Campgrounds in Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park has 5 campgrounds on the National Park Service record, 83 sites in total. 2 take reservations, 2 have first-come sites. Hours, fees, amenities and access for each — plus the scenic drives that reach them.
4 mapped · Park boundary: National Park Service
- Backcountry Camping
A free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center, is required for camping outside of campgrounds. Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. For more information on possible backpacking routes, route descriptions and maps are available on our hiking and backpacking page.
Fruita Campground71 sitesReservationsThe 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A $25 nightly fee is charged. It is open year-round. Campsites are reservable year-round; visit www.recreation.gov to make a reservation. Reservations are accepted 6 months ahead of time. The busy season is mid March through October when the campground is typically fully booked. In the winter, there is less demand and it is easy to secure a campsite.
Group Campsite1 sitesReservationsThe Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through www.recreation.gov up to one year in advance. The Fruita Group Campsite is open from mid-April to mid-October. It is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday nights for maintenance. The nightly rate is $125.
Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground6 sitesFirst-come, first-servedIt 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.
Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground5 sitesFirst-come, first-servedIt is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground has five sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is also a pit toilet, but no water is available. The campground is open year-round, but visitors should check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for road conditions prior to planning an overnight stay. No reservations; first-come, first-served.
Source: National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04