Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef National Park is in Utah’s south-central desert. It surrounds a long wrinkle in the earth known as the Waterpocket Fold, with layers of golden sandstone, canyons and striking rock formations. Among the park’s sights are the Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and Capitol Reef, known for its white sandstone domes. In the north are the towering monoliths of Cathedral Valley.

Pick from three campgrounds in the area: Fruita, Cathedral Valley or Cedar Mesa. All sites will set you up to experience the national park. The 71-site Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in the park. Cathedral Valley is a primitive campground with no-fee and has six sites. The Cedar Mesa Campground is located about 35 miles south of the Utah State Highway 24, and is at 5,500 feet in elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground has five sites.