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Goblin Valley Camping: Where to Sleep Near Utah's Mars on Earth

Writer: Mischa Francis Velasco
Mischa Francis Velasco
6 hours ago
3 min read

Goblin Valley camping is one of the best ways to see this strange little corner of Utah. By day, the park is full of visitors wandering among thousands of mushroom-shaped rock goblins. But at sunrise and sunset, the goblins glow orange and red, the crowds are gone, and after dark, the sky fills with more stars than most people have ever seen.


Goblin Valley State Park is a certified Dark Sky Park in the remote San Rafael Swell, about an hour from the nearest big town. That means if you want to catch the best light and the darkest skies, sleeping close by makes all the difference. Here's what to know about Goblin Valley camping inside the park and nearby.



TAKE A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF GOBLIN VALLEY:


Before you set up camp, the Goblin Valley Mars On Earth Driving Tour is a great way to get to know the area. This self-guided GPS audio driving tour starts at the junction of Utah Highway 24 and Temple Mountain Road and ends at the Goblin Overlook, passing right by the campgrounds along the way.


Along the way you'll learn:


  • Who painted the giant red figures at Temple Mountain more than a thousand years ago

  • How a Cold War uranium boomtown rose and vanished near today's campgrounds

  • Why the goblins were first called "Mushroom Valley"

  • How 170 million years of sea, sand, and rain carved every goblin in the valley


The drive takes about 45 minutes without stopping, and most people spend half a day with stops.



CAMPING INSIDE GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK:


Goblin Valley Campground—The park has a 24-site campground with restrooms and showers. At the time of writing, sites were about $45 per night, including one vehicle pass. Each site holds up to eight people.


Goblin Valley yurts—Two yurts give you a real bed without leaving the desert. At the time of writing, they were about $150 per night. Up to two dogs are allowed for an extra fee.


Group campground—One large group site holds up to 40 people and 10 vehicles.


Reservations open four months ahead to the day, and spring and fall weekends fill up fast. Book through Utah State Parks as soon as you know your dates.


CAMPING NEAR GOBLIN VALLEY:


Temple Mountain Townsite Campground—A BLM campground about two miles from the park, near the old Temple City uranium site. At the time of writing, sites were about $15 per night.


Temple Mountain Campground East—Another BLM campground on Temple Mountain Road, close to the Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel.


Dispersed camping—Free camping is allowed on some public land in the San Rafael Swell. Stick to existing sites and roads, use existing fire rings, and pack out all your trash.


Motels—If you'd rather not camp, Hanksville is about 40 minutes away and Green River is about an hour away.



TIPS FOR GOBLIN VALLEY CAMPING:


  • Bring all your water and food. There are no restaurants nearby, and services are far apart.


  • Fill your gas tank in Green River or Hanksville before you head out.


  • Pack warm layers. Desert nights can get cold, even after a hot day.


  • Bring a headlamp and look up. Goblin Valley's dark skies are perfect for spotting the Milky Way.


  • Respect quiet hours. In the park, quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.


  • Check the weather. Nearby slot canyons can flash flood, so skip them if rain is possible.


THE BEST TIME TO CAMP:


Spring and fall are the best seasons for Goblin Valley camping, with warm days and cool nights. Summer can be dangerously hot, and winter nights often drop below freezing. If you camp in summer, plan your hikes for early morning and spend the hot afternoon in the shade.


PLAN YOUR TRIP:


Want the full breakdown—the best hikes, where to eat, and the top things to do in Goblin Valley? Our Goblin Valley travel guide covers all of it.


Check out our Goblin Valley travel guide to plan your trip.

 
 
 

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