Capitol Reef National Park - Fruita Campground

National Park Utah

Visited October 2011

Entrance sign for Capitol Reef National Park - Fruita Campground

Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah along UT-24. The Fruita Campground is the primary camping area in the park; there are two rather remote primitive camping areas as well.

Fruita CG is strictly first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. We arrrived about noon on a mid-October Wednesday and had no problem finding a site. However, by evening, the campground was nearly full with only a few sites available.

Greetings from

Capitol Reef National Park - Fruita Campground

Fruita CG is strictly first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. We arrrived about noon on a mid-October Wednesday and had no problem finding a site. However, by evening, the campground was nearly full with only a few sites available.

Ribbit! The WxToad

Around the campground

We were totally surprised to find the campground located in a pleasantly-wooded area. It has to make it a very popular spot in the hot summer months.Sites 38, 36, 33, 31.

All the campground roads and sites have been recently paved.Sites 64-69.

If you happen to enjoy fresh bread and pies, the nearby Gifford Farmhouse opens at 8 AM and among its wares are... — If you happen to enjoy fresh bread and pies, the nearby Gifford Farmhouse opens at 8 AM and among its wares are baked good freshly delivered that morning.Sites 51-53, 55 .

There are two bathroom buildings in the campground, with a third under construction. There are also two vault toilets. No showers.

Fruita was home to a small settlement of Mormons in the early 1900's; they became known for their productive... — Fruita was home to a small settlement of Mormons in the early 1900's; they became known for their productive orchards, which still are thriving and producing fruit. Visitors can pick whatever is in season and pay a small fee for the privilege. Liz couldn't resist the challenge of climbing up one of those three-legged pickers ladders and snagging some apples - she used to do this as a job some years ago.

Lots of hiking opportunities are available at Capitol Reef. One trail starts out on the level alongside the Fremont River...

...but after about half a mile of level walking, you'll suddenly find yourself trudging uphill along the face of... — ...but after about half a mile of level walking, you'll suddenly find yourself trudging uphill along the face of this cliff. It's about 3/4 of a mile to the top, from which there are magnificent views.

Another nearby feature is the Hickman Natural Bridge, which is a sturdy 1 1/4 mile hike from the parking lot.

Nearby campgrounds

Goblin Valley State ParkUT · 35 miles away

South Temple Wash BLMUT · 41 miles away

Natural Bridges National MonumentUT · 83 miles away

Legacy Inn RV Park, PriceUT · 94 miles away

Back on the roadSee all 402 campgrounds