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.

Date of visit: Oct 2011

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.

Sites 28,25,27.

Sites 18 and 16.

Site 6.

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 baked good freshly delivered that morning.

Sites 51-53, 55 .

Site 54 is one of the sunnier sites.

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 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 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.

Amenities

 Dump station available, no hookups, no showers

71 sites (64 RV, 7 tent)

No Verizon service (even w/ antenna & amp)

Rates: $10 (50% discount with Golden Age Pass)

Coord: 38.28256 N, 111.24718 W

Activities/Nearby Attractions

Hiking

Picking fresh fruit

Hickman Natural Bridge

Gifford Farm House

Blacksmith shop