Capitol Reef Group Campground

Campground · Utah · 1 bookable site ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Capitol Reef National Park (National Park) · Open Access

1
Bookable site
27 ft
Max rig length
up to 40
People per site
5,474 ft
Elevation
Capitol Reef National Park
Photo: Share the Experience, Michael Hersen · Recreation.gov

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.

The facts

  • 1 bookable site
  • Vehicles up to 27 ft
  • Up to 40 people per site
  • Loops: Capitol Reef NP Group Campsite

Site types

  • 1 Group Standard Area Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Capitol Reef Group Campground

Check-in 11:00 AM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
Group Site Capitol Reef NP Group CampsiteGroup Standard Area Nonelectric—GravelSlight27 ft40 🐾

Getting there

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.

38.27915, -111.25139 · 38°16'45.0"N 111°15'5.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 91°F in Jul, down to 40°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F414757657486918880665140
Low °F212634394858656355433021
Precip in0.60.50.50.50.70.31.01.10.90.90.50.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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. 

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Capitol Reef Group Campground

Can you reserve a site at Capitol Reef Group Campground?
Yes, Capitol Reef Group Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Capitol Reef Group Campground have?
1 site.
What is the maximum RV length at Capitol Reef Group Campground?
27 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Capitol Reef Group Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Capitol Reef Group Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Capitol Reef Group Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Capitol Reef Group Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Capitol Reef Group Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.