Upon driving into the park, it doesn’t look super exciting. Pretty views, and a few “goblins,” and a lot of desert area. There real fun lies at the “Valley of the Goblins,” which is a short drive up the road from the campground! Some facts about the campground: —It is a dry campground, meaning there is no electricity or water at the individual sites. There are water spouts spread throughout the campground, and there is one bathroom in the middle with free showers. Generator hours are 8am-8pm. —They have a dump station with potable water. The campground is basically in the shape of the letter “D.” The tents and RV spots are on the rounded part, the dump station is on the straightaway. It is not labeled, so pay close attention so you don’t miss it. —They have two yurts that look REALLY cool! One of them is way back in mountain, if I could pick I’d jump on that one. —I highly recommend reservations. The campground was full when we were there (a Wednesday night in June of 2017), and we saw lots of others drive through hoping for a spot, but then having to leave. Overall it is a pretty small campground. —The campground gets noisy at night. The quiet hours are not enforced (no camp hosts), and people ran their generators well past the 8pm cutoff time. If you’re looking for quiet evenings, this may not be the spot for you. We tried to photograph the stars at night (there are a million), but ended up with nothing, as people had their flashlights and lamps going on full blast all night. —Very kid-friendly place. Take the kids (or adults!) down to the “Valley of the Goblins,” a short drive or bike ride up the road, and plan on spending the day down there playing. It’s very very cool. Many people also had their dogs down there. —Speaking of bikes, there are lots of mountain biking paths around too. Head out of the campground, and make the first right onto a dirt road up a huge hill. At the top you will find solar panels and some really awesome looking mountain biking trails. There was another one if you head down past the rangers house and past the yurts. The road ends, and a trail begins. —This park has a group camping area. We couldn’t get a peek at it, as it was being used when we visited, but it’s pretty far from the bathrooms. It looked fun - but a bit of a hike to the facilities if that matters to you! —No cell phone service (Verizon). Overall, this was the perfect stopping point for us from Capitol Reef National Park (NP) to Arches NP. We spent one night, which was enough time to take in the goblins and relax and enjoy the view, otherwise there’s not much else there. If I had older kids, I think 2 nights would be perfect here - a day to arrive and set up, then a full day to play in the Valley of the Goblins, mountain bike, or hike around. We would stop back here for sure if ever passing through again! Check out our video review of this campsite here. https://youtu.be/JmPCtlzYbkg
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Goblin Valley Campground is a well-maintained, clean state-park site with flush toilets, hot showers, running water, covered picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings, and generally helpful staff. The setting is excellent for stargazing and photography. Tradeoffs include campsites that can feel close together when busy and occasional strong winds that kick up dust, so sturdy tent stakes are recommended. Yurts offer good amenities but there are occasional mice reports, so store food securely. Reserve early—sites fill quickly—and note there is free dispersed camping outside the developed campground.
Our summary of 193 traveler reviews.
✅ Amenities & Features
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📖 About This Campground
Goblin Valley State Park Campground near Green River Utah offers primitive camping in a scenic environment popular for photography hiking and general outdoor adventures. Located in a very rural area guest are advised to come prepared with all necessary supplies.
Goblin Valley State Park Campground in Utah is a truly unique and awe-inspiring camping destination. Nestled in the scenic desert landscape, this campground offers an extraordinary experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike.
The standout feature of Goblin Valley State Park is its otherworldly rock formations, known as "hoodoos" or "goblins." These whimsical and surreal rock formations have been eroded over millions of years, creating a landscape that resembles a scene from a fantasy movie. Exploring the park feels like stepping into a different world, with opportunities for discovery and wonder at every turn.
Camping at Goblin Valley State Park Campground allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding desert. The campground offers a range of campsites, from tent sites to RV sites with hookups, ensuring that there is an option for every type of camper. The facilities are well-maintained and include clean restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, providing all the necessities for a comfortable camping experience.
One of the highlights of camping at Goblin Valley State Park is the opportunity for outdoor adventure. The park offers several hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the unique rock formations up close. The most popular trail, the Goblin's Lair Trail, leads to a hidden chamber with even more spectacular formations. The park is also a great spot for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and expansive open skies that showcase the beauty of the night sky.
For those seeking even more adventure, nearby activities include rock climbing, canyoneering, and mountain biking. The surrounding area offers stunning landscapes and geological wonders, including the nearby Little Wild Horse Canyon and San Rafael Swell. These attractions provide opportunities for exploration and discovery, making Goblin Valley State Park Campground a perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts.
Additionally, Goblin Valley State Park Campground is family-friendly, with plenty of space for kids to run and play. The unique rock formations provide an exciting and imaginative playground for children, sparking their creativity and sense of adventure. The park also offers interpretive programs and ranger-led activities, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the geology, wildlife, and cultural history of the area.
In summary, Goblin Valley State Park Campground in Utah is an extraordinary camping destination that offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the desert. With its captivating rock formations, scenic beauty, and opportunities for outdoor adventure, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on campers of all ages.