Primitive Campsites At Cedar Mesa Campground
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served with no reservations. Road conditions vary significantly with weather; contact the visitor center at 435-425-3791 for current conditions before departure as the dirt road may be impassable when wet.
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
Cedar Mesa Campground sits in the remote Waterpocket District of Capitol Reef National Park, approximately 23 miles south of Utah State Highway 24 along the Notom-Bullfrog Road at an elevation of 5,500 feet. This primitive, no-fee campground features five small campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire grate, plus vault toilet facilities. The campground provides no water, trash service, or hookups. The access road is paved for the first 15 miles from Highway 24, then transitions to dirt for the remaining distance. Road conditions vary significantly based on weather, with clay soils becoming extremely slick when wet. A high-clearance vehicle is usually required, and the road may be impassable during or after precipitation. The sites are too small to accommodate RVs and trailers. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Visitors should contact the Capitol Reef Visitor Center at 435-425-3791 for current road conditions before planning an overnight stay. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. Fires are permitted only in the provided fire grates and must be completely extinguished before leaving.
Directions
From Highway 24, turn south onto Notom-Bullfrog Road. Drive approximately 23 miles (road is paved for the first 15 miles, then becomes dirt). The campground is located at 5,500 feet elevation. High-clearance vehicle typically required. Road conditions vary; check with Capitol Reef Visitor Center before departure.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (435) 425-3791 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!