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.

Cathedral Valley Campground — Capitol Reef National Park

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.

Bucket list CG

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. 

Pure Darkness

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.

Utah never ceases to amaze me

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.

A small scenic campground at the north end of the Park

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). 

Most Magical Place in Utah

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 

Gorgeous eco tone of desert and forest 

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. 

Amazing views, killer flies

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.