Capitol Reef Group Campground

Overview

Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles (160 km).


The Fruita Campground area is located one mile south of the visitor center and is often described as an oasis within the desert. The Group Campsite is near Loop C of the Fruita Campground. It is a semi-shaded, grassy campsite and is located in the Fruita Historic District of the park.

Recreation

Walk to historic inscriptions on the Capitol Gorge Trail and stroll the Goosenecks Trail. Visitors looking for longer trails can visit our Trail Guide and perhaps explore Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch.



Enjoy the geology and view the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs along Hwy 24. In addition, the Scenic Drive will introduce you to the fascinating cultural and geological history of Capitol Reef National Park. The drive includes a portion of the original road through the Waterpocket Fold. The road passes through parts of the Fruita Historic District and follows the western faces of the Waterpocket Fold, and spur roads allow exploration into beautiful Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.



Check at the Visitor Center for a current schedule of interpretive programs, which may include geology talks, Fremont culture talks, evening programs, star gazing, moonwalks, and geology hikes. Stop in at Ripple Rock Nature Center to experience interactive exhibits, games, activities, and free educational programs.



Wander through the historic Fruita Orchards and pick fresh fruit when in season. The orchards contain approximately 3,100 trees including cherry, apricot, peach, pear, apple, plum, mulberry, almond, and walnut.



Discover Mormon pioneer history at the historic Gifford Homestead store and museum.

Facilities

Sheltered picnic areas are provided at the group campsite and there is a large grassy area for tents and activities. Campers will enjoy the fire pit for relaxing evenings around the campfire and the above-ground grill for cooking. Amenities also include restrooms with flush toilets, a utility sink, drinking fountain and potable water faucets centrally located. There is no electricity available.

Natural Features

At Fruita Group site, large deciduous trees provide a shaded setting among beautiful and striking red rock cliffs. The group site sits adjacent to the Fremont River at approximately 5,500 feet (1676 m) elevation and is surrounded by unique historic orchards.


Nearby, the Waterpocket Fold defines Capitol Reef National Park. The varied topography, geology, elevations, and precipitation patterns along the fold have resulted in a diversity of microhabitats and niches for plant species to inhabit. Seventeen geologic formations are exposed within the Waterpocket Fold, each with unique combinations of minerals, soil types, aspect and slope.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (435) 425-3791.

Nearby Attractions

The group site is a short walk from the main campground, amphitheater, picnic areas, hiking trails, the historic Gifford house and orchards.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Pets allowed: all 1 sites
  • Group sites: all 1 sites
  • Longest rig: 27 ft
  • Largest party: 40 people

Fees

Capitol Reef charges an entrance fee separate from camping fees. You may pay the fee upon arrival at the entrance station or purchase in advance. The park also honors Federal interagency passes (e.g., annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age pass etc.). For more information visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

Directions

Traveling westbound on Interstate 70: Take Utah State Highway 24 west towards Hanksville (exit 149). Stay on Highway 24 for 80 miles (129 km) to reach the park Visitor Center. Traveling on Interstate 15: Take US Highway 50 east at Scipio (exit 188) towards Salina for 30 miles (48 km). At the junction with Utah State Highway 89/259, turn right (south) and travel 8 miles (13 km). Turn left (east) onto Utah State Highway 24 towards Sigurd. Continue on Highway 24 for 82 miles (132 km) to reach the park Visitor Center.

Stay Limit

Check in from 11 AM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

8 reviews
5 stars
8
Julie M
Loop:Capitol Reef NP Group Campsite
Site:
Reviewed 10 months ago
Our first moments at Capitol Reef was to stop for a photo at the sign when you enter the park. A local rancher stopped by and offered to take our picture. We visited for a while and he shared what it was like to be a lifelong rancher in the area. He also shared some of the history. Fruita campground was a wonderful place to stay! It was so clean and all the personnel we came in contact with from the camp host to grounds managers were absolutely lovely! Everyone was friendly and kind. We would stay there again in a moment! We went to Gifford House right when they opened to get pie after finding out all the pies were gone at 1:30 the previous day. The pies did not disappoint! We saw petroglyphs, beautiful scenery and viewpoints, and an abundance of deer. The rains kept us from hiking to Cassidy Arch but gives us a reason to return soon! Overall, this was a less crowded park and very enjoyable!
Mark G
Loop:Capitol Reef NP Group Campsite
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
We camped at the group site in Fruita and were very pleased with the facility. It was well kept and perfect for a group of our size or larger. There was a large beautiful lawn overhung with huge shade trees. Also a covered pavilion for eating and a toilet with running water specific to the group site. Parking was plentiful and the view was incredible. Overall, a great camping experience for us who enjoy that sort of camping.
Jason G
Loop:Capitol Reef NP Group Campsite
Site:
Reviewed 3 years ago
The visitor center was busy and parking was difficult. Ensure you leave sufficient time to do both.
Becky R
Loop:Capitol Reef NP Group Campsite
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
This is probably our favorite campsite anywhere! We love the large grassy area under the huge shade trees, clean flush toilets, how secluded and private it is, seeing deer roaming through everyday, the views are outstanding, and it’s a 10 minute walk to get fresh pies for breakfast at the Gifford house! Our favorite hike is the sulfer creek trail.
Kimberly L
Loop:Capitol Reef NP Group Campsite
Site:
Reviewed 4 years ago
Wonderful! Loved the river.
john s
Loop:Capitol Reef NP Group Campsite
Site:
Reviewed 5 years ago
beautiful grassy area
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Moderate

Busiest in August, when about 51% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 10 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

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