DanC
For Fruita Campground - Capitol Reef National Park: Oct. 2020: This is an update on my previous review in 2019. Specifically, I visited this campground again to use the RV Dump Station, and found the rinse water and freshwater supplies have now been repaired and improved. The dedicated rinse water supply at the waste dump inlet is now working. The two freshwater supplies a short distance from the waste inlet are now both marked for potable water only. One other change is that there is now a metal box at the waste inlet for deposit of the required fee to use the rv dump station, along with payment envelopes. Some internet sources state that at this site there is only a fee for using the dump waste inlet, but no fee for only getting freshwater. This is not true. The fee is required for any use of the dump station facility, including getting freshwater. If you enter the campground, including the rv dump station, you must pay a fee. There are no free facilities or services at the caampground. You must pay for those services, including for the freshwater. If you pay for a campsite, freshwater is included. If you haven't paid for a campsite, freshwater is included in the rv dump fee. It's assumed that you are visiting the rv dump site to dump and/or to get freshwater; so the fee includes either or both. "Free" is not sustainable, especially when it's freshwater in Utah.
Posted Oct 13, 2020 by DanC from Oregon. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
MichFigs
For Fruita Campground - Capitol Reef National Park: What a Gem of a campground laid out among the irrigated orchards in Capitol Reef National Park. Stayed in late September 2020 had to move around to different campsites as we had not made reservations, we were quite impressed with all the sites and loop layouts. Well maintained by park employees and volunteers, even allowed to pick the fruit in the Chestnut Orchard as apples had ripened during our stay! Don’t miss the cinnamon rolls and fruit pies made fresh daily, sold in the general store! Incredible stay at this NP with lots to see and explore, made even better by the exceptional camp hosts Sheryl and Ken.
Posted Oct 11, 2020 by MichFigs from Michigan. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
DanC
For Fruita Campground - Capitol Reef National Park: Oct 2019: The Fruita Campground is everything positive described in other reviews, and more. As an example, the RV dump station is a very positive feature. The exact location is well signed. Even most large rigs will be able to access the dump station. The waste inlet is set well below ground level in a concrete apron. Rinse water is supposed to be available at the waste inlet. As of this date (Oct 2019) the rinse water doesn't work. However, the usual "potable water" supply, about 50 feet ahead of the waste inlet, is being used as a rinse water source. Unfortunately, for some reason, the "potable water" sign is still prominently displayed at that source. The current replacement source of freshwater also has a prominent sign marking it as "potable water", but the spigot is set back from the dump station in a landscaped area about 25 feet towards the trash/recycling bins. This source has a long hose attached to it, for the convenience of those not having a freshwater hose long enough to use it. The dump station facility is free to registered campers. All other customers for dumping and/or freshwater are required to pay a $5.00 FEE at the nearby camping registration station. Some other internet sites report this dump site only asking for a "donation". The nearby observant Camp Host will not hesitate to point out the sign at the dump station that states it is a required FEE. This campground is extremely popular in every season. Even though the off season is "non-reserved' (first come first served"), don't rely completely on getting a site when you show up. Have an alternate location in mind, such as nearby BLM sites, in case the campground is full when you arrive.
Posted Oct 07, 2019 by DanC from Oregon . This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
Tom
For Fruita Campground - Capitol Reef National Park: A jewel of a campground in this arid area. We stayed 6/2/18. Arriving late in the afternoon in our 24’ Class C. The shaded campground keeps things cool. Lovely flowing stream next door. Bathroom facilities were clean. Potable water fill and wastewater dump available. Marmots and deer walk freely around the area. Campfire smoke a little heavy at times. Would definitely stay here again.
Posted Jun 04, 2018 by Tom from NC. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
Msipe
For Fruita Campground - Capitol Reef National Park: Super lovely area in May - green grass, shady trees and plenty of space. Bathrooms were nice for a federal campground, but no showers. Fun little store that sells baked goodies. Easy access to all parts of the park.
Posted May 16, 2018 by Msipe from Colorado Springs. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
DSVT
For Fruita Campground - Capitol Reef National Park: We were looking for a place to stay in or near Capitol Reef convenient to hiking and biking in the NP. We're self contained and don't use the facilities. We stayed weeknights in early May.
This is a beautiful campground, centrally located to great hiking and biking. The grounds are very well maintained. The sites are level and moderate size with a mix of sun and shade. There are no hookups. There's a dump station with potable water near the entrance. All sites are walk-in and the 3 loops were full by noon. There is no ATT or Verizon cell coverage, and no wifi. The staff was friendly and helpful.
The visitor center is 1 mile from the CG. The scenic road is 10 miles (1 way), the last 3 being unpaved and drivable or bikable through deep canyons to additional hiking trails. The Hickman Bridge Trailhead is 3 miles from the CG with a 4.7 mi (1 way) hike to 360 degree views at Navajo Knobs or 2.5 mi (1 way) to the Rim Overlook. There's ATT and Verizon and wifi at the Wayne County Info station in Torrey, 12 miles west of the CG.
Posted May 16, 2017 by DSVT from VT. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.
Atkinson Family
For Fruita Campground - Capitol Reef National Park: Great spot if you want a central base camp to be able to drive from. Numerous activities all around within a short drive (or bike!) distance including hiking, biking, scenic drives, historic site, etc. Gifford House has great pies, but if you want to drive a bit farther hit up Burr Trail Grill for an amazing slice of pie with a phenomenal burger.
Rangers give nightly presentations on all elements of the park and help guests understand at a deeper level what they are seeing in nature. Highly engaging with the kids if you have them. Camping underneath the stars in the orchards are definitely a different experience than I have had before.
Only cons were that there were no hookups for RV. The park has plenty of water and places to fill up, as well as electricity to run operations, so you think they would have at least a few sites for at least partial hookups. This just resulted in generators running which cuts the ambience. Generators are only allowed from 8-10 AM and 6-8PM...unfortunately that is when you are most likely in camping eating breakfast or dinner so your relaxation time is accompanied by the hum of generators everywhere. Lots of tent camping with sites close together so it can also be a bit crowded.
Don't let those cons put you off though...I would recommend and stay again, no question.
Posted Aug 15, 2016 by Atkinson Family from UT. This is the subjective opinion of a traveler and not of AllStays LLC.