Camping at Capitol Reef National Park

Background on Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a unique and beautiful destination located in south-central Utah. It is known for its colorful canyons, ridges, buttes, and monoliths. The park's defining feature is the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust. Capitol Reef is a great place for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the natural beauty of the high desert landscape.

Camping Options

Developed Campground:

• Fruita Campground is the only developed campground within Capitol Reef National Park. It has 71 sites and operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most of the year. From March through October, reservations can be made up to six months in advance for select sites through recreation.gov.

Primitive Campgrounds:

• Cathedral Valley Campground: Located in the northern part of the park, this campground offers six primitive campsites with no water available.
• Cedar Mesa Campground: To the south, this small campground also offers six primitive sites.

Backcountry Camping:

• For those looking for a more remote experience, backcountry camping is allowed in certain areas of the park. A free backcountry permit must be obtained from the visitor center before setting out.

Important Camping Rules

• Campsites in Fruita must be paid for using the automated fee machine or through recreation.gov when available.
• All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in animal-proof containers.
• Check-in time for campgrounds is 1:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM.
• Quiet hours are typically between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
• Campfires are only allowed in established fire pits at the Fruita campground. Gathering wood within the park is prohibited.
• Use Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.

When to Visit

• Peak Season: The busiest time to visit Capitol Reef is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild. During this time, finding a campsite in the developed campground can be challenging, so planning ahead is advised.
• Off-Peak Season: Summer can get very hot and winter can be quite cold. However, if you are prepared for the temperatures, these seasons can offer a more peaceful experience with fewer visitors.

Activities

• Hiking: There are numerous trails for all levels of hikers, from easy walks through the orchards of Fruita to strenuous hikes to the park’s viewpoints and arches.
• Scenic Drives: Take the scenic drive to enjoy the park's beauty without hiking.
• Fruit Picking: In the Fruita area, visitors are allowed to pick fruit from the orchards when in season.

Amenities

• Visitor Center: Start your trip here to get the latest information, maps, and permits.
• Water: Available year-round at the visitor center and seasonally at the Fruita Campground.
• RV Dump and Filling Station: Available in the Fruita Campground.
• Picnic Areas: Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather Considerations

• Flash Floods: Be aware of the weather forecast as flash floods can occur.
• Hot Summers: Stay hydrated and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
• Cold Winters: Snow is common, and some roads and trails may be inaccessible.

Conclusion

Camping in Capitol Reef National Park offers a great way to experience the beauty and solitude of the Utah desert. Always follow the rules and regulations to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip while preserving the park's natural resources. Remember to reserve your spot as early as possible if you're planning on visiting during the peak seasons.