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Established Camping

Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

Cathedral Valley Campground, near Torrey, Utah, is a stunning spot that offers a unique camping experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This place is all about the scenery, with picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it perfect for enjoying meals and evenings under the stars.

The campground is known for its clean pit toilets and the absence of drinking water, so be sure to bring your own supplies. Visitors rave about the incredible vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset, with one camper noting, “The views are absolutely worth it.” Just keep in mind that the wind can pick up at night, so securing your gear is a smart move.

For those eager to explore, Cathedral Valley is a gateway to numerous hiking trails and scenic drives, including the Cathedral Valley loop road. The area is rich in natural beauty, with diverse ecosystems that blend desert and forest landscapes. Just a heads up, the roads can be a bit rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

While some campers mentioned pesky flies, the overall experience is one of tranquility and awe-inspiring views. If you're looking for a remote getaway where you can soak in the beauty of Capitol Reef National Park, this campground is definitely worth a visit.

Description

National Park Service

Capitol Reef National Park

It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. The campground is open year-round; however, visitors should check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center prior to planning an overnight stay. The campground is at ~7,000 feet (2,133 m) in elevation, No reservations; first-come, first-served.

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Location

Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Directions

The campground is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center. The roads to access the campground are unpaved and typically high clearance two wheel drive. Four wheel drive can be needed depending on conditions. Call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current road conditions.

Coordinates

38.4746 N
111.3673 W

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Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2024

Beautiful and away from the crowds

This campground has like 5 spots. A short walk to amazing views. Pit toilet and that is all. The campground was clean - people have done a really good job of packing out their trash. The road in and out requires high clearance for sure. I would not do it with 2WD or AWD. It is worth it if you have a capable vehicle.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Michael G., September 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Michael G., September 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Michael G., September 12, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2024

Great hidden gem

Great spot for a stay overnight! Although there isn’t water, there is a clean outhouse to use.

We loved the spot we had which was equipped with a picnic table and fire ring (all sites have this).

The views from being so high up are great. That being said the wind can get a little crazy at night so roll up those awnings before bed.

Road in is a little bumpy (we came from Highway 72) but it was a beautiful drive.

Site1
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Azaali J., August 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Azaali J., August 1, 2024
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  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 15, 2022

Peaceful and beautiful

We drove in from the national forest to the west. The road was rough in spots but fine in dry conditions (Subaru Outback). We arrived mid afternoon on a weekday in May and half the spots were taken. Stayed two nights. Most people seem to use this as a one night stop over while doing the Cathedral Valley loop road, so spots seem to empty out each morning.

We had rough weather (very windy and a little rain) but that did not diminish the incredible view of the valley just north of the campground. Solid tables, fire rings and a fine pit toilet. We plan to return.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Cooper A., May 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Cooper A., May 15, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2021

Amazing views, killer flies

Everything about this campground is amazing!.. except the flies are everywhere and they bite. But if you don't mind bugs, then this is a must see camping spot.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by James O., September 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by James O., September 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by James O., September 16, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2021

Gorgeous eco tone of desert and forest

Great area, not terrible to get in with a car, eco diversity is gorgeous. Did get quite cold, but that’s deserts for you.

Loved how isolated the location was, dream campground for sure. I will be back very soon

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Payson W., June 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Payson W., June 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Payson W., June 11, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2021

Most Magical Place in Utah

I almost don’t want to review this campsite because I don’t want it to be packed next time I visit... but I want people to know how special it is!

Cathedral Valley is exceptionally unique and absolutely blew my mind. We weren’t expecting to camp here (June 2020), but when we exited the valley through the north side, we stumbled upon this campground and just couldn’t not stay. We even passed up our pre-reserved (and pre-paid, I might add) campground for the night because this spot was just so incredible.

The actual site isn’t anything amazing, it has picnic tables and a fire ring and ample space for two tents, but it overlooks the entirety of Cathedral Valley and makes for an absolutely amazing sunrise. Accessing Cathedral Valley from the south may, at most times, require a 4WD vehicle, but a member in our party succeeded (narrowly) in a 2019 Toyota Avalon. We went in a Toyota 4Runner and had zero issue. To the best of my knowledge, this campground is accessible from the North to any vehicle due to mostly paved roads. It’s only when descending into the valley that the roads get tricky (VERY sandy).

  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Angela G., January 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Angela G., January 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Angela G., January 23, 2021
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2020

Bucket list CG

We have always wanted to get to this CG. It has been on the list for a while. This is a primitive CG at the north point of Capital Reef. The drive here either by Hartnet Rd or Cathedral Valley Rd is an adventure with many sites to see and check out. 4WD not always needed but nice to have. The CG has 6 sites, we got the first one on the right as you come in. It had a really nice view. Standard NP primitive site, picnic table and fire ring with a pit toilet within walking distance. The toilet was in decent shape when we were there. 

Timing is everything I guess, We were there in late May and the gnats were horrendous. Even with head nets you couldn't concentrate let alone eat or drink. The campfire drove them off but they were right back the next morning. We were going to stay here 2 nights but decided to move on. The night sky is amazing here though. Incredible.

The CG is within walking distance to the Cathedral Valley overlook (which has a picnic table) and the Upper South Desert overlook. Definitely worth checking out. Cathedral Valley is a fantastic place. You can launch out to the Morell Cabin, Cathedrals trail, and gypsum sink hole. All within 30 min from the CG. We came up Hartnet and back using Cathedral Valley Rd. Make sure you stop and check out the Temples of the Sun and Moon. BTW there looked like there was dispersed camping there as it is BLM land right before you get back into the park. Make sure you pack out what you pack in. And watch the weather, rain could make some areas impassable.

SiteFirst on on the right
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Pat S., June 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Pat S., June 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Pat S., June 14, 2020
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

A small scenic campground at the north end of the Park

This campground is situated at the north end of the Park at a high elevation. It's free and has picnic tables, fire rings and a vault toilet but no water. If you want to make a fire, you must bring your own firewood. There are excellent views of the valley below only a short walk from the campsites.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Rob F., July 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Rob F., July 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Rob F., July 18, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2017

Utah never ceases to amaze me

Another wonder utah campground. And Capital reef is one of a kind. Getting out here is pretty ridiculous especially in a mini van. But the camping was epic.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Mar. 11, 2017

Pure Darkness

One of the darkest, most secluded places I've set up camp. The views are absolutely worth it. After the moon set, you could read by starlight. It's a hard drive to get there, definitely recommend a 4x4 with high clearance. There are two way to get there, one being through Fishlake National Forest off of 72 where you weave through the mountains, (We saw it snow at the peak of the mountain when we crossed.) and the other of 24 near Cainsville through Cathedral Valley and the bentonite hills. Bring lots of water, no supply out there. Had fire pits and a drop toilet at the site surprisingly for how remote it was.

  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Trevin C., March 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Trevin C., March 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park by Trevin C., March 11, 2017
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there cell phone reception at Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is fair.