Capitol Reef National Park's Only Developed Campground Offers Amenities, Beauty, And Charm

Southern Utah is known for its beautiful and otherworldly desert landscape. The region boasts so many gems that it's home to five national parks (aka the "Mighty 5") and eight national monuments, all of which highlight the spectacular natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the world. While many come to explore the colorful, idyllic valleys and rock formations found in Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park — which is also one of the best places to take in a solar eclipse in the Southwest — nearby Capitol Reef National Park sees fewer visitors than these more popular spots.

Perhaps the area's most underrated national park, Capitol Reef is 241,904 acres of arresting desert scenery, some of which is centered around the Waterpocket Fold — a wrinkle in the earth's surface that is known as a monocline. This inclined layer of steep rock stretches for nearly 100 miles in Southern Utah and lends Capitol Reef some of its unique natural features, including sheer cliffs, hidden canyons, and the rounded sandstone domes that the park is named for.

When it comes to camping in Capitol Reef, there are two free primitive campgrounds in the park, but for those seeking a bit more comfort, there is also Fruita Campground. This developed campground makes it possible to enjoy the splendors of Capitol Reef National Park without having to rough it too much, though its popularity can make it tough to nab a spot during the park's busiest months.

Situated in an idyllic, breezy spot near the banks of the Fremont River, Fruita Campground is named after the town of Fruita, which was founded by Mormon settlers in the late 1800s. The site is now a ghost town, though a few buildings remain, along with the fruit orchards planted by the original inhabitants, whose apple, cherry, plum, peach, and other trees are maintained today by the National Park Service.

The picture-perfect campground features 71 sites with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, with views of red rock cliffs as well as wild deer that wander through the site. It offers plenty of shade along with grass, which is a welcome splash of green in an otherwise arid environment. While developed for the area, there are no electrical, sewage, or water hookups, though potable water is available on site. There are restrooms with flush toilets (no showers, sadly) and an RV dump station as well.

The campground is reservation only (via Recreation.gov), and given the site's popularity and limited number of slots, it is suggested that you book well ahead of time. You're allowed to reserve a spot up to six months in advance, though in the event you strike out, you can still enjoy the area by camping at one of the park's two primitive campgrounds, sites in the nearby Dixie/Fishlake National Forest, or by practicing dispersed camping (boondocking) on the BLM land that surrounds Capitol Reef.

Capitol Reef Park presents an array of activities that will satisfy both adventure-seekers and casual visitors alike. Hiking is probably the most popular pursuit, with the Grand Wash Trail and the Cohab Canyon trail offering relatively easy walks that offer deep canyon experience and sweeping views of Fruita and beyond. For terrific vistas of the Waterpocket Fold cliffs, head out on the Chimney Rock Loop, a 3.6-mile roundtrip jaunt that will have you huffing and puffing in parts.

For more serious hikers, Capitol Reef is a haven for backpackers. It's possible to explore the more remote corners of the park on multi-day trips; just be sure to secure a free backcountry permit at the visitors' center ahead of time. Devotees of rock climbing and bouldering will also find plenty of opportunities to ply their passion in Capitol Reef, though the sandstone can be crumbly in places, making cliff walls made from harder Wingate Sandstone your best bet. Permits are required as well and must be arranged beforehand via email.

One thing that sets Capitol Reef apart from some other national parks is the fact that you can explore some of it from the comfort of your own car. The park's Scenic Drive is a 7.9-mile sealed road that snakes through the heart of Capitol Reef, offering views of red rock canyons, rock formations, and even petroglyphs (rock wall paintings) that you can access via a short hike into Capitol Gorge. Thinking about visiting Southern Utah? Here are 11 things you should know about the "Mighty 5."