Campground
Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground
Campground
Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground sits 36 miles from Capitol Reef's visitor center deep in Cathedral Valley, accessible only via unpaved high-clearance roads. Six sites with picnic tables and fire grates offer true backcountry camping—no water, no hookups, no services beyond a vault toilet. This is first-come, first-served camping for self-sufficient campers seeking solitude and dark skies at 7,000 feet elevation.
Quick facts
- Reservation System
- First-come, first-served (no reservations)
- Reservation Window
- Arrive early morning for best selection; remote location means moderate competition
- Reservation Tips
- Arrive early morning (before 10am) for best site selection. Peak times (May, September–October) fill by noon. Midweek visits have better availability than weekends.
- Season Dates
- Year-round; however, check road conditions with Capitol Reef Visitor Center before planning overnight stay
Reservations & season
- Reservation System
- First-come, first-served (no reservations)
- Reservation Window
- Arrive early morning for best selection; remote location means moderate competition
- Reservation Tips
- Arrive early morning (before 10am) for best site selection. Peak times (May, September–October) fill by noon. Midweek visits have better availability than weekends.
- Season Dates
- Year-round; however, check road conditions with Capitol Reef Visitor Center before planning overnight stay
- Fills Up Speed
- Usually available (remote access limits demand)
- Per Night Cost
- Free ($0.00)
- Extra Vehicle Fees
- $0.00
- Passes Accepted
- America the Beautiful annual pass covers park entrance; campground itself is free
Sites & RV fit
- Sites Total
- 6
- Site Types
- Tent, Dry Camping
- Site Type Breakdown
- 6 tent/dry camping only
- RV Max Length
- RVs not recommended; sites too small
- Group Sites Available
- 0
- Hookups
- Dry camping only (no hookups)
- Site Features
- Picnic table, fire grate, vault toilet (pit toilet facility shared)
- Ground Type
- Bare ground with rocks
- Site Privacy
- Moderate—six sites spaced apart across open terrain; some visual separation but exposed feel
Facilities
- Bathroom Types
- Vault toilets (outhouse), year-round
- Potable Water
- No water available; bring full jugs or water filtering system
- Trash Service
- Pack it in, pack it out (no dumpsters)
- Camp Store
- No
- Firewood Availability
- Gathering status unknown; contact Capitol Reef Visitor Center (435-425-3791). Store firewood away from tent.
- Cell Service
- No cell service; download offline maps before arrival
- Nearby Facilities
- Torrey, UT (nearest town with lodging, fuel, and supplies); Capitol Reef Visitor Center 36 miles away for information and assistance
Access
- Road Type
- Unpaved
- Road Conditions
- Unpaved roads typically require 4WD or high-clearance two-wheel drive. Washboards common. Call 435-425-3791 for current road conditions; weather and precipitation can make roads impassable.
- Vehicle Restrictions
- RVs and trailers not recommended; sites too small for large vehicles
- Clearance Needed
- 4WD or high clearance required
- Gate Hours
- Open year-round; no gate closure times listed (verify road access conditions)
- Distance From Entrance
- 36 miles from Capitol Reef Visitor Center via Cathedral Valley Loop Road
- Nearest Gas Services
- Torrey, UT (nearest town for supplies and fuel; exact distance unknown—plan accordingly)
- Elevation
- 7,000 feet (2,133 m)
- Accessibility
- Uneven terrain, bare ground, rocks, and unpaved road access make this unsuitable for most mobility challenges. Not wheelchair accessible.
- ADA Accessible Sites
- No ADA sites. Terrain is uneven bare ground with rocks; not wheelchair accessible.
Rules & safety
- Bear Country
- Yes
- Food Storage Requirements
- No bear boxes or lockers. Practice Leave No Trace: minimize attractants, secure food in vehicle or hang 10 feet high away from camp.
- Fire Restrictions
- Fires only in provided fire pits/grates. Extinguish completely before leaving campground.
- Pets Allowed
- Yes
- Pet Restrictions
- Leash required (6 feet standard); keep away from wildlife and other campers
- Alcohol Permitted
- 1
What it is like
- Onsite Activities
- Scenic views of Cathedral Valley, Thousand Lake Mountain, pinyon-juniper hiking, photography, stargazing
- Trailheads Nearby
- Cathedral Valley Loop Road passes scenic areas; hiking trails accessible in Capitol Reef's Waterpocket District nearby
- Wildlife Viewing
- Possible encounters with deer, mule deer, mountain lions (maintain 100-yard distance); coyotes, ringtail cats common at night
- Stargazing Quality
- Excellent—remote location with minimal light pollution; Milky Way clearly visible on clear nights
- Shade Coverage
- Limited shade (open ground, sparse vegetation)—bring sun protection and shade tarp
- Scenic Views
- Cathedral Valley, Thousand Lake Mountain, red rock formations typical of Capitol Reef area; vista views from elevated sites
- Noise Level
- Very quiet—remote location with minimal traffic noise; typically only wind and natural sounds
- Best Time To Visit
- April–May and September–October for mild weather, road access, and stargazing
- Vibe Check
- This is true backcountry camping—open desert, minimal shade, exposed sites with views but no privacy fences. No amenities beyond picnic table and fire grate. Closest neighbor might be 100+ feet away, but the open terrain means everyone feels the wind and weather together. Quiet, solitary vibe for experienced campers seeking escape.
- Camp Here If Skip If
- ✅ BOOK IF: Self-sufficient tent campers seeking solitude, dark-sky stargazing, and authentic backcountry. Experienced off-road drivers comfortable with unpaved, high-clearance access. ❌ SKIP IF: RV/trailer campers, hook-up seekers, or anyone uncomfortable with zero amenities. Not suitable for families with young children, mobility-limited visitors, or those without 4WD/high-clearance vehicles.
- Tips Advice
- Call 435-425-3791 before every trip to confirm road conditions.
- Bring a minimum 2–3 gallons of water per person (plus cooking water).
- Pack a high-lift jack and recovery gear—towing not always available.
- Stake tents firmly; wind can be strong. Use guylines on all corners.
- Sleep in layers; high elevation means cold nights even in warm seasons.
- Bring firewood from town (don't strip the area); fires are allowed and welcomed.
More details
- Park Area
- Cathedral Valley
- Family Friendly Notes
- Best for experienced campers comfortable with remote, rustic camping. Children need close supervision (rocky terrain, wildlife). Families should be self-sufficient and prepared for no cell service or emergency response delays.
- Amphitheater
- None (no ranger programs)
- Boat Launch
- No
- Nearby Attractions
- Cathedral Valley (2 miles), Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon, Thousand Lake Mountain views, Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive (30 miles), Panorama Point, Twin Rocks Viewpoint
- Terrain Type
- Uneven bare ground with rocks; pinyon-juniper foothills at 7,000 feet elevation
- Temperature Ranges
- Varies by season; high elevation means cool nights year-round. Check weather conditions before trip.
- Snow Season
- Possible snow/ice in winter (December–February); road access conditions deteriorate
- Monsoon Season
- July–August thunderstorms possible; roads can become impassable due to precipitation and flash flood risk
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed—pinyon-juniper foothills with limited wind breaks; can be windy, especially spring
- Bug Season
- Minimal (high elevation and arid conditions); typical desert insects present but not oppressive
- Setup Strategy
- Sites are pull-through in open terrain with uneven, rocky ground. Expect to hand-level using rocks or dirt. No internal paved roads (all dirt/gravel). Plan 20–30 minutes setup per site. High-clearance required just to access the campground; scout your pull-in angle before committing.
- Bath Laundry Recon
- No showers or laundry on-site. Plan for creek baths or dry-wash cleanup. Torrey, UT (30+ miles) has shower facilities and laundromats if needed between trips.
- Review Summary
- Campers praise the remote solitude, dark skies, and authentic backcountry experience. Most report good site spacing and minimal crowds. Common feedback: road access is the main barrier; bring plenty of water and be self-sufficient.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Can my RV or trailer fit?
No. Sites are too small for RVs and trailers. High-clearance vehicles strongly recommended; standard vehicles risk undercarriage damage.
Do I need 4WD?
Not always, but highly recommended. High-clearance two-wheel drive can work in dry conditions; 4WD required after rain or snow. Call 435-425-3791 to check road status.
Is water available?
No. Bring a minimum 2–3 gallons per person. No spigots or water sources at camp.
Do I need reservations?
No. First-come, first-served only. Arrive early (before 10am) for best selection, especially in peak season.
Are there bears?
Possible. No bear boxes provided. Store all food in vehicle or hang 10 feet high away from camp. Keep 100-yard distance if spotted.
What if road conditions are bad?
Call the Capitol Reef information line (435-425-3791) before every trip. Roads can become impassable due to precipitation, especially July–August monsoon and winter snow seasons.
What's the cell/internet situation?
No cell service or internet at this campground. Download offline maps and prepare to be unreachable.
More at Capitol Reef National Park
Backcountry Camping
Free backcountry permits for serious backpackers exploring Capitol Reef's remote canyon country.
Group Campsite
Group-only site for up to 40. $125/night, seasonal near Fruita Campground.
Recommended gear for Capitol Reef National Park
Sources
- National Park Service
- 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.