Fruita Campground

Fruita Campground is Capitol Reef's only developed campground, with 71 sites beside the Fremont River in a shady orchard valley under red cliffs. It's a handy base for Fruita's historic sites and the Scenic Drive. Reserve ahead: the busy stretch is March through October, when the campground is usually full. The setting feels tucked into the landscape, though sites sit close together, so privacy and noise vary by loop and neighbors.

The three loops sit under cottonwoods. Loops A and B date to 1964; Loop C was added in 1987. Each site has a picnic table and a firepit and/or above-ground grill. Restrooms have flush toilets, and there are no showers. Potable water is available at the restrooms and at an RV fill station by Loop A. Individual sites have no water, sewer, or electrical hookups. Accessible sites are next to restrooms.

Generator rules change with the season: NPS allows generators in Loop C from March 1 through December 1, and in Loops A and B the rest of the year, during approved hours. Check the posted hours before you book if you need a generator.

Fruita was settled by Latter-day Saint pioneers in 1880. Families planted thousands of fruit trees in the Fremont River valley, and the orchards helped support the community from the 1880s into the 1960s. Apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, and plums all grew here. When the orchards are open and posted rules allow it, visitors may pick ripe fruit for personal use during harvest season.

Visitors often report deer among the orchard trees and clear night skies, though sightings and conditions vary. The Fremont River runs beside camp, but NPS advises against swimming, long wading, or swallowing river water because E. coli is routinely detected above Utah water-quality standards.

The nearby Gifford Homestead is a separate stop from the campground. Its sales outlet offers locally baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream when open; it isn't campground food service, and seasonal hours vary.