The best camping near Goblin Valley State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Goblin Valley adventure.

94% (26 reviews)

An otherworldly landscape filled with sandstone “goblins” and eerie rock formations.

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Community favorites near Goblin Valley State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Goblin Valley State Park

94%

(26)

Goblin Valley Campground

22 sites · RVs, Tents In Goblin Valley State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Goblin Valley State Park

95%

(78)

Red River Camp - Capitol Reef

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Teasdale, UT

Welcome to Red River Camp! Our camp sites highlight the beautiful red cliff backdrop infamous in southern Utah. Only 10 minutes from Capitol Reef National Park! Come relax and stay the night before you go out to hike, sight see, climb, off-road, fish etc. The opportunity for adventure is endless. Our family built the Red River Ranch many years ago and we are excited to share the beautiful surroundings with people that share our love for the outdoors. Guests will have a private camp site and access to their own fire pit, shared picnic table, shared trash, and shared toilet. No access to water, electricity, or sewer. Cell phone service should work great!

100%

(3)

Thousand Lakes RV Park

66 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Torrey, UT

At Thousand Lakes RV Park, you will enjoy views of red rock mountains and sagebrush-covered plateaus from every site. Just 6 miles from Capitol Reef National Park, we are convenient to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, spectacular National Scenic Byway 12, Goblin Valley, and Bryce Canyon. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, 4-wheel-drive back road excursions, and leisurely drives are just minutes away. Because our area is not as well known as other Southern Utah destinations, you won’t find crowds, even in peak season. Thousand Lakes RV Park offers a full range of accommodations, including a full-service RV park with 65-foot pull-thru spaces, shaded tent sites, and deluxe cabins large enough to sleep 6. Groups appreciate our covered pavilion with picnic tables. Everyone enjoys our chargrilled, scratch-made BBQ dinners, fresh morning muffins, clean facilities, pool, playground, basketball court, satellite hook-up, and outstanding views. Our RV Park Jeep Rentals are available from Capital Reef Jeep Rentals conveniently located on our premises. Stop by our office for our personal recommendations to help you enjoy your visit. Unforgettable scenery, endless outdoor activities, a full array of services, and no crowds.

99%

(65)

Swell Retreat in San Rafael Swell

13 sites · RVs, Tents208 acres · Castle Dale, UT

A Swell Oasis in the desert of the San Rafael Swell: Swell Retreat. A pine tree farm was active prior to us purchasing the land, so lots of beautiful trees. A couple ponds stocked with large mouth bass. Zipline, WIBIT, water slide, etc. A field of hay, and continued improvements to make it into a Swell Retreat!!! We are a great spot to stay and have onsite a zip line into Lake Elevate, water slide into the pond, adventure island, zipline, kayaking, paddle boarding, catch and release fishing, and close to all fun in the San Rafael Swell. 20 min or so from three reservoirs for additional fishing, swimming and motor boating, 30 minutes from the Little Grand Canyon for breathtaking views, hiking and mountain biking, petroglyphs and the San Rafael Swell river to float on, 60 minutes from Goblin Valley, within 60 minutes to multiple slot canyons: Little Wild Horse Canyon, Muddy Creek, The Chute (similar to Zion National Park), Baptist Draw, to name a few. Mountain fun for rock climbing just up the road in Joe's Valley, hiking, biking, fishing, etc. We would love to have you stay on our little farm while you enjoy the fun of the San Rafael Swell adventures.

The best camping near Goblin Valley State Park guide

Overview

About

Along the San Rafael Swell in a remote part of the Utah desert between Arches and Capitol Reef national parks, Goblin Valley is a wonderland of uniquely shaped rocks that resemble monsters and mushroom-shaped creatures. Six miles of family-friendly trails wind through the formations, while a mountain bike trail system offers terrain for beginner and intermediate levels. The park campground offers a combo of RV sites and walk-in tent spots, as well as two yurts that sleep up to five people. Several popular slot canyon hikes are also set just outside the park entrance.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The Goblin Valley Campground has 25 campsites and two yurts, all available on a four-month rolling basis. Reservations can be made over the phone or online.
Make sure that the campsite you book can accommodate your camping equipment. Only 14 campsites are suitable for RVs and trailers—the rest are walk-in tent sites.
Goblin Valley camping is very popular. Reservations can be difficult to get during the busy spring and fall seasons. For the best luck, search the online reservation system for the next available dates and stay flexible.
If the campground is full, several primitive camping areas sit outside the park. Some, like the dispersed area on Temple Mountain Road, have restrooms.

When to go

Goblin Valley State Park, its campground, and yurts are open year-round. Spring and fall are the best times to visit weatherwise, but this is also the busiest time so avoid weekends and holidays if you can. Temperatures often exceed 100°F in summer, when hiking and camping can get uncomfortable. The yurts have air conditioning and heat, nice for summer and winter camping.

Know before you go

All campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, and shade shelter. No electric hookups are available in Goblin Valley State Park.
Campers have access to showers, flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station.
Arrive at Goblin Valley with a full tank of gas and all the groceries and camping supplies you’ll need. The nearest services are 33 miles away in the town of Hanksville.
Flash flooding is common in the slot canyons around Goblin Valley in summer monsoon season, but it can happen any time of year. Check weather forecasts before entering a slot canyon and never enter one if there’s rain in the forecast.
Leashed dogs are welcome on Goblin Valley trails.