Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground

Star4.04
22 reviews

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Capitol Reef National Park site

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground is a no-fee primitive site.
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
435-425-3791
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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 22 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

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"Reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, remote location, and quiet atmosphere. Campers appreciate the clean pit toilet and the availability of picnic tables and fire grates at each site. Visitors generally agree that the site is ideal for those seeking solitude and backcountry experiences."

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Campground Map

Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground

38.0073, -111.0846

Driving directionsApproximately 23 miles south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road. "The Notom-Bullfrog Road is paved for approximately 15 miles south of the highway then it turns to dirt. The road condition varies and a high clearance vehicle is usually needed. Call 435-425-3791 for current road conditions."
"The Notom-Bullfrog Road is paved for approximately 15 miles south of the highway then it turns to dirt. The road condition varies and a high clearance vehicle is usually needed." "Most of the road is a very bumpy dirt road. So only drive out there if you’re comfortable with that. There’s a toilet out there as well as each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table." "getting to the campground requires you to traverse about 5 mi of fairly rough road consisting of sand rocks and a lot of washboards and some potholes I wouldn't want to try it with anything less than about 3 inches of clearance on the vehicle so sedans are pretty much out I definitely wouldn't try to take an RV down there."
Nearby places
Torrey is the closest city.

Best Time to Camp at Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground

Cedar Mesa reveals different personalities throughout the year, from crisp autumn days that draw solo adventurers to peaceful October getaways, to winter's stark beauty when temperatures hover between bone-chilling 20°F nights and brisk 36°F afternoons. Light dustings of snow occasionally transform the red rock landscape into a photographer's dream, while gentle rains bring the desert's subtle fragrances to life. Smart campers come prepared for the high desert's mood swings, knowing that four-season adventure awaits those willing to embrace nature's rhythms.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer can be busier and hot; reviewers warn to arrive early for sites.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn noted for crisp days, fewer crowds and good solo-adventurer visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely pleasant and less crowded; variable conditions advised (check visitor center).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with 'stark beauty' in winter but road/temperature issues possible.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but "visitors should check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for road conditions prior to planning an overnight stay."
  • Current Alerts: "The Scenic Drive is closed just south of the C loop of the Fruita Campground into August. There is no access for vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians. Expect heavy truck traffic and drive carefully through construction zones." "Annual/Seasonal Canyon Closures: Sensitive resources protection: Headquarters Canyon, heads of Burro Wash & Fivemile Wash descending east 2 miles, Shinob Canyon + routes descending into Shinob, including Na-gah, Nighthawk, & Timpie."

About Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground

Escape to the untamed beauty of Cedar Mesa Campground, where five pristine sites await adventurous souls seeking solitude in Capitol Reef's backcountry. Tucked away 23 miles south of Highway 24 via the rugged Notom-Bullfrog Road, this hidden gem offers free camping with the essentials: a sturdy picnic table, fire grate for evening campfires, and basic pit toilet facilities. Each site welcomes tent campers year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, promising an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds. Here, you'll trade modern amenities for star-studded nights and the raw magnificence of Utah's high desert.
The Cedar Mesa Campground offers primitive camping options, with no fees, reservations, or modern facilities. It is best suited for campers seeking a rugged, backcountry experience.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers nearby hiking opportunities and serves as a good base for exploring surrounding trails. Activities are generally self-guided due to the primitive nature of the site.
HikingSeveral trails are accessible from the campground. Venture X recommends the Red Canyon Trail, describing it as "pretty moderate" and worth the effort. Other reviewers also highlighted the campground as a good launching point for exploring nearby trails.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"The Notom-Bullfrog Road is paved for approximately 15 miles south of the highway then it turns to dirt. The road condition varies and a high clearance vehicle is usually needed." "Most of the road is a very bumpy dirt road. So only drive out there if you’re comfortable with that. Getting to the campground requires you to traverse about 5 mi of fairly rough road consisting of sand rocks and a lot of washboards and some potholes."
Active Alerts"The Scenic Drive is closed just south of the C loop of the Fruita Campground into August. There is no access for vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians. Expect heavy truck traffic and drive carefully through construction zones." "Annual/Seasonal Canyon Closures: Sensitive resources protection: Headquarters Canyon, heads of Burro Wash & Fivemile Wash descending east 2 miles, Shinob Canyon + routes descending into Shinob, including Na-gah, Nighthawk, & Timpie."
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground

Reviews

4.0
22 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, remote location, and quiet atmosphere. Campers appreciate the clean pit toilet and the availability of picnic tables and fire grates at each site. Visitors generally agree that the site is ideal for those seeking solitude and backcountry experiences.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Absolutely beautiful" with no light pollution for excellent stargazing (Richard Reid). - Free and first-come, first-served with stunning views from the campsites (Katie Fiola Jones). - Clean pit...
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Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

- Accessing the site requires navigating a rough dirt road; high clearance vehicles are recommended (Richard Reid, Katie Fiola Jones, Greg D. Lind). - No water or trash facilities, requiring campers...
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Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early, especially during busy seasons, as all five sites can fill up quickly (Venture X). - Bring a high clearance vehicle for the rough road conditions (Richard Reid). - Pack sufficient...
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Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be less crowded during weekdays and off-peak months, as noted by visitors in October and November. Summer visits may require early arrival to secure a site, especially on...
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Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "We thought this was a gem of a campground. It's primitive so pack it in and pack it out." - Venture X. - "It was absolutely beautiful there was no light pollution so the sky was gorgeous it was...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews focus on the campground as a whole, with no specific feedback on individual campsite numbers.
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information or reviews regarding pets are provided.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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