Primitive Campsites At Cathedral Campground
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No fee, no reservations. As of May 2026, all Cathedral Valley District roads are passable with high-clearance two-wheel drive. Road conditions change rapidly with weather. Check conditions before travel by calling 435-425-3791 and pressing #4.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 8:05AM MDT until November 1 at 11:00PM MST by NWS Salt Lake City UT
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Castle Country, San Rafael Swell, Bryce Canyon Country, Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity, Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, South Central Utah, Southern Mountains, Western Canyonlands, Lower Washington County and Zion National Park. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations such as slickrock areas and recent burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Widespread moderate to at times heavy precipitation is expected across much of southern, southeast and east central Utah beginning late Saturday night, and continuing throughout the day Sunday. Moist antecedent conditions from recent heavy rains will result in efficient and excessive runoff, allowing all area washes, streams and rivers to run fast and high. Flood prone areas will likely become inundated at times, and backcountry roads will likely become impassable from this excessive runoff. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Cathedral Campground offers a remote, primitive camping experience in Capitol Reef National Park's Cathedral Valley District. Situated approximately 36 miles from the visitor center along the Cathedral Valley Loop Road, this free campground provides access to some of the park's most dramatic scenery, including the iconic Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon monoliths. The campground has 6 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire grate. A pit toilet is provided, but there is no potable water anywhere in Cathedral Valley. Campers must bring all water, food, fuel, and emergency supplies. Cell phone reception is typically poor to nonexistent, and help may take hours or days to arrive. Access requires high-clearance two-wheel drive at minimum, though four-wheel drive may be necessary depending on weather. Spring and summer rains and winter snows can leave roads muddy, washed out, and impassable. Sites accommodate a maximum of 8 visitors and 2 vehicles each. RVs and trailers are not suitable due to road conditions and site size.
Directions
From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, access Cathedral Valley via the Hartnet Road (28.1 miles to campground) or by crossing the Fremont River ford on the Caineville Wash Road. The campground is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road, about 36 miles from the visitor center. All roads are unpaved and require high-clearance vehicles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| care_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 425-3791 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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