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The best camping near Capitol Reef National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Capitol Reef adventure.

100% (36 reviews)
100% (36 reviews)

Marvel at natural wonders while camping at Capitol Reef National Park.  

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Stay at a public campground in Capitol Reef National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Capitol Reef National Park

96%
(56)

Red River Camp - Capitol Reef

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Teasdale, UT
Welcome to Red River Camp! Our camp sites highlight the beautiful red cliff backdrop infamous in southern Utah. Only 10 minutes from Capitol Reef National Park! Come relax and stay the night before you go out to hike, sight see, climb, off-road, fish etc. The opportunity for adventure is endless. Our family built the Red River Ranch many years ago and we are excited to share the beautiful surroundings with people that share our love for the outdoors. Guests will have a private camp site and access to their own fire pit, shared picnic table, shared trash, and shared toilet. No access to water, electricity, or sewer. Cell phone service should work great!
from 
$34
 / night
Booked 2 times

Thousand Lakes RV Park

66 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres ¡ Torrey, UT
At Thousand Lakes RV Park, you will enjoy views of red rock mountains and sagebrush-covered plateaus from every site. Just 6 miles from Capitol Reef National Park, we are convenient to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, spectacular National Scenic Byway 12, Goblin Valley, and Bryce Canyon. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, 4-wheel-drive back road excursions, and leisurely drives are just minutes away. Because our area is not as well known as other Southern Utah destinations, you won’t find crowds, even in peak season. Thousand Lakes RV Park offers a full range of accommodations, including a full-service RV park with 65-foot pull-thru spaces, shaded tent sites, and deluxe cabins large enough to sleep 6. Groups appreciate our covered pavilion with picnic tables. Everyone enjoys our chargrilled, scratch-made BBQ dinners, fresh morning muffins, clean facilities, pool, playground, basketball court, satellite hook-up, and outstanding views. Our RV Park Jeep Rentals are available from Capital Reef Jeep Rentals conveniently located on our premises. Stop by our office for our personal recommendations to help you enjoy your visit. Unforgettable scenery, endless outdoor activities, a full array of services, and no crowds.
from 
$25
 / night
99%
(65)

Swell Retreat in San Rafael Swell

13 sites ¡ RVs, Tents208 acres ¡ Castle Dale, UT
A Swell Oasis in the desert of the San Rafael Swell: Swell Retreat. A pine tree farm was active prior to us purchasing the land, so lots of beautiful trees. A couple ponds stocked with large mouth bass. Zipline, WIBIT, water slide, etc. A field of hay, and continued improvements to make it into a Swell Retreat!!! We are a great spot to stay and have onsite a zip line into Lake Elevate, water slide into the pond, adventure island, zipline, kayaking, paddle boarding, catch and release fishing, and close to all fun in the San Rafael Swell. 20 min or so from three reservoirs for additional fishing, swimming and motor boating, 30 minutes from the Little Grand Canyon for breathtaking views, hiking and mountain biking, petroglyphs and the San Rafael Swell river to float on, 60 minutes from Goblin Valley, within 60 minutes to multiple slot canyons: Little Wild Horse Canyon, Muddy Creek, The Chute (similar to Zion National Park), Baptist Draw, to name a few. Mountain fun for rock climbing just up the road in Joe's Valley, hiking, biking, fishing, etc. We would love to have you stay on our little farm while you enjoy the fun of the San Rafael Swell adventures.
from 
$25
 / night
94%
(125)

LZJ Ranch's Hiawatha Hideout!

12 sites ¡ RVs, Tents1000 acres ¡ Huntington, UT
For-the-Outlaw-in-all-of-Us... Welcome! Better than 1000 acres of Utah high desert located near Utah's spectacular San Rafael National Recreation and Wilderness Areas! The ranch was home originally for prehistoric Fremont Native Americans, Ute Indians and later homesteaded by early Europeans in the late 1880's and early 1920's. Truly fascinating historic structures, historic 1916-17 rail line, stone brothel, scattered arrow heads and rock bordered walls and farm plots remain untouched on the property. The original Italian Perucci Family homesteaded here and began ranching in the early 1900's. Learn more about this land: Camp or hunker down like Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch probably did at the Hiawatha Hideout! We are a cattle ranch and so much more that is strategically located for easy accessibility. Check out our new and expanded campsites, road improvements, signage and rock solid CURTEOUSY GUEST WIFI INTERNET! You asked for it and now we've got it! The Ranch is a picturesque, convenient and very well-hidden secret in Utah's east central high desert and that's how we intend to keep it! Please remember we are not a developed "commercial campground" and we don't ever intend to be... (there are no hot showers, no potable drinking water, no fixed toilet facilities and no sewer hookup -- but we do have a well maintained port-a-potty and non-potable water for washing, cleaning and showering-- located at the main wagon wheel camp area). We are an historic, goat, sheep and cattle ranch exploring the concept of agri-tourism and are sharing our private property with you as guests. If you are into off-grid peace, quiet and solitude we are your deal! We cater to the independent "do-it-yourselfer-get-away-from-the-crowd" self contained primitive dry camp type of guest and explorer! Please, please be aware that our main priority is managing the ranch, our offsite farms and our animals scattered in between so we might not always be available every minute to show you in person or answer every call every minute about where to park or where to find the port-a-potty etc.. IF YOU PACK IT IN PLEASE PACK IT OUT! WE DO NOT PROVIDE TRASH PICKUP OR RECEPTICALS! The only rule here? Do at least the first ~250 yards of the 2.5 mile loop trail hike to the sheep camp, pond and stream and historic stone buildings (the trail head is located on the north side of the main wagon wheel camping area right next to the port-a-potty). The trail immediately descends down a rocky steep and scenic dug-way and follows the course of a small stream, gorgeous cottonwood, pinion pines and juniper trees! Don't forget your camera and be sure to keep an eye on your kids and pets. Watch your step and be on the lookout for steep ledges, drop offs, tree branches, sharp rocks, barbwire, a twisting trail and variety of native animals and birds. Take the full loop and find the hidden and historic stone brothel/dance hall (yup, an honest to goodness house of ill repute... ) located right next to an historic rail line that connected the towns of Price and Hiawatha back in ~1916 & 17! We are family, individual and large group-friendly self container camping area that provides easy local access to virtually unlimited camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding (subject availability of our Wranglers and riding stock), photography, wildlife viewing and exploring in and around Utah's (less well-known, yet truly spectacular) northern San Rafael Swell Wilderness and Recreation Areas! CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCAL AND EXTENDED SAN RAFAEL SWELL RECREATIONAL AREA WIDE TOURS! You'll be riding in an epic Land Rover Defender 110 (seats 8 with integral factory seat belts; see our "experiences" below to check availability!). Butch and Sundance knew where the off grid good spots were and undoubtedly spent time here... and that's why you should too! Concerned about video teleconferencing or missing your favorite episode of Yellowstone or Longmire? We've got you covered! Our open WIFI guest network provides stable up and download speeds that are unbelievable! The main camp site has excellent strong (3-4+ bars) cell service with all major carriers too! Check out our visitor "EXPERIENCES" on the main website for a grand ole' time! Park your large RV with towed vehicle, trailer or small SUV and tent at one of multiple camp sites from near commercial camping grade (Site 1 with 120 v ac, 60 amp service) to Site 10 in your own tent bushwhacking at a remote stream bank isolated hideaway requiring all wheel drive short, narrow wheel base and high clearance vehicles only that may include a difficult stream crossing or just hike in ~1 mile (contact us for the current trail/road conditions). With over 1000 acres to roam, we can provide almost unlimited over flow camping that is of variable distance from the main wagon wheel camp area. If we are booked send us a message/email and depending on your group size, number and size(s) of vehicle(s) we'll see if we can work out an alternative over flow camp site just for you! Explore the tranquil seclusion along picturesque Miller Creek as it courses for a mile bisecting the center of the ranch. Cool your feet in the crystal clear water at noon or take a nap in the shade of magnificent riparian cottonwoods. Check out the 1/2 acre hidden pond and spring! Avoid worrying about full campsites (particularly on weekends and holidays) as you'll find the privacy, safety, and solitude you're seeking among pinion pines, hundreds of years old twisted cedar (juniper) trees and crystal blue clear skies! Close your eyes, feel the cool breeze and take in the scent of a burning cedar campfire. Bask in splendor while camping on the east slope of the spectacular Manti La Sal National Forest, Star Point and Gentry Mountain! Relax, avoid the traffic, headache, congestion, and noise of better known and more heavily visited recreational sites before you head back to civilization! Isn't that what you really intended to do? Prep the mountain/electric bikes and lace up your favorite hiking boots or jogging shoes. Maybe kick back and enjoy a quiet evening around the large group camp bonfire! Later, take one of the unimproved trails for an off-the-grid reclusive expedition or look for that perfect remote camp site. Colloquial western folk tales, ghost stories and some incredible western music can be had here as well as horse trail rides and even a motorized tour are available (seasonally dependent, please contact us before booking regarding availability). Just one more thing... Since the ranch is bordered by public federal BLM and state SITLA lands there are literally thousands of additional acres to explore but only accessible through the ranch main gate. And for Pete's sake don't forget extra fuel, food, clothing and your camera! Discover the historic stone brothel (that's right including a bar and dance hall built in ~1916). Try to decipher a late 1880's inscription on the back wall!. Hike, bike, or ride along the bed of the historic Utah Railway line that connected the towns of Price and Hiawatha via a rare early gasoline propelled locomotive back in 1912 (lasted only a few years before an historic flood destroyed its trestles). Check out the remains of a 100+ year old relic pump house, spring, and pond that settlers relied on to irrigate cultivated farm plots on the historic homestead. Keep an eye out for deer, moose, coyotes, rabbits, golden eagles or a lonesome cowboy moving cattle along your path. Wake early and stay up late for a spectacular summer sunrise and sunset at the main group campsite. Corral and rest your horses in one of three enclosures outfitted with automatic waters, feed tubs, and onsite alfalfa/grass 2 string bales (available on request). And don't forget to take a dip in one of the two solar-powered cattle watering troughs if it gets too hot! Check out an absolutely gorgeous vintage restored 1920's sheep camp (our favorite) or simply throw out your bed roll under the stars about anywhere! The Hideout is located ~20 miles as the crow flies south of the infamous "Castle Gate hold up" that was staged on April 21, 1897, at the mouth of Price Canyon in east-central Utah. Located 15 miles (as the crow flies) from the San Rafael Swell's "Wedge Overlook" (aka Little Grand Canyon) and within easy striking distance of the Buckhorn Wash, Cedar Mountain, Tavaputs Plateau, Huntington Reservoir, Electric Lake, Scofield Reservoir, Joe's Valley Reservoir as well as countless other recreational sites in Carbon and Emery County! In need of a place for this summer's family reunion? This is it! Have a grand ole' shootin' time in an authentically recreated western town with saloon, bank and out buildings at the neighboring world class "North Springs Shooting range" (Single Action Shooter Society--SASS approved) or practice at the modern pistol, rifle, long distance and/or archery range (located just a couple miles north and east of the ranch). ATVs? there are hundreds of miles of public trails/2-tracks on state and federal lands just outside the ranch's boundary to explore in almost any direction surrounding the ranch. Got a hunter in the family? Because the ranch borders the majestic central Utah Manti La Sal mountain range it is key winter range for a very large number of mule deer, elk and other wildlife. Take your favorite hunter on a mid-winter photography extravaganza and enjoy once in a lifetime monster trophy rutting mule deer bucks that will leave even the most proud hunter in awe! Check out the petroglyphs and pictographs of nearby Nine Mile Canyon (largest collection on earth) or stay put and visit what's left of the ranch's original homestead, early European settlers' stone buildings, prehistoric Fremont Indian pit houses, pioneer dugouts or simply enjoy the spectacular topography, wildlife and scenery. Located just 20 miles away from The northern San Rafael Swell of Utah, you're away from the crowds and perfectly situated for exploring! You'll also be just off the well-beaten path to Moab and Hanksville, and a plethora of national parks, monuments, and state parks (including Canyonlands, Capital Reef, Goblin Valley, Horseshoe Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreational Area and Lake Powell to name just a few). Gratuities are welcome from our visitors and campers. We appreciate your patronage! We grew up on the “No Trespassing” side of a lot of fences and know what a privilege it can be to visit and be welcome to explore historically off-limits “private property”... Recognizing just how fortunate we are to own the Ranch makes sharing it with others easy. All we ask is that you admire it, protect it and respect it as much as we do. We have undertaken a variety of ongoing environmental conservation and agricultural stewardship improvement projects collaborating with state and federal conservation agencies as well as multiple not-for-profit wildlife and habitat organizations who have helped improve the aesthetics, historical recognition/preservation, natural beauty, range carrying capacity and rehabilitation after years of unregulated grazing of riparian zones to help maximize the wilderness health, diversity, beauty and agricultural sustainability of the ranch. We feel it is a privilege to share it with others of like mindedness. Gratuities are used for further wildlife/conservation improvements, cleanup, toilet facilities and a variety of range land and watershed improvements. Once at the ranch you’ll belong to a select guild of visitors and campers who return year after year who we call "friends" and to whom we will be indebted forever. We strongly advise all visitors and campers to comply with all local state and federal COVID health recommendations/guidelines. Please message us for more information. Thanks in advance! NOTICE: We are not responsible for or liable for any and all accidents, injuries, falls, animal encounters, drownings, deep mud, slippery conditions, fire, lost or stolen items, damages, loose barb wire, fences, broken glass or vehicles left over 7 days or any other physical, emotional or monetary loss and/or injury that may occur traveling to, during or after your visit. Our ranch and camp areas can and do experience severe weather, including, but not limited to, heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, impassable roads, dislodged rocks, deep snow and freezing temperatures. We do not condone or permit the use of any illegal and/or all hazardous devices, materials or activities on the ranch. Ranch guests are not allowed to use motorized off road vehicles (i.e. motorcycles, ATV or UTVs) within the ranch boundary. The ranch does have a variety of resident and transient farm/ranch animals as well as wild animals that can and frequently do gain access to the campsites, hiking/biking trails and recreational areas, including, but not limited to, cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, coyotes, bears, raccoons, bats, rodents, badgers, eagles/hawks, venomous snakes/reptiles/spiders/scorpions and even mountain lions. Wild and domestic animals may harbor dangerous pathogens, diseases and parasites, including but not limited to ticks, tick borne diseases, rabies, brucellosis, giardiasis and a variety of other infectious and parasitic diseases (i.e. Lyme disease, ring worm, tapeworms, prion disease and infectious diarrhea). There are physically dangerous cliff ledges, drop offs, erosive stream banks, construction/landscaping/agricultural heavy equipment, trenches, holes and other potentially hazardous places and things on the ranch. Plan accordingly, watch your children and pets carefully and continuously and always be attentive to your surroundings and circumstance as your life and/or the lives of your loved ones may depend on it. All guest camping, visiting, activities, expeditions and "experiences" provided by "The LZJ Ranch" or "The Hiawatha Hideout!" are operated under the management of Hiawatha Hideout, LLC and/or San Rafael Tours, LLC.
from 
$29
 / night
100%
(3)

High Desert Solitude Torrey, Utah

1 site ¡ RV5 acres ¡ Torrey, UT
Almost 5 acres with vintage small cabin, art studio, old stable and a few vintage travel trailers. Property has what seems like many miles of irrigation waterlines, that we have used to create outdoor sweet spaces. Originally rented cabin on a nightly rental site, but wanted to live in our own home.. as this was truly our one and only home that we rented. Love vintage and all kinds of trailers so created 2 sites in the way back of the property with lots of trees for privacy and it's own driveway and entrance. Located in the quaint gateway town of Torrey, Utah.. with views of the Boulder Mountains. Capitol Reef National Park is just a few miles down the road. Fremont River is just a few blocks away along with so many great hikes you can take within walking or biking from the cabin. Amazing place where it can be raining and the sun shining. We do have two mostly outdoor cats. They were abandoned and migrated to the property. One is a sweet big black kitty and the other is a gray striped kitty. Both have been spade and neutered. We volunteer at our local animal shelter and have to resist bringing them all home. We also seem to be host to a herd of sometimes 16 deer. They consider our property their safe haven. High Desert elevation at 7000 feet where you can have cactus growing next to pine trees.
from 
$45
 / night
100%
(4)

Fremont River RV Park

24 sites ¡ RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Loa, UT
If you are looking for a campground, check out the Fremont RV park. We have plenty of RV sites to use. While traveling through southern Utah check out the grounds and enjoy some camping. The site is located in Loa, Utah nearby Fruita, Caineville, Torrey, and Koosharem Utah. See the sites like Fishlake, Boulder Mountain, and Capitol Reef National Park. Our beautiful new RV park is a perfect and convenient place to stay during your Southern Utah travels. The unique surrounding and endless activities will quickly make a returning guest out of you. make for a returning guest in no time. our beautiful RV Park is an ideal makes the perfect weekend escape.
from 
$41
 / night
99%
(70)

Road to the Sun Ranch

1 site ¡ RV6 acres ¡ Torrey, UT
Learn more about this land: Welcome to Capitol Reef Country! Road to the Sun Ranch is located in beautiful Grover, Utah (elev 7,200') along Scenic Highway 12, one of the most scenic drives in the United States. We are a pet friendly RV only campsite. The property is a short 6 mile drive from the quaint town of Torrey and only 15 miles by car from Capitol Reef National Park. Our location provides RV travelers with an ideal base camp for exploring the natural wonders of this region of Southern Utah and Boulder Mountain. The property consists of mostly pasture land, desert sage, pinyon pine trees and panoramic mountain views. The ranch is surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery anywhere and endless outdoor opportunities! We have a single (self check-in) RV/trailer/van parking area complete with water, power, sewer, WiFi and picnic table. All guests MUST have their own bathroom, clean up after pets and pack out any trash. We are unable to accommodate tent or car camping anywhere on the property unless you are with a group that has a trailer or RV equipped with a bathroom available for use during your stay and no open wood burning fires are permitted at this time. Max trailer length is 28'. Max RV length is 35'.  A tow vehicle is highly recommended for Class A motor homes for exploring the surrounding area and if you plan on leaving the property on a daily basis. Livestock enjoy the adjacent pastures during Summer and Fall months (June-September). The RV site is available seasonally from April - October.
from 
$60
 / night
100%
(3)

Hole In The Wall RV Park

9 sites ¡ RVs2 acres ¡ Fremont, UT
There is a beautiful rock wall on one side of the property. All 5 campsites include sewer, water, electric hookups and parking. Sites 3 and 4 are suitable for all sizes of RV's. The water is mountain spring water! Guests can enjoy a nearby grassy area with shade trees and fire pit. All RV's need to be self contained. There are no camp restrooms available. Fishing, hiking, Capital Reef National Park, UTV and ATV trails, restaurants, Pando, Exploration and much more close by, all to make your next adventure unforgettable! Tent sights are available for group's using their own RV's for restroom's. Owner is a wild west historian that can direct you to several Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid places of interest. My podcast is at gunslingersshadow.com.
from 
$40
 / night
96%
(112)

Wind Walker Homestead

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents170 acres ¡ Spring City, UT
Wind Walker Homestead has been a destination resort for decades, but is now family owned and being updated and marketed for groups, couples, families, reunions, weddings, retreats or just a camping weekend away from the hussle of city life. Elk, deer and many other species of wildlife are present at different times. With 170 acres, there is plenty of room to hike, bike and let the kids explore. Utah juniper and Cedar are the species of trees on this high desert landscape at 6000 foot elevation. A newly renovated pool summer 2022 and new bathrooms, showers and laundry room added (in a 14 foot grain silo) by the pool spring 2022. We just added a basketball area and sand volleyball is summer 2022. Pickleball going in summer 2023. 8 new full hookup RV pads also going in summer 2023 and are now available with 30/50 amp service. Far enough away from the lights of surrounding towns of Spring City, Mt. Pleasant and Ephraim, the Milky Way and stars will amaze. Come and visit for a night or a week. We look forward to seeing you soon. - Cindy, Bob, Joe and Natalie
from 
$45
 / night

The best camping near Capitol Reef National Park guide

Overview

About

As one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, Capitol Reef is a stop on many road trips through the red rock landscapes of Southern Utah. What makes it unique is the massive Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile warp in the Earth’s crust. Take a scenic drive to take in views of this impressive formation and the Fremont River—or get up close while hiking, biking, canyoneering, or rock climbing. The NPS offers one developed campground, two primitive campgrounds, and backcountry camping. Or, venture outside of the park to find BLM land, national forests, and private RV parks in the region.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for RVers: Though Fruita Campground does not have hookups, it does have a dump station and potable water onsite.
  • Best for free camping: Cedar Mesa Campground and Cathedral Valley Campground are both fee-free. They are remote and offer pit toilets but no potable water. They have picnic tables and fire rings.
  • Best for solitude: Grab a backcountry camping permit for free and hit the trail to find your own slice of solitude.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • From March 1 through October 31, reservations are required to camp at Fruita Campground, which usually fills to capacity.
  • Reservations for Fruita Campground open 6 months in advance.
  • Fruita Campground is open year round, with first-come-first-served campsites in the off season.
  • Reservations for Fruita Campground are made available through the Recreation.gov website.
  • No reservations are offered for the primitive campgrounds.
  • Dispersed camping is allowed in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Goblin Valley State Park, and Fishlake National Forest and nearby public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

When to go

Southern Utah has hot, dry summers. It is essential to carry sun protection and plenty of drinking water. High temperatures regularly top the 90s through June, July, and August, but they drop off quickly in the evening. Spring and fall are more moderate, with chilly nights. Winter highs are usually cold but may be enjoyable for hiking, though campers should prepare for freezing temperatures overnight. Much of the year, stargazing is a highlight due to the low light pollution.

Know before you go

  • Restrooms with flush toilets are available at Fruita Campground and the visitor centers.
  • Showers are not offered at any of the NPS campgrounds in the park.
  • High-clearance vehicles may be required to reach the primitive campgrounds; call ahead to check road conditions.
  • For full hookups, check private RV parks in nearby Torrey and Caineville.
  • Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks are each approximately two hours from Capitol Reef National Park.

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