Overview 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 has 71 sites. 65 sites…
Overview 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 has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable year round- there are no longer first come, first serve sites any time of year. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Sites 14, 24, and 63 are accessible sites with electrical hookups. While Loop C is closed in the winter season, generators are allowed in Loops A & B during generator hours. The rest of the year, generators are only allowed in Loop C. Recreation 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. Check out our Trail Guide to explore your options. Enjoy the geology and view the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs along Hwy 24. In addition, the Scenic Drive will introduce you to the fascinating cultural and geological history of Capitol Reef National Park. The drive includes a portion of the original road through the Waterpocket Fold. The road passes through parts of the Fruita Historic District and follows the western faces of the Waterpocket Fold, and spur roads allow 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.Facilities The Fruita Campground has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable year round. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7
Photos
A stream with red-brown rocks in it. On the left side is green foliage. On the right side is a red-brown cliff. In the background is a white rock formation rising into a vibrant blue sky. — Gregory ChanceyLooking down on several trees with yellow-green leaves. In the middle of the trees is a patch of dirt with a dirt road going through it. To the right side a red rock formation looms over the trees. — Shu XuA singular tree with white flowers on it is the focus, many similar trees are behind it. In the background is a red rock cliff. The sky is a rich blue. — Stephen BenditTrees with yellow leaves are centered in the image. Red rock formations rise above the treetops towards a blue sky with puffy clouds. Red clay and desert brush make up the foreground. — Douglas CroftA Bulletin Board with 7 signs in it. The signs are as follows, starting at the top center and moving clockwise: "Welcome to Fruit Campground"; "U.S. Fee Area"; "Night Camping Fees. $25.00 per site; Maximum of 8 people per site. Golden Age/Senior Pass- $12.50; Golden Access/Access Pass- $12.50. No discount with National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass"; Map of the campground; "See back of sign for park information and regulations"; "Have a Reservation? Refer to the campground map and proceed to your campsite. Don't know your campsite number? Go to the visitor center to connect to free public Wi-Fi to access your reservation confirmation. Wi-Fi is available 24/7. No Reservation? All sites must be reserved through Recreation.gov. Go to the visitor center to connect to free public Wi-Fi to reserve a site. Wi-Fi is available 24/7. Visitor center staff cannot reserve the site for you. The top right corner of the same sign reads as follows: "Seasons. Loops A & B: Open year-round. Loop C: Open March 1st- End of November."; The NPS Arrowhead. — NPSA paved road meet in a "v" in the center of the image, going across the image on the left side and up the image on the right side. A tree missing its limbs is on grass right next to the intersection. Many trees are in the background. — NPSA paved road goes across the center of the image. Placed boulders are in front of the road. Behind the road a picnic table and grill is on a patch of dirt and surrounded by trees. — NPSA paved road meet in a "v" in the center of the image, going across the image on the left side and up the image on the right side. Many trees are in the background. — NPSA purple starry night sky is featured behind a small building. — Yan LiA young buck leaps over a fence. Trees with yellow leaves are in the background. — Douglas CroftAn almost full moon comes over a orange-red colored rock formation. — John Matthews
How to Get There
Traveling westbound on Interstate 70: Take Utah State Highway 24 west towards Hanksville (exit 149). Stay on Highway 24 for 80 miles (129 km) to reach the park Visitor Center.Traveling on Interstate 15: Take US Highway 50 east at Scipio (exit 188) towards Salina for 30 miles (48 km). At the junction with Utah State Highway 89/259, turn right (south) and travel 8 miles (13 km). Turn left (east) onto Utah State Highway 24 towards Sigurd. Continue on Highway 24 for 82 miles (132 km) to reach the park Visitor Center.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to FRUITA CAMPGROUND
Heading to FRUITA CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for FRUITA CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for FRUITA CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272245) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at FRUITA CAMPGROUND?
FRUITA CAMPGROUND has 72 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to FRUITA CAMPGROUND?
Traveling westbound on Interstate 70: Take Utah State Highway 24 west towards Hanksville (exit 149). Stay on Highway 24 for 80 miles (129 km) to reach the park Visitor Center.Traveling on Interstate 15: Take US Highway 50 east at Scipio (exit 188) towards Salina for 30 miles (48 km). At the junction with Utah State Highway 89/259, turn right (south) and travel 8 miles (13 km). Turn left (east) ont…
How do I contact FRUITA CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: (435)425-4172(MON-THUR) OR (435)425-3791(FRI-SUN) OR EMAIL [email protected].
