Fruita 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 has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable year round- there are no longer first come, first serve sites any time of year. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Sites 14, 24, and 63 are accessible sites with electrical hookups. From March 1 through Thanksgiving weekend, generators are only permitted in Loop C during generator hours. The remainder of the year, generators are allowed in Loops A and B during generator hours.

Recreation

Walk to historic inscriptions on the Capitol Gorge Trail and stroll the Goosenecks Trail or longer trails such as Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch. Check out our Trail Guide to explore your options. 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.

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

The Fruita Campground has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable year round. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring (except sites 7, 48 and 50, which only have an above ground grill). There is a RV dump and potable water fill station near the entrance to Loops A and B. Restrooms have running water and flush toilets, but no showers.   

Accessible campsites are located adjacent to restrooms.  

Campsites have no individual water or sewage hookups. There are no electrical hookups (except accessible sites 14, 24, and 63). Electrical hookups at these sites are for required medical devices only.

There are no first-come, first-served sites during reservation season. A Fruita Campground map (PDF) is available on the park website. 

Natural Features

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

Nearby Attractions

The Fruita campground is adjacent to the Fremont River and is a short walk from the group site, amphitheater, picnic areas, hiking trails, the historic Gifford house and orchards.

Contact Info

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

Camp site features

Across 65 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: all 65 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 65 sites
  • ADA accessible: 4 of 65 sites
  • Longest rig: 52 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: FIFTH WHEEL, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

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 3 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

2,189 reviews
5 stars
1,655
4 stars
357
3 stars
111
2 stars
48
1 stars
18
Karl C
Loop:Loop B
Site:
Reviewed 5 days ago
Enjoyed the campground bathroom were clean and convenient. A lot of shade trees so solar charging was not good but it depends on your site.
Daniel M
Loop:Loop A
Site:
Reviewed 5 days ago
Amazing views at the campground. Within walking distance of some really nice trails! The camp host was amazing and made everyone feel welcomed! I will be staying here again!
Kenneth S
Loop:Loop B
Site:
Reviewed 5 days ago
The campsite host was very nice This was a walk-in campsite for tents only. The walk was not very far, but it is furthest sites from water and the bathrooms. But very peaceful and quiet
Ting Hao H
Loop:Loop A
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
Site itself is nothing to write home about but it's super close to everything fun! Beautiful park, great hikes, lots of history too.
Ryan M
Loop:Loop C
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
Fruita Campground's setting is fantastic. Tucked into the historic Fruita district beneath the cliffs of Capitol Reef, with mature trees, orchards, wildlife, and easy access to the visitor center, Scenic Drive, hiking and the Gifford House. The campground itself was peaceful, well maintained and surprisingly green for southern Utah; although big patches of grass area have reverted to red dirt. We spent several days here and loved being able to walk or bike around Fruita in the mornings and evenings. Deer wandered through the campground regularly, and the surrounding cliffs make for a pretty spectacular backdrop. One thing to know if you rely on a generator: during the main season, generator use is restricted to Loop C during designated hours. We originally stayed in another loop, but several cloudy days depleted our trailer batteries and the camp host was extremely helpful in moving us to Loop C so we could recharge. Our only real complaint was the flies. During our August stay they were relentless at times, although that’s obviously seasonal and not something I’d hold against the campground itself. Overall, Fruita is an outstanding base for exploring Capitol Reef and a campground we would absolutely stay at again. The combination of history, scenery, location and the campground atmosphere makes it feel like part of the park experience rather than simply a place to park the trailer.
Kisten H
Loop:Loop A
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
Highly recommend! Beautiful campgrounds that are maintained well, with friendly and helpful hosts. Stunning views of Capitol Reef, with horses, orchards, and rivers walking distance. One of my favorite places to wake up while camping, along with great views for stargazing at night.
Availability

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

Popularity: Moderate

Busiest in August, when about 52% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 7 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

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