Camping at Capitol Reef: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Capitol Reef

The quick answer. Yes, you can camp inside Capitol Reef National Park. The park has three official campgrounds: Fruita, the main campground with water and services; Cathedral Valley; and Cedar Mesa, two primitive campgrounds without water. A free backcountry permit opens up dispersed camping elsewhere in the park. Reserve Fruita through recreation.gov. The primitive campgrounds are first come, first served.

Campgrounds in the park (4)

• Campground Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground first come, first served · 6 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground first come, first served · 5 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Fruita Campground recreation.gov · 71 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Group Campsite recreation.gov · 1 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Capitol Reef?

Yes, and it's probably the best way to get to know this overlooked corner of the Colorado Plateau. Capitol Reef is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Dispersed camping outside designated sites or authorized backcountry areas isn't allowed. You can't pitch a tent in a canyon accessible by car or set up camp beside a dirt road.

You have three options: developed camping at Fruita, primitive camping in remote areas, and backcountry camping with a permit.

Campgrounds in the Park

Fruita Campground

Fruita is the park's only developed campground. It's 1 mile from the visitor center, in the historic valley of the same name, and offers a setting you won't find at most campgrounds. Century-old orchards planted by the first Mormon settlers surround some of the sites, and the Fremont River flows just a few steps away. In season, usually from June through October depending on the fruit, the NPS allows visitors to pick fruit freely in these orchards. It's an experience you won't find anywhere else in the national parks.

The campground has running water and flush toilets. About 71 sites accommodate tents and RVs. Some sites offer electrical hookups for RVs. It's open year-round.

Most sites can be reserved on recreation.gov. A limited number remain first come, first served, which is useful in the off-season.

Cathedral Valley Campground

In the northern section of the park, Cathedral Valley has 6 primitive sites. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to get there. After rain, four-wheel drive is strongly recommended because the dirt roads can quickly become impassable. There is no water, only basic pit toilets. The scenery makes up for it: the red sandstone monoliths of Cathedral Valley rank among the most photogenic geological formations on the entire Colorado Plateau.

First come, first served.

Cedar Mesa Campground

South of the park, Cedar Mesa has 5 primitive sites with no water or electricity. You reach it via Burr Trail Road, which is paved at first and then turns to gravel. The site opens onto a direct view of Waterpocket Fold, the long sweep of folded sandstone that defines the park geologically. Expect silence and wide-open space.

First come, first served.

RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

For RVers, Fruita Campground is the only developed campground inside the park. Check the maximum vehicle length allowed at your site on recreation.gov when you book. Electrical hookups are available at select sites. The primitive campgrounds, Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa, are for self-sufficient campers in four-wheel-drive vehicles. RVs don't belong on these roads.

For tent campers, Fruita offers shade, water, and direct access to trails from the campground. If solitude is what you're after, Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa are your only options inside the park.

Our Capitol Reef RV camping guide explores RV park alternatives around Torrey for travelers looking for more services.

Camping Nearby: Campgrounds Outside the Park

Torrey, a small town about 7 miles west of the visitor center, has several private campgrounds and RV resorts. It's the natural choice when Fruita is full, which happens regularly in spring and fall. Some properties offer sites with water, electricity, and dump stations. Others focus on luxury tent camping.

For a complete overview of places to stay in the area, see our Capitol Reef accommodations overview and our Hotels & Lodges guide.

Dispersed and Backcountry Camping

Capitol Reef's backcountry is open to self-sufficient campers with a free permit, available at the visitor center or certain trailheads. A few basic rules apply. Camp at least 1,300 feet from any water source, stay away from trails and archaeological sites, and practice Leave No Trace by packing it in and packing it out.

The backcountry covers thousands of acres, from Fremont Canyon to the remote reaches of Waterpocket Fold. Our Hiking guide covers multi-day routes and permit requirements.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite at Capitol Reef

Fruita Campground reservations are handled through recreation.gov. The booking window generally opens 6 months ahead. Spring, from April through May, and fall, from September through October, are the busiest periods. Sites go within hours of reservations opening.

In summer, heat often topping 100°F in the valley keeps some campers away and sometimes frees up last-minute openings. The park stays open in winter, but nighttime temperatures regularly fall below 32°F and can drop much lower at higher elevations.

Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa don't take reservations. In peak season, arrive in the early afternoon to secure a site.

To choose the best time to go, check the Capitol Reef weather forecast and our guide to the best times to visit.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Capitol Reef?

Fruita Campground costs about $20 per night per site. That's an indicative 2025 rate, so check recreation.gov before booking.

The primitive campgrounds, Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa, don't charge a site fee. You still have to pay the park entrance fee: $20 per vehicle or $10 on foot or by bicycle. If you're visiting several parks on this road trip, the America the Beautiful pass, which costs $80 per year, covers admission to all federal recreation sites. Capitol Reef also offers a park-specific annual pass for $35, which is useful if you return to this part of Utah often.

For entrance fees and annual passes, the National Parks Fees & Passes page explains admission fees and pass options.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

Flash floods. This is Capitol Reef's number one hazard. A storm several miles upstream can turn a narrow canyon into a torrent within minutes, even when the sky above you is blue. Check the weather forecast at the visitor center before every outing. Never enter a slot canyon when you can see storm clouds on the horizon, and don't underestimate a storm building in the distance, even to the north.

Dirt roads. Rain and snow make the roads to Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa impassable for ordinary vehicles. Check road conditions before you leave.

Heat and hydration. In July and August, temperatures regularly climb above 100°F in the valley. Bring at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person for each day of hiking. Fruita has running water available on site. At the primitive campgrounds and in the backcountry, you need to carry every liter with you.

Wildlife. Capitol Reef has no bears, unlike Yellowstone or Great Smoky Mountains, but scorpions and rattlesnakes are common in this desert environment. Shake out your shoes every morning before putting them on, and never reach blindly into a crack in the rocks. Store food in your vehicle's storage compartments or in the airtight containers available at some sites so you don't attract ravens and other opportunistic visitors.

Backcountry waste. Leave No Trace is a requirement, not a suggestion. Carry a sanitary kit with a small trowel and bags. Bury waste 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet from any water source.

Which Campground Is Right for You?

Families and first-time campers: Fruita Campground is the easy choice. It has water, restrooms, proximity to the visitor center and orchards, and trails you can reach on foot from the campground.

RVers: Choose Fruita, with hookups at some sites, or private campgrounds in Torrey. Our RV camping page details the options with full services.

Solitude seekers: Choose Cathedral Valley for the spectacular geological formations in the north, or Cedar Mesa for views of Waterpocket Fold to the south. A suitable vehicle is essential for both.

Multi-day hikers: Capitol Reef's backcountry is available with a simple free permit. Routes are listed in our Hiking guide.

For an overview of your trip, see our complete Capitol Reef guide.

Frequently Asked Questions