Utah / Wayne County / Capitol Reef National Park

Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. Winter access may be impossible due to snow at the 7,000-foot elevation. Road conditions vary significantly with weather; contact the visitor center at 435-425-3791 for current conditions before visiting.

About

Cathedral Valley Campground sits in the remote North District of Capitol Reef National Park, approximately 36 miles from the visitor center along the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. This primitive, no-fee campground features 6 first-come, first-served sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire grate. Located at roughly 7,000 feet elevation in the pinyon-juniper foothills of Thousand Lake Mountain, the campground serves as a base for exploring the dramatic geological formations of Cathedral Valley. Access requires driving unpaved roads that typically need high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles, though four-wheel-drive may be necessary depending on conditions. The roads can become muddy, washed out, or impassable during and after rain or snow. Winter access is particularly challenging due to snow on Thousand Lake Mountain. The campground provides vault toilets but no water, trash service, or other amenities. Visitors should check current road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center or call the park information line at 435-425-3791 before attempting to reach the campground. The sites are too small for RVs and trailers. Fires are permitted only in provided fire pits and must be completely extinguished before leaving.

Directions

Located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road, about 36 miles from the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. Access roads are unpaved and require high-clearance vehicles, minimum two-wheel-drive but four-wheel-drive may be needed depending on conditions. Call 435-425-3791 for current road conditions before attempting access.

Nearby Campgrounds