Goblin Valley State Park
Utah
If you are seeking an out-of-this-world camping experience, you’ll love what Goblin Valley State Park has to offer. Tucked away in the red rocks of central Utah, Goblin Valley is a geological gem of unique topography and jaw-dropping desert views. You can spot dozens of “goblins” or “hoodoos,” which are the rock formations that give this state park its name. Camping at Goblin Valley State Park promises to be a peaceful, unique experience that you won’t soon forget.
Overview
- RV Accessible
- RV fill and dump station
- Tent pads
- Showers
- Flushing Toilets
- Dumpsters on Site
- Bike Paths/Trails
- Firepits
- Picnic Tables
- Pet-friendly
- Disc Golf
Location
You’ll find Goblin Valley State Park, quite literally, in the middle of nowhere in central Utah. The park is about 215 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. The nearest town, Hanksville, is about a 32-mile drive away. This isolated location comes with extra benefits. You’ll also be just over an hour from Capitol Reef National Park, 90 minutes from Arches National Park, and just under 2 hours from Canyonlands National Park. If you want to check three amazing national parks off your list, consider Goblin Valley State Park as your next camping trip.
What to do at Goblin Valley state park
Once you tear your eyes away from the stunning rock formations, here’s what you can do for fun while staying at Goblin Valley State Park:
- Hiking: The area is home to six miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty. Prepare to scramble and travel through some slot canyons while you traverse this Mars-like terrain. The main attraction is the Valley of the Goblins, which is three square miles of open land where you can wander the goblins and discover new sights at every turn.
- Biking: Bring your mountain bike because Goblin Valley is home to the Wild Horse Mountain Biking System. With beginner to intermediate trails, you can explore five loops of seldom-visited corners of the park surrounded by stunning vistas on every turn.
- Disc Golf: Pack in your discs or grab some at the front entrance of the park for what might be one of the coolest disc golf courses in the state.
- Rappelling: Test your meddle by rappelling deep into the Goblin’s lair. Gear and guides are available.
- Canyoneering: Take on the ultimate adventure with a guided canyoneering trip with Get in the Wild.
see the campsites at goblin valley state park
Camping at Goblin Valley State Park offers a variety of campsites for dry/primitive camping. There are, however, a few modern conveniences that will help keep you and your crew well-supplied, clean, and safe.
You’ll find there are 24 individual campsites that vary in size. There are great spots for RVs, trailers, and those best outfitted for tent camping. Most sites have a designated tent pad that will provide your tent with a level and rock-free surface. Tents can be placed outside the tent pads where needed, but you won’t have that regularly maintained space for added comfort. Each site has a fire pit, pavilion, and picnic table.
The group site is truly the best place to host your next family gathering. With a max occupancy of 40 and ample parking, there’s room for everyone to camp. You’ll be comfortably nestled against the red rock formations, ready to create amazing memories.
If you want a little extra comfort for your stay at Goblin Valley State Park, check out the two yurts. Each comes with electricity, a grill, bunk beds, a futon, A/C, a fireplace, and more! You’ll love relaxing on the wooden deck while you take in views of the entire desert valley.
Please check out our video tour of Goblin Valley State Park for a detailed review of each campsite to choose the right one for you.
Campground Type: Mixed-use
RV Hookups: No, dump and fill stations available
Water: Community water spigots located throughout the park
Bathrooms: Yes, flush toilets
Showers: Yes
Sites Available: 24 individual sites, 1 large group site, and 2 yurts
Cost:
Day use: $20 and is good for two days
Camping: Sites are $35/night ($20 per extra vehicle)
Group site: Starts at $200/night
Yurts: Start at $150/night
What people love about camping at goblin valley state park
Park reviewers rave about the unique scenery and other-worldly experiences found at Goblin Valley State Park. They love the proximity to other national parks, but the peace of far fewer crowds. From children to adults, everyone loves exploring the hoodoos, hiking the trails, and enjoying the beauty of this one-of-a-kind state park.
Planning your trip
Cell phone service is unreliable in the park, so prepare to live without it.
Spring and fall are the best times to enjoy the park. Summers can get extremely hot so plan accordingly. Winter can give you good conditions for hiking, but below-freezing temperatures at night.
Availability:
Open year-round, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. No holiday closures.
Directions:
Goblin Valley State Park is located just over 30 miles south of I-70 in central Utah.
Follow I-15 S and US-6 E to UT-24 W in Emery County. Take exit 149 from I-70 W/US-50 W. Continue for 36 miles on UT-24 W. Drive to Goblin Valley Rd.
Reservations
Book online with Reserve America.
Alternatively, you can call ReserveAmerica at these numbers:
800-322-3770 (toll-free from outside the Salt Lake City area)
801-322-3770 (from within the Salt Lake City area)
Nearest Amenities:
Hanksville, 32 miles away
Important things to know
Cell phone coverage is unreliable in different areas of the park
Nearest services (gas, food, etc. are in Hanksville)
Potable water, restrooms, and showers are available in the campground
If you are going to hike through the goblins, pack lots of sunscreen and water
1 Comment
Robert Dorian
Great video! That was very informative. Thank you!