Campground
Group Campsite
The Group Campsite is a secluded, group-only facility near Fruita Campground designed for large parties and organizations. This single site accommodates up to 40 people and operates seasonally from mid-April through mid-October. The campground is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday night for maintenance, and operates on a year-round rolling reservation basis through Recreation.gov.
Quick facts
- Reservation System
- Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- Up to 12 months in advance on rolling basis. Availability releases 12 months from your arrival date.
- Reservation Tips
- Book as soon as the 12-month rolling window opens for your dates. Set a reminder 12 months in advance and check Recreation.gov first thing in the morning on that date. Availability fills quickly for large groups.
- Season Dates
- Mid-April through mid-October. Closed every Tuesday and Wednesday night for maintenance.
Reservations & season
- Reservation System
- Recreation.gov
- Reservation Window
- Up to 12 months in advance on rolling basis. Availability releases 12 months from your arrival date.
- Reservation Tips
- Book as soon as the 12-month rolling window opens for your dates. Set a reminder 12 months in advance and check Recreation.gov first thing in the morning on that date. Availability fills quickly for large groups.
- Season Dates
- Mid-April through mid-October. Closed every Tuesday and Wednesday night for maintenance.
- Fills Up Speed
- Depends on demand; large group capacity makes availability variable
- Per Night Cost
- $125 per night
- Passes Accepted
- America the Beautiful annual pass ($80)
Sites & RV fit
- Sites Total
- 1
- Site Types
- Group campsite
- Site Type Breakdown
- 1 group site, 40-person capacity
- RV Max Length
- Not allowed (no RVs)
- Group Sites Available
- 1
- Group Site Capacity
- 40 people
- Hookups
- Dry camping (no hookups)
- Site Features
- Fire ring (designated grill), table, access to seasonal potable water and flush toilets
- Site Privacy
- Open group-use area; minimal privacy between group and surroundings
Facilities
- Bathroom Types
- Flush toilets (seasonal)
- Potable Water
- Seasonal spigots available
- Dump Station
- Yes, year-round
- Trash Service
- Dumpsters and recycling collection (year-round)
- Camp Store
- No on-site store
- Firewood Availability
- Seasonal sales available on-site
- Cell Service
- None available
- Nearby Facilities
- Torrey, UT is the nearest town for supplies, food, and services. Fruita Campground (nearby) offers additional camping for overflow or single-site needs.
Access
- Vehicle Restrictions
- No RVs or trailers allowed
- Nearest Gas Services
- Torrey, UT (nearest town with supplies)
- Elevation
- Approximately 5,500 feet
- Accessibility
- Detailed accessibility information not fully specified in park data. Contact Capitol Reef visitor services for specific ADA accommodations at the group site.
Rules & safety
- Bear Country
- Yes
- Food Storage Requirements
- No storage lockers provided. Store food in vehicles or use bear-proof containers.
- Fire Restrictions
- Fires permitted in designated grills/rings or portable fire pans capable of containing all ash and residue. No ground fires.
- Alcohol Permitted
- 0
What it is like
- Onsite Activities
- Amphitheater (seasonal), adjacent to Fruita area trails and scenic viewpoints
- Trailheads Nearby
- Park trails accessible from Fruita area; Capitol Reef offers multiple hiking options
- Wildlife Viewing
- Bighorn sheep, mule deer, collared lizards, native bird species in surrounding desert
- Stargazing Quality
- Good night sky visibility in remote high-desert location
- Shade Coverage
- Minimal; high desert with little tree cover
- Scenic Views
- Capitol Reef geological formations and high desert landscape
- Noise Level
- Quiet (remote, no highway noise)
- Best Time To Visit
- April–May and September–October offer mild temperatures and lower water stress
- Vibe Check
- This is an open, exposed group-camping area—not a private wooded loop. Expect desert quiet and clear night skies. Minimal privacy within or around your site. The setting is remote and peaceful, ideal for close-knit groups. High desert exposure means wind and temperature swings; come prepared.
- Camp Here If Skip If
- ✅ BOOK IF: You're organizing a family reunion, youth group, Scout troop, or church gathering (20–40 people) wanting affordable group camping with dump-station access and no RV noise. ❌ SKIP IF: You're a solo traveler, couple, or small family (use Fruita Campground), require RV hookups or showers, or need mid-week availability (Tuesday/Wednesday closures).
- Tips Advice
- Bring extra water bottles—seasonal spigots are the only source.
- Stake tents securely; desert wind is common and powerful.
- No shade on-site; bring tarps or create sun shelters for group comfort.
- Fire-rings and portable pans only; no ground fires.
- Check Tuesday/Wednesday closure dates before booking; plan group dates around maintenance windows.
- Download offline maps; no cell service.
More details
- Park Area
- Fruita
- Sites Group
- 40
- Family Friendly Notes
- Excellent for large family groups, Scout troops, and youth organizations. Amphitheater (seasonal) supports group gatherings. Note: no showers or laundry on-site; group should plan hygiene strategy accordingly.
- Amphitheater
- Yes (seasonal)
- Boat Launch
- N/A (no water access)
- Nearby Attractions
- Fruita Orchards, Capitol Dome, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, Cathedral Valley, Panorama Point, Temple of the Sun and Moon
- Terrain Type
- Desert slickrock and sandy terrain
- Temperature Ranges
- Spring/Fall: 50–70°F daytime, 35–50°F night. Summer: 80–95°F daytime, 55–65°F night. Winter: 30–50°F daytime, 15–30°F night. High daily swings typical of desert climate.
- Snow Season
- Possible during winter months (December–February)
- Monsoon Season
- July–September thunderstorms common in high desert
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed to desert wind; stake tents securely
- Bug Season
- Minimal (high desert); insects most active spring and early summer
- Setup Strategy
- Arrive early with group and map out the site layout. Designate areas for cooking, gathering, and tent zones to maximize group cohesion. No hookups: plan for dry camping, fill water at spigots, and use dump station before departing. Set up communal fire area away from tent clusters.
- Bath Laundry Recon
- No showers or laundry on-site. Groups must bathe in vehicles or natural sources or plan trips to Torrey for facilities. Establish a group washing routine (bucket baths, dry-camp hygiene) before arrival. This is a significant trade-off for the price.
- Review Summary
- Groups praise this site for affordable, large-capacity camping in a scenic desert setting. Campers note the lack of showers and sparse amenities as trade-offs for seclusion and low cost. The Tuesday/Wednesday maintenance closure requires careful planning but is accepted for a well-maintained facility.
Location
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should we book?
Up to 12 months on a rolling basis. Set an alarm for the day your arrival date opens 12 months out, and check Recreation.gov first thing that morning—large group sites fill quickly.
Can we bring an RV or trailer?
No. This site accommodates tents and car camping only. No RVs, trailers, or vehicles over a certain length are allowed.
Are there showers?
No showers on-site. Nearest facilities are in Torrey, UT. Groups typically plan bucket baths or vehicle-based hygiene at the campsite.
Why is the site closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights?
Scheduled maintenance and cleaning. Plan your group dates to avoid these closure days, or split your stay around them.
What amenities are included?
Seasonal flush toilets, seasonal potable water spigots, year-round dump station, trash/recycling, amphitheater (seasonal), fire rings, and seasonal firewood sales. No hookups, showers, laundry, or camp store.
Is there cell service?
No cellular service. Download offline maps and coordinate all logistics before arriving at the park.
Can we have campfires?
Yes—fires in designated rings or portable fire pans only. Fires must be capable of containing all ash and residue. No ground fires.
More at Capitol Reef National Park
Backcountry Camping
Free backcountry permits for serious backpackers exploring Capitol Reef's remote canyon country.
Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground
Six primitive sites in remote Cathedral Valley. Bring water, check roads first. True backcountry camping.
Recommended gear for Capitol Reef National Park
Sources
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.