Fruita Campground, located one mile south of the visitor center on the scenic drive, stays open all year and has drinking water but no showers or hookups ($10). November–April campers must get their water from the visitors center. The surrounding orchards and lush grass make this an attractive spot.

Sites often fill by early afternoon in the busy May–October season. One group campground (by reservation only) and a picnic area are nearby.

If you’re just looking for a place to park for the night, check out the public land east of the park boundary off Highway 24. Areas on both sides of the highway (about nine miles east of the visitor center) may be used for free primitive camping.

The five-site Cedar Mesa Campground (open year-round, no water or fee) is in Capitol Reef’s southern district just off Notom-Bullfrog Road (dirt); campers here enjoy fine views of Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains. From the visitor center, go east 9.2 miles on Highway 24, then turn right and go 22 miles on Notom-Bullfrog Road (avoid this road if wet).

Cathedral Valley Campground serves the park’s northern district; it has five sites (no water or fee) near the Hartnet Junction, about 30 miles north of Highway 24. Take either Caineville Wash or Hartnet Roads (Hartnet has a river ford). Both roads are dirt and should be avoided when wet.