House," shares Samantha R. from Fruita Campground. Tools provided during harvest seasons.
Fishing at Lower Bowns: The reservoir maintains stock of rainbow trout suitable for beginners and experienced anglers. "The lake is easy to fish with lots of hungry trout. Make sure you pack a pontoon boat with you. There is really good fishing only steps away from the campsite," recommends Brad B. about Lower Bowns.
What campers like
Geological formations: The area features distinctive layered sandstone formations dating back millions of years. "My new favorite Utah national park," says Justin S. about Capitol Reef's landscape. "Cohab canyon trail, one to hike for sure!"
Wildlife encounters: Many sites offer opportunities to observe native species in their habitat. "There were abundant mule deer that walked through the campsite," reports Hattie R. about Fruita Campground. "The campground also backs up to an orchard with a brook running through it."
Dark sky viewing: The region maintains minimal light pollution for astronomical observation. "The night sky was magnificent and may have made up for our inability to shower for a couple days," notes Carlyne F. about camping in winter at Sand Creek RV Park. Many sites provide unobstructed horizon views.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Several access roads require careful navigation. "The long road down isn't easy with heavy loads, the road is narrow," cautions Justin A. about Lower Bowns. "We had our daughter ride a bike ahead of us before we pulled out of ravine to hold off or warn oncoming traffic."
Weather volatility: Temperature swings exceed 40°F between day and night in spring and fall. "The weather can change quite rapidly at Powell so proper precautions and gear should be taken in preparation for large storms or cold winds," advises Isabelle K.
Site selection timing: Most non-reservable campgrounds fill by mid-morning during peak season. "The 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," shares Samantha R.
Tips for camping with families
Reservoir swimming: Wide Hollow Reservoir provides safe wading areas for children with gradual entry points. "There were also lots of people cooling off in the river that runs through the campground," reports Hattie R. Swimming areas lack lifeguards.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some sites include playground facilities and protected areas. "The small swimming pool was loved by the kids. The grassy park area was nice," notes Scott O. about Thousand Lakes RV Park.
Protected tent areas: Wind conditions can challenge standard tent setups. "Sites have a parking space, fire ring with grill attachment, a picnic table and a gravel tent pad," describes Barry S. about Sand Creek. "There are wooden shelters for tent spots to mitigate the wind but this would still make me nervous if I were in a tent!"
Tips from RVers
Site configuration: Many glamping sites close to Eggnog, Utah accommodate larger rigs but require planning. "We had to back out of the 'pull through' site because there wasn't clearance to pull forward with our 30ft 5th wheel," cautions Sprite N. about Duke's Slickrock Campground. "The double sites are wide and spacious but all the sites seem to be short."
Utility reliability: Electrical systems may strain during peak usage periods. "When all the large RVs returned for the night, our electricity browned out and we couldn't run our AC," reports Pam R. "Our power also cut out during the night."
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks with full hookups operate on limited schedules. "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," shares Samantha R.
