Camping at Capitol Reef

100-mile wrinkle in the Earth's crust with colorful cliffs, orchards, and quiet solitude.

4+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Year-round (varies by season)

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Featured Campgrounds

Top-rated campgrounds inside Capitol Reef National Park

4.6

(1396)

Fruita Campground

Capitol Reef National ParkTorrey, UT

Fruita Campground is the flagship campground of Capitol Reef with excellent reviews (4.59 rating, 1396 reviews) and offers both tent and RV camping options. Located in the heart of the park near the historic Fruita area, it provides the quintessential Capitol Reef experience with easy access to trails and park attractions.

Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

Capitol Reef National ParkTorrey, UT

Cathedral Campground offers a high-quality primitive camping experience (4.75 rating, 43 reviews) that appeals to visitors seeking a more rustic adventure. Though further from the main park area, it provides a different perspective of Capitol Reef's diverse landscapes and excellent hiking opportunities.

Tents

4.0

(22)

Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground

Capitol Reef National ParkTorrey, UT

Cedar Mesa Campground adds geographic diversity to camping options within Capitol Reef, offering primitive tent camping in a different area of the park. While it has fewer reviews, it still maintains a solid 4.04 rating and provides access to unique hiking experiences away from the more popular Fruita area.

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More Campgrounds Inside Capitol Reef National Park

Discover 1 additional campgrounds within park boundaries

5.0

(11)

Capitol Reef Group Campground

Capitol Reef National ParkTorrey, UT

Capitol Reef Group Campground serves the important niche of group camping with an excellent 5.01 rating, perfect for families or organizations planning group visits to the park. Located close to the main park facilities, it offers convenient access while accommodating larger parties that regular campgrounds cannot serve.

Tents

Campgrounds Near Capitol Reef National Park

Great options within 90 minutes of the park entrance

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4.6

(140)

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

Escalante, UT

Calf Creek Recreation Area offers excellent quality with 4.63 rating and substantial reviews (140), plus diverse activities including hiking and swimming that complement Capitol Reef visits.

Fishlake National ForestLoa, Utah, UT

Mackinaw provides outstanding versatility with tent camping, RV sites, and cabins, plus a solid 4.62 rating with good review volume (103) in Fishlake National Forest.

Fishlake National ForestTorrey, UT

Singletree offers the highest review count (318) with strong 4.59 rating, providing reliable tent and RV camping options in Fishlake National Forest.

Posey Lake Campground

Dixie National ForestEscalante, UT

Posey Lake Campground delivers quality camping (4.57 rating, 104 reviews) in Dixie National Forest with fishing opportunities and both tent/RV accommodations.

Fishlake National ForestBicknell, UT

Sunglow Campground provides well-reviewed camping (4.57 rating, 81 reviews) with fishing access and diverse camping options in Fishlake National Forest.

Goblin Valley State Park

Green River, UT

Goblin Valley State Park offers unique geological attractions as a bonus destination with solid camping facilities (4.51 rating, 187 reviews) for exploring multiple Utah landmarks.

Bowery Creek Campground

Fishlake National ForestLoa, UT

Bowery Creek Campground provides quality forest camping (4.70 rating, 57 reviews) with hiking and fishing in Fishlake National Forest.

4.4

(81)

Bowery Creek

Fishlake National ForestLoa, UT

Bowery Creek offers diverse activities including swimming along with tent and RV camping (4.39 rating, 81 reviews) in Fishlake National Forest.

Deer Creek Campground

None

Deer Creek Campground provides a more intimate camping experience (4.58 rating, 28 reviews) with hiking access for those preferring smaller campgrounds.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 18 campgrounds near Capitol Reef National Park

Map of campgrounds near Capitol Reef National Park

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Park Boundary

Inside Capitol Reef National Park

Fruita Campground

Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground

Capitol Reef Group Campground

Near Capitol Reef National Park

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

Mackinaw

Singletree

Posey Lake Campground

Sunglow Campground

Goblin Valley State Park

Bowery Creek Campground

Bowery Creek

Deer Creek Campground

Lonesome Beaver Campground

Bowery Creek Group Rec Site

Mallard Bay Overflow Rec Site

Cowpuncher Guard Station

Starr Spring Campground

View all 18 campgrounds on interactive map

About This Destination

Capitol Reef camping offers an unforgettable desert experience in one of Utah's most spectacular national parks, where dramatic red rock formations meet historic pioneer orchards under some of the darkest night skies in the country. The park's unique Waterpocket Fold creates a stunning backdrop for campers, with towering sandstone cliffs, hidden slot canyons, and natural arches providing endless exploration opportunities.

Best Time

The best time for Capitol Reef camping is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when daytime temperatures reach comfortable 60s-80s°F with cool nights perfect for campfires. These seasons offer ideal hiking conditions and spectacular wildflower displays in spring or crisp, clear skies in fall.

Destination Highlights

4+ campgrounds within 40 miles
Located in Utah
Options for every camping style

Plan Your Trips

Tips & Recommendations

1Book Fruita Campground reservations 2-6 months ahead for peak spring and fall seasons, or arrive early for first-come sites during shoulder seasons.
2Bring extra water for desert camping - at least 1 liter per hour during hot weather.
3If exploring remote areas like Cathedral Valley for dispersed camping, use a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle and inform someone of your plans, as cell service is limited.
4Pack warm layers for surprisingly cool desert nights, and don't forget a headlamp for exploring the historic Fruita orchards after dark.

4 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Camping Near Capitol Reef National Park