Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

4.75

43 reviews

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Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Utah#1 Camping Near Capitol Reef National Park#2 Primitive Camping Utah +2 more

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Capitol Reef National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Capitol Reef National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

$0.00 - $125.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground have no fees associated with use. Capitol Reef charges an entrance fee separate from camping fees. Fruita...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

435-425-3791null

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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 43 reviews

57 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietclean

Some mention

mosquitoes

"The Cathedral Campground is widely praised for its seclusion, scenic views, and primitive charm. However, the challenging access roads and lack of amenities make it clear this site is intended for well-prepared campers."

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Campground Map

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Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

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Driving directionsThe campground is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road, about 36 miles from the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. Access is via unpaved roads, typically suitable for high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles. Four-wheel drive may be necessary depending on conditions. Visitors should call 435-425-3791 for current road information.

The roads to access the campground are unpaved and require high-clearance vehicles. Conditions may necessitate four-wheel drive, especially after inclement weather. The route involves washboard dirt roads and rocky terrain.

Nearby places

Torrey, UT (36 miles, approximately 1-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies, water, and firewood can be purchased at the Gifford Homestead near the Fruita District of Capitol Reef National Park during the summer season. Additional supplies may be available in Torrey, UT.

Best Time to Camp at Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

Mother Nature rules supreme in Cathedral Valley, where desert extremes create unforgettable adventures. Spring nights can plunge into the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, catching unprepared campers off guard, while fierce winds sweep across the exposed terrain year-round. Winter brings the possibility of snow dusting the red rocks, creating a photographer's paradise, while summer delivers bone-dry conditions perfect for exploration. Seasoned visitors know the secret: layer up, prepare for anything, and embrace the wild temperature swings that make each visit unique.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; summer likely pleasant at 7,000 ft though desert heat and wind possible.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mild fall weather and solitude make fall a very good season for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers great views but nights can plunge into the 20s–30s°F; variable conditions noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with fewer visitors, but very cold nights and potential access issues in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not applicable as the campground is open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: The Scenic Drive is closed past Fruita Campground as of 2025. Additional closures include seasonal restrictions in nearby canyons.

About Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

Escape to the raw beauty of Cathedral Campground, where six primitive sites offer an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Capitol Reef's remote Cathedral Valley. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table and fire grate for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While you'll find a pit toilet for convenience, this back-to-basics destination embraces simplicity: bring your own water, pack out what you pack in, and secure your food from curious wildlife. It's camping as it was meant to be—just you, your gear, and the magnificent desert landscape.

Cathedral Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served camping area with no developed facilities.

Historical SignificanceCathedral Valley whispers stories of ancient peoples and determined pioneers who once called this rugged landscape home. As part of Capitol Reef National Park, your campsite serves as a gateway to millennia of human history—from mysterious Fremont petroglyphs etched into canyon walls to the fruit-laden orchards of the nearby Fruita Historic District, where Mormon settlers carved out a living from the desert. Every trail leads to another chapter in this land's rich tapestry of cultural heritage.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme in Cathedral Valley, where desert extremes create unforgettable adventures. Spring nights can plunge into the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, catching unprepared campers off guard, while fierce winds sweep across the exposed terrain year-round. Winter brings the possibility of snow dusting the red rocks, creating a photographer's paradise, while summer delivers bone-dry conditions perfect for exploration. Seasoned visitors know the secret: layer up, prepare for anything, and embrace the wild temperature swings that make each visit unique.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 7,000 feet above sea level, Cathedral Campground offers more than just stunning views—it's a high-altitude adventure that demands respect. The thin air and exposed location create dramatic temperature drops after sunset, turning warm afternoons into crisp, star-gazing nights. This elevated perch also means weather can change in an instant, adding an element of excitement to your wilderness experience.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunrise painting the towering Sun and Moon monoliths in shades of crimson and gold—this is the daily spectacle at Cathedral Campground. These ancient sandstone sentinels, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water, create a natural amphitheater of geological wonder. From your campsite at 7,000 feet, panoramic vistas stretch across a Mars-like landscape of mesas, buttes, and endless desert horizon, offering photographers and nature lovers a front-row seat to one of Utah's most dramatic geological theaters.

Geological RegionSet within the geological wonderland of Cathedral Valley, your campground rests atop one of Earth's most spectacular classroom exhibits. Here, the famous Waterpocket Fold—a massive wrinkle in the planet's crust stretching nearly 100 miles—tells a 65-million-year-old story written in stone. Towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and sheer cliffs surround you, each layer revealing epochs of ancient seas, shifting sands, and volcanic ash. This is Capitol Reef at its most raw and magnificent, where every rock formation has a tale to tell.

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Stay Limit

Per review and data, no specific nightly stay limit is mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

.Visitors should call the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for specific constraints, though the campground is described as containing 6 sites.

Groups

The campground only has individual campsites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of six primitive sites spaced apart for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are applicable as the campground is first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and first-come, first-served. User reviews note that the six sites fill quickly, often by late afternoon.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted; the campground is first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityLimited to non-existent accessibility features due to primitive conditions. Visitors must navigate rough terrain to access the campground.

Site SizeSites are designed to accommodate typical tent setups and may have room for a small camper vehicle.

PrivacySites are relatively spaced apart, offering moderate privacy. One reviewer stated, 'Even when there are people, the camp sites are pretty spread out so you hardly notice.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a site as they tend to fill quickly, often by late afternoon. Pack extra water, gas, and tire repair kits due to the remote location.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground's remote setting offers opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, stargazing, and photography in a true wilderness setting. Activities are self-guided, and no organized programs are available.

HikingHiking is a key activity, with stunning views and access to nearby trails. A reviewer highlighted, 'Beautiful views, quiet, clean campsite, and great hikes nearby.' No specific trail names or difficulties are mentioned.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as mule deer can often be observed, although visitors are reminded not to feed or approach them.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high winds, cold temperatures, mosquito presence, and sand drifts on roads. Road access may require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.

Active AlertsThe Scenic Drive is closed past Fruita Campground as of 2025. Additional closures include seasonal restrictions in nearby canyons.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in provided grates. Visitors must extinguish fires completely. Wood gathering is not allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are unspecified, but general park regulations apply.

Emergency ServicesCapitol Reef Visitor Center (phone: 435-425-3791) located approximately 36 miles away in Torrey, UT.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are present. Visitors are required to pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesThere are no water features within walking distance of the campground. Nearby Fremont River may be accessible via Hartnet Road, which involves a river crossing.

Camp HostNo campground host is mentioned in official or user data.

Weather at Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

Reviews

4.8

43 reviews

Top-Rated

Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Cathedral Campground is widely praised for its seclusion, scenic views, and primitive charm. However, the challenging access roads and lack of amenities make it clear this site is intended for well-prepared campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the campground's 'beautiful views,' 'quiet and clean' environment, and proximity to 'great hikes.' The remoteness and opportunities for stargazing away from light pollution...

Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include difficult access roads requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles, the lack of water and trash facilities, and occasional wind and insects. One user stated, 'Pit toilet could use...

Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early, bringing extra water and gas, and ensuring vehicles are suitable for rough terrain. A spare tire and repair kit are advised. One user emphasized, 'Check road...

Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is less crowded during weekdays and in winter. Night temperatures can drop significantly, particularly in winter and early spring, so insulated gear is recommended.

Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Literally the best campsite I’ve ever been to. Roads in aren’t too crazy as long as they’re dry.' - Dirt Hurt\n- '6 slots filled up by 5pm on a weekday.' - Zhou YU\n- 'Lovely first come, first...

Based on 43 reviews