Capitol Reef National Park Winter Camping Guide

Located in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, Capitol Reef is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and natural bridges. There are a few places where you can enjoy Capitol Reef National Park winter camping.

There is no park lodge at Capitol Reef, but there is one developed campground and RV park along with some primitive camping sites open when visiting Capitol Reef in the winter.

Use this Capitol Reef National Park guide that lists all the ways you can camp at or near the park. It’s important to know the services available, weather, and road conditions to expect during the winter months at Capitol Reef.

Living only a few hours away, we’ve had the opportunity to visit Capitol Reef National Park many times. In this article you’ll find helpful resources to plan your winter vacation to Capitol Reef National Park based on our experiences visiting the area throughout the years.

Our number one tip is to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting Capitol Reef during the winter months. Grab your free printable Capitol Reef National Park packing list by clicking the image below!

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A Photo Tour of Capitol Reef National Park

Take a visual tour through Capitol Reef National Park to see the stunning landscape and wildlife you’ll find in the park!

Winter Weather at Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef National Park weather in the winter can be unpredictable with rain or snow. Here are the average temperatures you can expect at Capitol Reef in the winter:

December: highs 39 / lows 19 degrees F
January: highs 39 / lows 18 degrees F
February: highs 45 / lows 23 degrees F

During the winter it is especially important to dress in layers:

You’ll experience a dry desert environment o be sure to also pack and use lip balm and lotion as well!

FIND HIKING GEAR AT REI

FIND HIKING GEAR AT AMAZON

Capitol Reef National Park Winter Camping

Be sure to check the Capitol Reef website for the latest information about the campgrounds, primitive camping, and backpacking at the park. In the winter many of the Capitol Reef services have changed hours or have closed for the season.

In case you can’t get a Capitol Reef National Park camping spot, we’ll list campgrounds and RV Parks near the park as well.

Fruita Barn at Capitol Reef National Park — Fruita Barn at Capitol Reef in the winter

Capitol Reef Winter Camping at Fruita Campground

The Fruita Campground is adjacent to the Fremont River and surrounded by historic structures and orchards. It’s open year-round, and is the only developed campground in the park.

It has 71 sites, and each site has a picnic table and firepit and/or above ground grill, but no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups.

There is an RV dump and potable water fill station. Restrooms have running water and flush toilets, but no showers. Accessible sites are located next to the restrooms.

During the winter from November 1 – February 28, all campsites are first come, first served.

Number of Sites: 71 sites
RVs: yes, dry campsites are available for RVs up to 52 feet (dump & water fill available)
Season: open year-round; reservations required from Mar-Oct
GPS Coordinates Location: 38.282603, -111.247106

Cathedral Valley campground at capitol reef national park — Cathedral Valley primitive campground

Cathedral Valley Campground in the Winter

To access the Cathedral Valley Campground located about 36 miles from the visitor center in Fruita, you will need a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle.

The campground is open year-round, but bad weather will make the road inaccessible. Check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center (or call the information line) prior to planning an overnight stay.

This primitive, no-fee campground has six sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available.

Number of Sites: 6 sites
Fees: free
Reservations: no, sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis
RVs: no, unless a shorter 4×4 high clearance rig
Season: open year-round
GPS Coordinates Location: 38.474351, -111.366933

Cedar Mesa Campground in the Winter

To access the Cedar Mesa Campground located about 23 miles south of Utah State Highway 24, you’ll navigate along the Notom-Bullfrog Road.

Most of the time two-wheel drive vehicles are ok, but sometimes the road requires high clearance.

The campground is open year-round, but check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for road conditions prior to planning an overnight stay.

It’s a primitive, no-fee campground with five sites that have a picnic table and fire grate. There is also a pit toilet, but no water is available.

Number of Sites: 5 sites
Fees: free
Reservations: no, sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis
RVs: no, unless a shorter 4×4 high clearance rig
Season: open year-round
GPS Coordinates Location: 38.007213, -111.08443

Capitol Reef Backcountry Camping in the Winter

A backcountry permit is required for camping outside of established campgrounds. The permit is free and can be obtained in person at the visitor center during normal business hours.

Backcountry camp sites at Capitol Reef can be found along these backpacking routes:

Pleasant Creek
Spring Canyon
Lower Muley Twist Canyon
Upper Muley Twist Canyon
Burro, Cottonwood and Sheets Gulch
Halls Creek Narrows

Please take the time to learn all the Capitol Reef backcountry regulations so you Leave No Trace:

Purify all water before drinking.
Don’t pollute water sources with soap, food scraps, sunscreen, lotion, etc. Do not swim or bathe in potholes or tanks.
Bury human waste 6 inches deep in soil and at least 300 feet away from any water sources, and out of washes.
Pets at Capitol Reef are not permitted on trails or in the backcountry and may not be left unattended.
Gathering firewood and building fires is prohibited; use fuel burning stoves in the backcountry.
Camp at least 1/2 mile from roads and trailheads. Camp out of sight and sound of the trail and other campers. Camp 300 feet away from any water source, archaeological/historic sites, and trail junctions.

RV in southern Utah — RV near Capitol Reef National Park

RV Parks Open in the Winter Near Capitol Reef

There are only a few RV parks near Capitol Reef National Park that are open in the winter. They will offer more amenities than the Fruita Campground in the park.

Fremont River RV Park

Located on Highway 24 in Loa about 20 minutes west of Torrey is the Fremont River RV Park.

The park features 18 sites with hookups that can fit large RVs. There are bathrooms, laundry, WIFI, and pets are welcome.

Duke’s RV Park

About an hour east of Capitol Reef is the Duke’s RV Park in Hanksville, Utah. Duke’s is open throughout the year, so it is an excellent option for RV travelers during the winter.

Amenities include pull-through, back-in, and trailer campsites; shared campfire pits; picnic tables; free WIFI; and 24 hour coin-operated laundry.

The campground also offers grass tent areas.

Capitol Reef National Park in the winter — Capitol Reef sign with snow in the winter

Things to Do Near Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef National Park Itineraries

Check out these done-for-you itineraries for Capitol Reef based on the time you have to spend exploring the park!

Grab our travel bundle with printable 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries to easily plan your vacation! Simply click the graphic below to get the free itinerary pack! Click on the links below to see detailed itineraries based on the time you have to spend at the park.