Reservable campsites and first come, first served campites.
About
This national Park isn’t visited as much as Utah’s more popular parks like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, which is great news for you, Intrepid Explorer. Southern Utah is known for its vibrant red rock country, and this park is smack dab in the heart of it all.
The park was named after the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble the United States Capitol Building. The word “reef” means any barrier to land travel (just like ocean reefs are barriers to sea travel). There’s so much to see and do, choosing is quite the task. Cliffs, canyons, and bridges are scattered throughout the
This national Park isn’t visited as much as Utah’s more popular parks like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, which is great news for you, Intrepid Explorer. Southern Utah is known for its vibrant red rock country, and this park is smack dab in the heart of it all.
The park was named after the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble the United States Capitol Building. The word “reef” means any barrier to land travel (just like ocean reefs are barriers to sea travel). There’s so much to see and do, choosing is quite the task. Cliffs, canyons, and bridges are scattered throughout the entire park. But what makes this place truly special? How about the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (aka a wrinkle in the earth) that stretches for nearly 100 miles.
Because there’s so much to see, you’ll definitely want to stay a night. The park has a developed campground, primitive campgrounds, and even rustic, hardcore backcountry camping options.
Since you will be in the Fruita area, we have to mention the great mountain biking out here (it’s well-known and well-loved for good reason!) Hiking is also a great way to get intimate with the dramatic landscapes. Just be sure to bring plenty of water. You won’t ever get bored out here, but you will get thirsty!
Can you say “free camping?" The no-fee Cathedral Valley Campground is located halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road, which traverses Capitol Reef’s Cathedral District. While this primitive site might not be fit for the pope, it does have all you need for a night or two of pinyon 'n' juniper-clad camping at 7,000 feet. The site is open year rou Read more...
Surrounded by historic orchards and set alongside the Fremont River, the Fruita Campground is an oasis within the desert. After a long day of exploring the wonders of Capitol Reef National Park, sit around the firepit or picnic table and relax with your fellow campmates. This is a popular spot, so get there early especially during spring and fall, Read more...
Cedar Mesa Campground offers a simple, no-frills place to lay your head after playing in Capitol Reef National Park all day. This no-fee (yes, it’s free) campground is located on the Notom-Bullfrog Road at an elevation of 5,500 feet. From the campsite, hop on the 4. 5 mile round-trip Red Canyon trail that leads into a large box canyon, through pin Read more...
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Capitol Reef National Park
Come with me, we'll go and see, the red rock candy canyons.
This national Park isn’t visited as much as Utah’s more popular parks like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, which is great news for you, Intrepid Explorer. Southern Utah is known for its vibrant red rock country, and this park is smack dab in the heart of it all.
The park was named after the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble the United States Capitol Building. The word “reef” means any barrier to land travel (just like ocean reefs are barriers to sea travel). There’s so much to see and do, choosing is quite the task. Cliffs, canyons, and bridges are scattered throughout the
This national Park isn’t visited as much as Utah’s more popular parks like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, which is great news for you, Intrepid Explorer. Southern Utah is known for its vibrant red rock country, and this park is smack dab in the heart of it all.
The park was named after the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble the United States Capitol Building. The word “reef” means any barrier to land travel (just like ocean reefs are barriers to sea travel). There’s so much to see and do, choosing is quite the task. Cliffs, canyons, and bridges are scattered throughout the entire park. But what makes this place truly special? How about the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (aka a wrinkle in the earth) that stretches for nearly 100 miles.
Because there’s so much to see, you’ll definitely want to stay a night. The park has a developed campground, primitive campgrounds, and even rustic, hardcore backcountry camping options.
Since you will be in the Fruita area, we have to mention the great mountain biking out here (it’s well-known and well-loved for good reason!) Hiking is also a great way to get intimate with the dramatic landscapes. Just be sure to bring plenty of water. You won’t ever get bored out here, but you will get thirsty!
Activities in the park
3 campgrounds in Capitol Reef National Park
Can you say “free camping?" The no-fee Cathedral Valley Campground is located halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road, which traverses Capitol Reef’s Cathedral District. While this primitive site might not be fit for the pope, it does have all you need for a night or two of pinyon 'n' juniper-clad camping at 7,000 feet. The site is open year rou Read more...
Surrounded by historic orchards and set alongside the Fremont River, the Fruita Campground is an oasis within the desert. After a long day of exploring the wonders of Capitol Reef National Park, sit around the firepit or picnic table and relax with your fellow campmates. This is a popular spot, so get there early especially during spring and fall, Read more...
Cedar Mesa Campground offers a simple, no-frills place to lay your head after playing in Capitol Reef National Park all day. This no-fee (yes, it’s free) campground is located on the Notom-Bullfrog Road at an elevation of 5,500 feet. From the campsite, hop on the 4. 5 mile round-trip Red Canyon trail that leads into a large box canyon, through pin Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Public campgrounds (book externally) —