Fruita Campground

Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles (160 km). The Fruita Campground sits one mile south of the visitor center in the Fruita Historic District — a semi-shaded, grassy campground often described as an oasis within the desert. Walk to historic inscriptions on the Capitol Gorge Trail and stroll the Goosenecks Trail or longer trails such as Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch. Enjoy the geology and view the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs along Hwy 24. The Scenic Drive includes a portion of the original road through the Waterpocket Fold, passes through parts of the Fruita Historic District and follows the western faces of the fold, with spur roads allowing exploration into beautiful Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. Check at the Visitor Center for a current schedule of interpretive programs, which may include geology talks, Fremont culture talks, evening programs, star gazing, moonwalks, and geology hikes. Wander through the historic Fruita Orchards and pick fresh fruit when in season; the orchards contain approximately 3,100 trees including cherry, apricot, peach, pear, apple, plum, mulberry, almond, and walnut. Discover Mormon pioneer history at the historic Gifford Homestead store and museum. The campground has 71 sites, 65 of them reservable year round — there are no first-come, first-served sites during reservation season. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring (except sites 7, 48 and 50, which only have an above ground grill). There is an RV dump and potable water fill station near the entrance to Loops A and B. Restrooms have running water and flush toilets, but no showers, and accessible campsites are located adjacent to restrooms. Campsites have no individual water or sewage hookups; sites 14, 24 and 63 are accessible sites with electrical hookups, and those hookups are for required medical devices only. From March 1 through Thanksgiving weekend, generators are only permitted in Loop C during generator hours; the remainder of the year, generators are allowed in Loops A and B during generator hours. The campground is adjacent to the Fremont River and a short walk from the group site, amphitheater, picnic areas, hiking trails, and the historic Gifford house and orchards.