It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About
36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground
has 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet,
but no water available. The campground is open year-round; however, visitors
should check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center prior to
planning an overnight stay. The campground is at ~7,000 feet (2,133 m) in
elevation, No reservations; first-come, first-served.

It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. The campground is open year-round; however, visitors should check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center prior to planning an overnight stay. The campground is at ~7,000 feet (2,133 m) in elevation, No reservations; first-come, first-served.

A campsite at Cathedral Valley campground

Cathedral Valley Campground

Primitive campsites at Cathedral 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/nature/geology.htm" rel="nofollow">Waterpocket Fold,</a> a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles (160 km). The Fruita Campground has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable <strong>year round- there are no longer first come, first serve sites any time of year</strong>. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Sites 14, 24, and 63 are accessible sites with electrical hookups. <strong>From March 1 through Thanksgiving weekend, generators are only permitted in Loop C during generator hours.</strong> The remainder of the year, generators are allowed in Loops A and B during generator hours.</p><h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>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<a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/trailguide.htm" rel="nofollow"> Trail Guide</a> to explore your options. Enjoy the geology and view the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/fremont-culture-petroglyphs.htm" rel="nofollow">Fremont Culture Petroglyphs</a> along Hwy 24. In addition, the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/scenicdrive.htm" rel="nofollow">Scenic Drive</a> 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.</p><p>Check at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/visitorcenter.htm" rel="nofollow">Visitor Center</a> for a current schedule of interpretive programs, which may include geology talks, Fremont culture talks, evening programs, star gazing, moonwalks, and geology hikes. </p><p>Wander through the historic Fruita<a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/orchards.htm" rel="nofollow"> Orchards</a> 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.</p><p>Discover Mormon pioneer history at the historic <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/giffordhomestead.htm" rel="nofollow">Gifford Homestead</a> store and museum.</p><h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>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.   </p><p>Accessible campsites are located adjacent to restrooms.  </p><p>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. </p><p>There are no first-come, first-served sites during reservation season. A <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/upload/Fruita-Campground-Map-and-site-info-Nov-2018.pdf" rel="nofollow">Fruita Campground</a> map (PDF) is available on the park website. </p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
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.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
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.
<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (435) 425-3791.

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.

Historic Gifford Barn near Fruita Campground

A old barn sites in a grass field. A red rock cliff is the background.

Autumn colors contrast with red rock formations

Trees with yellow leaves are centered in the image. Red rock formations rise above the treetops towards a blue sky with puffy clouds. Red clay and desert brush make up the foreground.

Moonrise over Capitol Reef.  Photo taken from Fruita Campground

An almost full moon comes over a orange-red colored rock formation.

Starry Night at Gifford Homestead Near Fruita Campground

A purple starry night sky is featured behind a small building.

A paved road meet in a "v" in the center of the image, going across the image on the left side and up the image on the right side. A tree missing its limbs is on grass right next to the intersection. Many trees are in the background.

A paved road meet in a "v" in the center of the image, going across the image on the left side and up the image on the right side. Many trees are in the background.

A paved road goes across the center of the image. Placed boulders are in front of the road. Behind the road a picnic table and grill is on a patch of dirt and surrounded by trees.

A young buck leaps over a fence. Trees with yellow leaves are in the background.

FRUITA CAMPGROUND

View from Rim Overlook a short hike from Fruita Campground

Looking down on several trees with yellow-green leaves. In the middle of the trees is a patch of dirt with a dirt road going through it. To the right side a red rock formation looms over the trees.

Navajo Dome overlooking the Freemont River

A stream with red-brown rocks in it. On the left side is green foliage. On the right side is a red-brown cliff. In the background is a white rock formation rising into a vibrant blue sky.

Campground Kiosk

Apricot Tree in bloom near Fruita Campground

A singular tree with white flowers on it is the focus, many similar trees are behind it. In the background is a red rock cliff. The sky is a rich blue.

A Bulletin Board with 7 signs in it. The signs are as follows, starting at the top center and moving clockwise: "Welcome to Fruit Campground"; "U.S. Fee Area"; "Night Camping Fees. $25.00 per site; Maximum of 8 people per site. Golden Age/Senior Pass- $12.50; Golden Access/Access Pass- $12.50. No discount with National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass"; Map of the campground; "See back of sign for park information and regulations"; "Have a Reservation? Refer to the campground map and proceed to your campsite. Don't know your campsite number? Go to the visitor center to connect to free public Wi-Fi to access your reservation confirmation. Wi-Fi is available 24/7. No Reservation? All sites must be reserved through Recreation.gov. Go to the visitor center to connect to free public Wi-Fi to reserve a site. Wi-Fi is available 24/7. Visitor center staff cannot reserve the site for you. The top right corner of the same sign reads as follows: "Seasons. Loops A & B: Open year-round. Loop C: Open March 1st- End of November."; The NPS Arrowhead.

Fruita Campground

Sites 14, 24, and 63 are ADA sites with electrical hookups that are intended
for medical devices only.

Loop C bathhouse closes during the winter season due to a risk of freezing
pipes. The bathhouse is closed approximately from mid-November to late March.

Reef Ride Bike Days 2026- On September 19 and 26, 2026 from sunrise to mid-
afternoon the Scenic Drive will be closed to vehicles for this special event.
Vehicles will still have access to the Fruita area, including the campground
and Gifford House.

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/nature/geology.htm" rel="nofollow">Waterpocket Fold,</a>  a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles (160 km).<br><br><br>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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/fruita.htm" rel="nofollow">Fruita Historic District</a>  of the park.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Walk to historic inscriptions on the Capitol Gorge Trail and stroll the Goosenecks Trail.  Visitors looking for longer trails can visit our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/trailguide.htm" rel="nofollow">Trail Guide</a> and perhaps explore Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch.<br><br><br><br>Enjoy the geology and view the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/fremont-culture-petroglyphs.htm" rel="nofollow">Fremont Culture Petroglyphs</a>  along Hwy 24. In addition, the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/scenicdrive.htm" rel="nofollow">Scenic Drive</a> 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.<br><br><br><br>Check at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/visitorcenter.htm" rel="nofollow">Visitor Center</a>  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. <br><br><br><br>Wander through the historic Fruita <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/orchards.htm" rel="nofollow">Orchards</a>  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.<br><br><br><br>Discover Mormon pioneer history at the historic <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/giffordhomestead.htm" rel="nofollow">Gifford Homestead</a>  store and museum.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
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.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/historyculture/orchards.htm" rel="nofollow">orchards. </a> <br><br><br>Nearby, the Waterpocket Fold defines Capitol Reef National Park.  The varied topography, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/nature/geology.htm" rel="nofollow">geology,</a>  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.</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (435) 425-3791.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The group site is a short walk from the main campground, amphitheater, picnic areas, hiking trails, the historic Gifford house and orchards.

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.

Capitol Reef National Park

A paved road splits into two directions. The right split then again splits into two directions. Before the first split there is a brown sign reading as follows "Loop C *left arrow* Amphitheater *up arrow*  Group Area *right arrow" in smaller print underneath "Group Area" is reads "Reservation only". There are many trees and a couple deer in the background.

Entrance to Group Area from Scenic Drive.

A paved road. There are fences on either side of the road. On the left side of the road there are many trees

Turn off from Scenic Drive southbound to access Group Area.

A paved road. To the right side there is desert fauna and a brown sign reading: "Loop C *right arrow* Amphitheater *right arrow* Group Area *right arrow*". To the left side is a fence and some trees. There is a brown-red color hill against a blue sky in the background.

A grassy field with a few trees. A pavilion is in the background.

A dirt road. There are dumpsters at the end of the road. There is desert fauna off to the right side of the road. There are many trees in the background.

A grassy area. A couple of trees are in the area. A pavilion with picnic tables is in the background.

The Group Site includes two covered pavilions, designated tent pads, restrooms, grills, fire pits, and an outside sink.

A large tree is in front of a white picnic table. A brown pavilion is to the left, a white picnic table is underneath it and the picnic table is on top of concrete. A grassy area with many trees are in the background.

Orchards are the primary remnant of the town of Fruita, as well as a few buildings like the Pendleton Barn.

An apricot tree with red cliffs and Pendleton barn in the background

Capitol Reef Group Campground

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.

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.

Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Fruita Campground

Capitol Reef Group Campground