Established Camping
Goblin Valley State Park Campground
About
State Park
The campground at Goblin Valley State Park consists of 25 sites and two yurts. Goblin Valley camping is divided into ten walk-in tent pads, fourteen RV spaces, and one group site able to accommodate up to 35 people. Showers and flush toilets, as well as a communal water and dump station are all available free of charge. All sites contain a picnic table, metal fire ring, and shade shelter.
Cowboys searching for cattle first discovered secluded Goblin Valley. Then in the late 1920s, Arthur Chaffin, owner/operator of the Hite ferry, and two companions were searching for an alternative route between Green River and Caineville. They came to a vantage point about a mile west of Goblin Valley and were awed by what they saw, five buttes and a valley of strange-shaped rock formations surrounded by a wall of eroded cliffs.
In 1949, Chaffin returned to the area he called Mushroom Valley. He spent several days exploring the mysterious valley and photographing its scores of intricately eroded creatures. The area was acquired by the state of Utah and in 1964 was officially designated a state park.
Goblin Valley State Park is a showcase of geologic history. Exposed cliffs reveal parallel layers of rock bared by erosion. Because of the uneven hardness of sandstone, some patches resist erosion much better than others. The softer material is removed by wind and water, leaving thousands of unique, geologic goblins. Water erosion and the smoothing action of windblown dust work together to shape the goblins.
Bedrock is exposed because of the thin soil and lack of vegetation. When rain does fall, there are few plant roots and little soil to capture and hold the water, which quickly disappears, in muddy streams without penetrating the bedrock.
Location
Goblin Valley State Park Campground is located in Utah
Coordinates
38.57247476 N
110.71191628 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
State park quality
Though we tend to prefer a more low-key experience, GBSP camping is beautiful and the sites are well taken care of. If you're fortunate enough, snag a site adjacent the sweet rocks. Level sites w shades at the picnic tables. The bathroom has running hot and cold water, and there are showers available. Expensive, but the fee includes entry to the state park.
Explore the hoodoos!
General: Small campground with 24 sites, and two yurts. Sites are designated as RV or tent with the main difference being that the tent sites have multiple vehicle pads right next to each other. We did see some vans in the tent sites and in November, that was not a problem. All camping is dry camping. Each site has a covered picnic table with side shelters, not needed when we were there in November but a necessity in the warmer months, and a fire pit.
Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and level. Some were pull-thru and others back-in. The ones on the exterior of the loop have the best views IMO.
Bathhouse: (automatic) flush toilets, two sinks, paper towels, and soap. There were showers but they were closed for the season as of November 6.
Activities: There are three valleys filled with hoodoos. No distinct trails so you can wander freely among the hoodoos. Several moderately challenging hiking trails, including one directly from the campground (Entrada). We did the Caramel Canyon Loop which included several scrambles in narrow canyons (but doable for two seniors – 65 and 71 years old in good physical shape). There are also designated biking trails and horseback riding is allowed in the Red Canyon Primitive area.
We were last here 35 years ago, but it was so much fun to explore the area again. Utah State Parks are getting pricey (not the only expensive state) but this one is worth it IMO. It is a photographer's dream!
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Yurt 1 Goblin Valley
3 nights in Yurt 1. Coolest yurt location of any we’ve stayed in previously. Beautiful canyon. Heater worked well. There are a couple electrical receptacles. BBQ works well. Fire pit and picnic table are great. The park office has ice and firewood. Everything was great about our stay, EXCEPT… mice. The yurt management should either let guests know this in advance, or set some traps and take care of the problem. Make sure and only store food in mice proof containers, otherwise they will infiltrate.
First Class with many options for things to do.
Great facility. Many options for hiking, off road FWD.
Also darkest point in US for star gazing. No lights visible for 10 miles.
The Goblins absolutely amazing
Other worldly scenery
Only 24 sites makes this one of the hardest campgrounds in Utah to book. If you’re lucky enough to get in then you are going to love Goblin Valley. All of the sites come equipped with a shade structure, picnic table & fire ring. Best sites are on the out side of the loop, with the cliffs right behind you. No hook ups, but the is potable water & dump station. Small visitor center/store offers a few essentials. Very hot & windy when we were there in June. Dark skies offer amazing star gazing. Clean bathrooms and free, private showers.
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Amazing! Worth the drive!
This park is truly a hidden gem! It was fun walking through the goblins and the park is dog friendly!
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Unsurpassed Beauty
Goblin Valley State Park Campground is situated inside the park. Every site whether tent or RV have these "storm shelter" awnings which helps filter the strong summer sun as well as the occasional monsoonal storm.
The campground is kept up really well and is clean. Even the roadways from the park entrance to the campsites is paved and looked to be recently re-sealed.
There are no hookups in the campground, but there are potable water hydrants located throughout. There is an RV dump station located on the south side (as you are exiting of the campground) as well as a dumpster.
Access to The Valley of the Goblins and other main attractions via marked trail signs. Although it can be a jaunt during the summer months as was when we visited in July. You can also access the trails by making a short drive (1/4 mile or less) to the Observation Point. From there, one can take any set of trails....NOTE...that trail signage are few and far between and it is easy to venture off said trail. Make sure you take plenty of water if you plan on hiking to the Goblin's Lair...It's about a 3 mile (in and out) hike...depending if you don't miss a trail sign as I did which added an additional mile for me. =-)
The park is very remote and is exposed to the elements which can be very harsh is the heat of summer, but it is worth the trip to feel like you are on a different planet!
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Another world!
This place is so cool! Truly never seen anything like it. Tent sights are great and nestled in the rocks. We drive in with no reservation and we’re able to find a spot. The yurt spots are really something special though! There’s also a cool frisbee golf course in the camp ground.
Awesome place
Goblin Valley is like you’re visiting another planet! Our site was beautiful, restrooms and showers were clean. Park was quiet at night and DARK! Our kids especially loved this park, being able to climb around in the hills behind our site.
AMAZING!!!!
Honestly so thankful we stumbled upon this campground. First of all, gorgeous views and quiet. Second, clean and facilities were GREAT. Showers were clean and bathrooms were great. Lots of shade in camp areas with the awnings there. Fire pits with options to purchase firewood at gate. Access to trails right by the grounds. And THE STARS. THE STARS WERE AMAZING AT NIGHT!! You MUST stay here!!
Fun for everyone!
The campground had shaded picnic tables, fire pit areas, and bathrooms with showers. It is small enough and the sites are spaced out nicely. We had great views from our spot and could easily access the goblins.
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Wonderful Campground !
There are only 11 asphalt paved RV camp sites. There are 14 tent sites.
Each site has a covered pavilion with a picnic table, fire ring and a tent site. Drinking water is located throughout the campground. The bathrooms have flushing toilets and hot water in the sinks. They are spotless! The showers are equally as clean. There are no bad views here! The hiking and biking trails are right there.
This one is one of my favorites!
Go!
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Excellent camp sites! Amazing State Park!
Words cannot do this place justice. It's a bit off the main highway and mostly locals know about it. You can climb all over the hoodoos. There's even a disc golf course!
Once in a lifetime must visit
Site 12 is the best site.You are tucked into the slot canyon itself. You feel like you are camping with no neighbors. Wild Horse slot canyon is a popular hike right outside the park. In addition if you feel like you need a swim check out Swaseys Beach. About an hour away it's a beach on the Green River.And who wouldn't want to enjoy the water on a hot day.
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Another planet
Good shelters, cool spots, amazing scenery. A little out of the way, but quite worth it. Be sure to include Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon if you want to see some slot canyons.
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Remote and wonderful
Such a cool place. Drive out and wander amongst the goblins (small hoodoos) before you tuck in for a night of fantastic star watching. Sites are not private but are nested next to a small desert wall stacked with goblins. The layout is reminiscent of a Martian colony with small shaded huts for each site. Bathrooms standard. Noticed a few ants. Not a serious problem.
Great if you want to be in the park
This is a typical desert campsite with nicely shaded picnic tables, running water, and showers. It is great if you want to see the goblins early or late. If you camp outside the park you might not be able to see the formations under the stars. Expect it to be hot and dusty. The camp is right up against the bluffs so the kids can be entertained, albeit they'll get dirty.
There are dry and dusty dispersed BLM camps nearby if you don't feel like you need to support preserving the unique geological features of the park with your fee dollars.
A trip to Mars
Like being on an alien planet...campgrounds have great selection & views, the rock formations are so intricate, the colors and soft sand...just loved it
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Fantastic campground - recommended
The Goblin Valley State Park Campground is a great place to stay located "off the beaten path". It is well-maintained, has flat and easily accessible sites that are spaced apart to allow for some privacy even across the open terrain. The backdrop of the rock formations is incredibly beautiful and unique. Water and restrooms are accessible from all campsites. Restrooms are cleaned daily and have sinks, toilets and separate shower rooms all included in the camping fee. Each site has parking for 2 vehicles, tent pad, picnic table on a cement pad covered by a wind/sun blocker, and a firepit with grill. The campground is quiet and offers the benefit of being in a dark sky park. It doesn't get much better than this!
Place like no other
The drive there is magnificent and then you get there and you feel like you’re on another planet. Great place for families, and couples. Definitely come prepared with water and food, gas stations are at least 50 miles away from what I remember.
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Mini Mars
Had a great time in Goblin Valley. Camping was affordable and so pretty. The night sky was unbeatable. At the time the bathrooms and showers were closed but there was a bathroom open by the yurts. We stayed in an RV lot which was a few minutes from the trail heads. Excited to come back with bikes to see more of the area. Fire pits and fires allowed. No cell service but an amazing way to see Utah without the Moab traffic. It’s a small park with a small visitor center and a handful of trails, but they all make up for the size with their unique views. And, valley of the goblins has no trails so you can wander all day.
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Basic Campground in the middle of the desert
Here is the deal. If you need a campground with some amenities then this might be the place for you. It has a dump station, places to fill up water and bathrooms/showers. Keep in mind that during the winter the water is probably shut off.
You get the above for $35 a night. This includes free neighbors close by to talk to.
Now, if you don't really need all of the above and don't want to pay $35 a night, you need to check out all of the BLM land out here. There are SOOO many FREE places to camp away from everyone. Certain times of the year can get busy but you still can't beat free.
Okay, back to the campground review. When I visited the area was well kept and clean. The water was off for the winter so the flush toilets and showers weren't available. Vault toilets were open.
The sites aren't crammed together but you will still have neighbors. Each site has a table, fire pit, shade shelter and tent pad area. There are a couple of yurts that you can rent and also some tent only spots that you are required to walk to.
Overall, it is a decent campground but I would prefer to stay for free on BLM land. I am also set up with a toy hauler that I can be self sufficient for a week. So, if you need or want the amenities of a campground then you can't really go wrong here. You also don't have much of a choice out here in the middle of nowhere. 🤣
Pretty spot, minimal services
The goblin Valley Campground is located within goblin Valley State Park in Utah. This is pretty much in the middle of nowhere between Hanksville and Green River on a 12 miles off detour off Highway 24. The park itself provides access to a rare and bizarre landscape of rock formation some assembling goblins mushrooms and other spires which is pretty unique to the area. The campground is nestled on the edge of some of these rock for atto a in a really scenic location. Covered picnic tables fire rings we’re also provided and a paved driveway and tent pads were also provided. No water, electric hook-ups. However, despite a fairly steep price for a standard non-electric site ( $30) minimal facilities were offered. The bathrooms and showers were closed for the season (it was late December) ang there was only access to a pit toilet near the yurts a little walk away from the campsites. There were flushing toilets a couple of miles away at the visitor center and a at the major view point over the valley of goblins. no cell reception on either Verizon or AT&T.
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One of the best State campsite!
Goblin Valley is a drive, but a beautiful State Park Campsite. The amazing formations are on your doorsteps! There are 24 site campground, 1 group site, and 2 yurts with centrally located restroom and shower facilities. Yes, I said showers!! And pretty clean and maintained showers/ restrooms. Because of the limited numbers of campsites, do plan ahead. You will need to stay a few days!! And if you enjoy mountain biking!! Don’t forget to carry it.. there are many off roading bike routes! This place is very much kid friendly.
If the weather is right, visit the Wild Horse Slot Canyon, 8 miles round trip. There are so many trails and hikes in the surrounding area. Have fun!!
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Interesting location
Utah has such a wide variety of geology and Goblin Valley campground is in the middle of it. Sites are a bit close together, but they have shelters over the tables and there are some walk-in tent sites that are more secluded. Nice, free showers too.
Camping on mars
This was a quick weekend trip and this place blew me away! The campsite (site 3) was nestled right by some rocks which blocked the morning sun (major plus). Some campsite parking spots, like ours, were like 20 yards away from the car, but some were right next to the site. Bathrooms are clean and there are clean showers too. Each site has a nice fire pit with grill and a metal canopy and large picnic table. Can hike around right off the campsite or go to the valley or drive to wild horse canyon. Firewood available at visitor center. Water was on boil advisory Aug 2020 so call and check bc its 30-45 min to the nearest city. No ice available.
Family Vacation!
I went here with my family a few years ago and we all had such a good time! It was so fun to explore Goblin Valley and get a little dirty! A good plan for all ages and truly beautiful!
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Great campground with a shelter!
Each tent site has a pad and a shelter that has a shade panel. There is no parking next to the site, but it is small walk to the site. The tent sites are spaced far apart and some are tucked behind the Goblins.
There is a good restroom facility with running water and showers that do not need a token or coins. There are 4 showers. Overall, this is a great place to stay.
Disperse camping.
Amazing way to be close to nearby hikes.
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Disperse Camping at it’s Best
Just before you reach Goblin Valley Park, turn right on to 1013. There are many campsites along this road, it’s a must, if wanting to camp in the area.
Beautiful area, but no cell service or facilities.