Fruita Campground
Open — Open year-round with reservations available via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Loop C bathhouse closes mid-November to mid-March due to freezing pipe risk. Generators allowed in Loops A and B during winter. Limited to 14 consecutive nights per year.
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.
From Recreation.gov
Loop C bathhouse closes during the winter season due to a risk of freezing pipes. The bathhouse is closed approximately from mid-November to mid-March.
From Recreation.gov
Sites 14, 24, and 63 are ADA sites with electrical hookups that are intended for medical devices only.
About
Located in south-central Utah within Capitol Reef National Park, Fruita Campground is a 71-site oasis in the high desert, set along the Fremont River in the historic Fruita District. The semi-shaded campground features grass and mature trees from the area's old orchards, creating a stark contrast to the surrounding red rock landscape. The campground offers 65 reservable sites year-round, with six sites used for administrative purposes. Fruita serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring Capitol Reef's geological wonders and cultural history. Nearby trails include Capitol Gorge, Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch. The scenic drive showcases the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile geologic monocline, while the Fremont River Trail and historic orchards are accessible directly from the campground. The Gifford Homestead, a preserved Mormon pioneer home, offers insight into the area's settlement history. The campground provides flush toilets with running water, a dump station, and potable water fill station. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though hookups are limited to three ADA-accessible sites with electrical connections for medical devices only. Loop C closes in winter due to freezing pipe risk, but Loops A and B remain open with modified generator hours. The campground maintains a 14-day annual stay limit.
Directions
From I-70 westbound: Take Utah State Highway 24 west at exit 149 towards Hanksville. Continue 80 miles to the park Visitor Center. From I-15: Take US Highway 50 east at exit 188 towards Salina for 30 miles. Turn right on Utah Highway 89/259 south for 8 miles, then left onto Utah Highway 24 east towards Sigurd. Continue 82 miles to the Visitor Center. The campground is approximately 1 mile south of the Visitor Center on the Scenic Drive.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 52ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 52ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| care_fees@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 425-3791 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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