Capitol Reef National Park
Turn off from Scenic Drive southbound to access Group Area.
Entrance to Group Area from Scenic Drive.

Capitol Reef Np Group Campground

Closed — The campground is currently closed for winter. Reservations required year-round through Recreation.gov, available up to 12 months in advance.

Special Use Permits

Special Use Permits are typically needed for activities that benefit a specific group. Examples include: Groups of 40 or more, trips organized by scouting groups, churches, or academic institutions, photography, weddings, and first amendment activities

Annual/Seasonal Canyon Closures

The following are closed to entry through 8/31/2025 to protect sensitive resources: the heads of Burro Wash & Fivemile Wash descending east 2 miles, Shinob Canyon + routes descending into Shinob, including Na-gah, Nighthawk, & Timpie.

Monsoon Season & Flash Floods

Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.

No Fruit Available in Orchards

Due to an abnormally early spring bloom, followed by a hard freeze, this year's crop was lost. There is no fruit available to pick this year.

About

Capitol Reef NP Group Campground is situated in the heart of the Fruita Historic District, one mile south of the visitor center in Capitol Reef National Park. The campground sits in an oasis-like setting along the Fremont River at approximately 5,500 feet elevation, surrounded by striking red rock cliffs and the historic Fruita orchards containing over 3,100 fruit trees. The semi-shaded, grassy group site near Loop C accommodates up to 40 people and 10 vehicles. The site provides access to numerous hiking trails including Capitol Gorge, Goosenecks, Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch. Visitors can explore Fremont Culture petroglyphs along Highway 24, drive the scenic road through the Waterpocket Fold, and pick seasonal fruit from the historic orchards. The Gifford Homestead museum and store, visitor center programs, and Ripple Rock Nature Center are all within walking distance. The campground features large deciduous trees and sits adjacent to the geological wonder of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile monocline with 17 exposed geologic formations.

Directions

From Interstate 70 westbound: Take exit 149 for Utah Highway 24 west towards Hanksville. Continue 80 miles to Capitol Reef Visitor Center. From Interstate 15: Take exit 188 for US Highway 50 east towards Salina for 30 miles. Turn right on Utah Highway 89/259 south for 8 miles. Turn left on Utah Highway 24 east towards Sigurd and continue 82 miles to the visitor center. The group campsite is one mile south of the visitor center near Loop C of Fruita Campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $125

Vehicle

Max RV Length 27ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email care_fees@nps.gov
Phone +1 (435) 425-3791

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Capitol Reef National Park
Turn off from Scenic Drive southbound to access Group Area.
Entrance to Group Area from Scenic Drive.
Turn off to access Group Area
Dirt road leading to Group Campsite
Group Site
The Group Site includes two covered pavilions, designated tent pads, restrooms, grills, fire pits, and an outside sink.
Orchards are the primary remnant of the town of Fruita, as well as a few buildings like the Pendleton Barn.
View of Group Site from one side.

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