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 10 at 4:07AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Castle Country, Central Mountains, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties, San Rafael Swell, Sanpete Valley, Sevier Valley, Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs, Bryce Canyon Country, Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity, Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, South Central Utah, Southern Mountains, Upper Sevier River Valleys, Western Canyonlands, Lower Washington County, Southwest Utah and Zion National Park. This also includes recent burn scars such as Forsyth, Cottonwood, Silver King, France Canyon, and Monroe Canyon. * WHEN...From noon MDT today through Monday afternoon. * 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. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Anomalously high moisture is forecast to impact the region with the arrival of the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel. While this is expected to be a long duration rainfall event, scattered instances of heavier rainfall rates are expected with stronger storms yielding flash flooding concerns given saturated soils and prior burn scars. - 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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