Camp in Capitol Reef National Park

Torrey, Utah

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Added by Mike Fennell

Approaching Capitol Reef via Highway 24 is a desolate yet gorgeous highway and a sweet bypass along Interstate 70. Most people rave about Highway 12 to the south, but Capital Reef National Park and Highway 24 by itself is one of the most beautiful spots in America. Spend the night and make this an overnight adventure in one of the state park campgrounds or on the nearby BLM land.

From Interstate 70, the road can be accessed from the west just a few miles from Highway 6, and from the east just near the town of Richfield. It also meets up at the north end of Highway 12 at the town of Teasdale. There is a major campsite at Capitol Reef National Park, but also many RV sites and small motels along the highway. In total the highway is 160 miles, but the best part is the 50 miles surrounding Capital Reef.

If you're a little more adventurous and looking to set up camp outside of the park, you can head to the BLM land. Get more information on backcountry camping here.

There are also two other camping options: Primitive Campsites and Fruita Campground.

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Reviews

Margaret L

Camp in Capitol Reef National Park

04/18/22

By far my favorite National Park to camp in Utah. More remote so not as busy as Zion or Moab. Make sure to stop by Fruita Campground and pick up some mini pies! YUM!

5.0

Explorer

Christian Murillo

Explorer

Camp in Capitol Reef National Park

03/14/18

I backcountry camped near the Strike Valley overlook by Upper Muley Twist Canyon and this was absolutely spectacular. I found several flat spots to pitch a tent, although there was not much protection from the howling wind. There are several parts of the park that are very open to backcountry camping, which is free and beautiful.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Photograph Cathedral Valley

First let me preface that a high clearance vehicle is needed for this adventure. Provided that, prepare for a journey into some very remote and beautiful desert in the middle of Capitol Reef National Park.In total the scenic loop is 57 miles of washboard riddled roads that lead to the spectacular opportunity to watch the sun rise on the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon in Cathedral ...

Golden Throne

Capitol Reef National Park is filled with excellent hikes, and the hike to the Golden Throne should not be left out of the conversation. This hike is 2WD accessible, has moderate distance, and decent elevation gain, making it a great hike and exercise for everyone. The trail begins from the Capitol Gorge Trailhead and Parking Area. There is not a ton of parking here, so if you go on the week...

Capitol Gorge Trail

Drive along Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park and you'll find this trailhead at the end of the road. After 7 miles of driving, you'll arrive at the Pleasant Creek Road turnout and parking area. From here, the road continues to Capitol Gorge, but is unpaved. We had to park at a small parking lot near Pleasant Creek Road because Capitol Gorge Road was closed to vehicles. This was not...

Cassidy Arch Trail

Follow the scenic road just past the Fruita Campground to the first dirt road on the left. The dirt road meanders through cool rock formations (great for night photography) and eventually dramatic cliffs that you will be climbing up. The parking area is obvious and there are primitive restrooms. Follow the well-marked trail into the canyon until you reach the Cassidy trailhead on your left. On...

Hickman Natural Bridge Trail

Starting at 5350' in elevation, the hike to Hickman natural bridge is one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families with small children. The hike is just under two miles round trip and doesn't include any steep or exposed sections. You'll begin your hike next to the Fremont River, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. The path is well defined and cairns make it easy to fo...

Navajo Knobs

Navajo Knobs is one of Capital Reef’s most spectacular hikes. It brings you, moderately, to one of Capital Reef’s most spectacular viewpoints of the main park’s viewpoints. (Tip: Upon arriving at the park the Ranger recommended this as her favorite hike, and it lived up to the hype! If you’re looking to experience all of the park in one hike, this is it!) To start, park at the TH for the Hick...

Camp in Capitol Reef National Park

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Leave No Trace

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Photograph Cathedral Valley

Golden Throne

Capitol Gorge Trail

Cassidy Arch Trail

Hickman Natural Bridge Trail

Navajo Knobs

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