Quick Definition
Goblin Valley State Park is a 3,654-acre desert landscape in Emery County, southeast Utah, famous for its "hoodoos"—hundreds of mushroom-shaped rock formations carved from Entrada Sandstone that locals call goblins. Located at the junction of State Route 24 and State Route 10, then 12 miles south on Temple Mountain Road, the park sits at 5,100 feet elevation and straddles the San Rafael Swell, a vast 2,000-square-mile wilderness of canyons, slot hikes, and BLM land. The Valley of Goblins main area allows off-trail walking among the free-standing formations, making it one of Utah's most immersive and accessible geologic experiences. Goblin Valley is positioned perfectly between Capitol Reef National Park (60 miles west) and Moab (90 miles east), making it an ideal base for exploring central and eastern Utah's outdoor hospitality corridor. For more options in the wider region, see Central & Eastern Utah RV Parks.
TL;DR
- The Goblin Valley SP Campground (in park) offers 25 sites with electric/water hookups at some, ranging from $25-35 per night, and is the closest accommodation to the goblin formations themselves
- Green River (40 miles north on I-70) has multiple commercial RV parks ($35-55/night), full services, fuel, and access to the Crystal Geyser and John Wesley Powell Museum
- The most popular nearby hike, Little Wild Horse Canyon, is a free 8-mile round-trip BLM slot canyon trail that can be combined with Bell Canyon for a 9-mile loop adventure
- Spring and fall are ideal visiting seasons when temperatures range from 60-80°F; summer highs reach 90-100°F, and winter can drop below freezing at this elevation
- RV Parks in Price serve as the nearest full-service hub for fuel, groceries, and supplies if Hanksville or Green River don't meet your needs
Access Zones
Goblin Valley SP Campground (In Park): Located directly within Goblin Valley State Park, this is your closest option to the goblins. The 25-site campground offers electric and water hookups at select sites (no sewer connections), with nightly rates from $25-35. Reserve ahead through UtahStateParks.reserveamerica.com. Expect minimal services—no restaurants or convenience stores—but stunning views of the landscape at sunrise and sunset. Best for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the park without leaving for supplies.
Green River Town (40 Miles North): This is the gateway town to the area, accessible via I-70 north from the park. Green River has multiple commercial RV parks charging $35-55 per night, full hookup options, gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. The town sits on the Green River and offers additional attractions like the Crystal Geyser natural thermal feature (eight miles east of town) and the John Wesley Powell Museum. This zone is best for travelers who need reliable services, dining variety, and don't mind a 45-minute drive to the park.
Hanksville (20 Miles West): A small desert town on State Route 24, west of the park, Hanksville offers basic RV parking ($30-45/night) with limited services. There's a gas station and a small grocery store, but dining and hookup options are sparse. This zone works for travelers passing through to Capitol Reef or who prefer a quieter, smaller town atmosphere, though it's less developed than Green River.
Temple Mountain BLM (Near Park): For those seeking free dispersed camping, Temple Mountain offers BLM-managed sites with no hookups and no amenities. This area is adjacent to historic uranium mining trails and jeep routes. It's ideal for self-sufficient RVers with full water and fuel supplies who want to explore off-road terrain and avoid nightly fees.
Best RV Parks Near Goblin Valley
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goblin Valley SP Campground | In Park (Temple Mountain Rd) | Partial (E/W only) | No | $25-35 | Yes | No |
| Green River KOA Green River (40 mi N) | Yes | Yes | $45-60 | Yes | Yes | |
| Green River State Park | Green River (40 mi N) | Partial (E/W only) | No | $35-45 | Yes | Limited |
| Hanksville RV Area | Hanksville (20 mi W) | Partial (E/W) | No | $30-40 | Yes | No |
| Shady Acres RV Park | Green River (40 mi N) | Yes | Yes | $40-55 | Yes | Yes |
| Temple Mountain Dispersed BLM | Near Park (3 mi N) | None | N/A | Free | Yes | No |
| Capitol Reef Resort RV Park | Capitol Reef area (60 mi W) | Yes | Yes | $50-70 | Yes | Yes |
| Canyonlands RV Park | Moab area (90 mi E) | Yes | Yes | $55-75 | Yes | Yes |
Things To Do
Goblin Valley Valley Floor: The signature experience here is walking directly among the goblins. The Valley of Goblins main area—accessible via a short walk from the parking area—contains hundreds of free-standing Entrada Sandstone hoodoos. Unlike many state parks, Goblin Valley allows off-trail exploration, meaning you can wander among the formations and create your own route. The landscape shifts with the sun angle, creating dramatically different colors and shadows throughout the day. A two-hour exploration is typical; many visitors spend half a day here.
Little Wild Horse Canyon Slot Hike: Eight miles round-trip, this BLM trail is the most popular hike in the San Rafael Swell. The slot canyon narrows to shoulder-width in places and offers the desert equivalent of a technical trail without scrambling difficulty. It's free to hike and located about 15 miles south of Green River. Spring and fall are ideal; summer heat can be intense in the shadeless approach.
Bell Canyon Loop: Immediately north of Little Wild Horse Canyon, Bell Canyon can be combined with Little Wild Horse to create a 9-mile round-trip loop. The terrain changes from tight slots to open wash hiking, offering variety in a single outing.
Buckhorn Wash Petroglyphs: Fifteen miles north of Goblin Valley, accessible off Interstate 70, this BLM site features an outstanding panel of Barrier Canyon Style petroglyphs. The site is free and requires a short walk. The art is thousands of years old and represents one of Utah's most intact prehistoric panels.
Temple Mountain Jeep Trails: North of Goblin Valley, the Temple Mountain area was historically mined for uranium. Today, rough jeep trails crisscross the area, offering scenic 4WD exploration for those with appropriate vehicles. High-clearance or 4WD is recommended; standard RV chassis won't handle most routes.
Ding and Dang Canyons: South of Goblin Valley, these two BLM slot canyons offer free hiking experiences. No permits are required. Both are shorter than Little Wild Horse (typically 4-6 miles round-trip) and see fewer visitors.
Capitol Reef Day Trip: Sixty miles west via State Route 24, Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah's most scenic parks. Day-trippers can drive the scenic loop, hike to petroglyphs, or tackle Cassidy Arch (a popular 3.5-mile roundtrip). It's a full-day excursion but manageable from Goblin Valley.
Green River Crystal Geyser: Forty miles north, eight miles east of the town of Green River, the Crystal Geyser is a manmade thermal feature (created in 1933 when a well was drilled and capped; it erupts when pressure builds). Eruptions are unpredictable but can shoot water 40+ feet. The site is free and includes a short walk to the geyser mound.
San Rafael Swell OHV and Hiking Exploration: The Swell encompasses 2,000 square miles of BLM land with countless unmarked trails, canyons, and ridges. Experienced backcountry explorers can spend weeks here. Popular routes include Crack Canyon, Rocky Gap, and various slot canyon explorations. Bring detailed maps and navigation tools.
Cost Math
Nightly RV Camping: Expect $25-35 per night at Goblin Valley SP Campground (in park), $30-45 at Hanksville, $35-60 at Green River parks, and up to $75 at commercial parks near Moab or Capitol Reef. Free dispersed BLM camping is available at Temple Mountain if you're fully self-contained. A week-long stay at Goblin Valley SP Campground would cost $175-245.
Fuel Costs: Depending on your RV's efficiency and route, a round-trip from Salt Lake City (200 miles) will consume 40-60 gallons at current prices. Green River and Hanksville have gas stations; plan refueling at these stops.
Activity Costs: Most outdoor activities are free. Little Wild Horse, Bell Canyon, Ding and Dang, Buckhorn Wash, and Crystal Geyser have no entrance fees. Goblin Valley SP day-use pass is $6-8 per vehicle (residents $3-4). Capitol Reef National Park entrance is $30 per vehicle. Museum visits in Green River are $5-8 each.
Food and Supplies: Green River has chain restaurants, coffee shops, and a Walmart. Hanksville has one grocery store with limited selection. Stock up in larger towns before arriving. A week's groceries for two people in the backcountry will run $80-120.
Seasonal Pricing: Peak season (spring and fall) rates are higher at commercial parks. Summer rates may drop slightly (though heat limits demand). Winter rates are lower but the landscape is dormant.
Total Weekly Budget Example: Goblin Valley SP Campground ($200), activities ($50 in park entry + gas for day trips), meals ($120), miscellaneous ($50) = roughly $420 for a couple for a week. A higher-end Green River stay would be $350 (camping) + $150 (dining out) + $80 (activities/fuel) = $580.
Practical Tips
Elevation and Temperature: Goblin Valley sits at 5,100 feet, making it moderately high desert. Summer highs reach 90-100°F, but nights cool to 60-70°F. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal conditions: 60-80°F days and 40-50°F nights. Winter can dip below freezing; many services close or reduce hours November through February.
Water and Hydration: This is a dry desert landscape. Carry extra water—at least two gallons per person per day for hiking. The Goblin Valley SP Campground has potable water at the facilities, but there's none on the trails. Consider a hydration pack for day hikes.
Cell Service: Green River has reliable cell coverage. Hanksville has spotty coverage. Inside Goblin Valley State Park and the surrounding BLM land, expect no cell service. Download offline maps (AllTrails, Gaia GPS) before entering the backcountry.
Reservation Strategy: Goblin Valley SP Campground books six months in advance during peak season (April-October). Reserve immediately when the window opens. If you can't get in, Green River KOA is a solid backup with predictable availability.
Day-Trip Planning: A single day at Goblin Valley should focus on either the Valley of Goblins walk (2-3 hours) or a longer hike like Little Wild Horse (5-6 hours). Capitol Reef and Moab are better as overnight trips from Green River.
Vehicle Considerations: A standard Class C motorhome or travel trailer is fine for State Route 24 and the paved park entrance. Temple Mountain jeep trails require high-clearance or 4WD; don't attempt them in low-clearance RVs. The dispersed camping area at Temple Mountain is accessible by standard RV if you use the marked pull-offs.
Wildlife: Mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and collared lizards inhabit the area. Keep a distance from wildlife and never feed animals. Store food and trash securely. The park is also home to rattlesnakes—watch for them on trails and wear sturdy shoes.
Parking and Day-Use: The Goblin Valley SP day-use parking area fills quickly on weekends. Arrive early (before 10 a.m.) or plan a weekday visit. If full, BLM parking areas offer alternatives, though the walk to the goblins will be longer.
For more campground tips and strategies across Utah, see Best RV Parks in Utah.
FAQ
What is Goblin Valley State Park known for? Goblin Valley is famous for its hoodoo formations—hundreds of mushroom-shaped rock formations carved from Entrada Sandstone—that visitors can walk among off-trail. The landscape resembles an alien terrain and changes color dramatically with sun angle.
Do I need a 4WD to visit Goblin Valley? No. The park entrance and Goblin Valley Valley Floor are accessible by standard 2WD vehicles. Only Temple Mountain jeep trails and some backcountry BLM routes require high-clearance or 4WD.
What's the best time to visit Goblin Valley? Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal, with temperatures in the 60-80°F range. Summer is hot (90-100°F), and winter can be cold and snowy at 5,100 feet elevation.
How long should I spend at Goblin Valley State Park? A full day allows a 2-3 hour Valley of Goblins walk plus a longer hike like Little Wild Horse Canyon. Many visitors stay two nights to fully explore the park and nearby trails.
Are pets allowed in Goblin Valley campgrounds and on trails? Pets are allowed in campgrounds and some areas of the park, but must be leashed. Check the official park website (UtahStateParks.reserveamerica.com) for specific trail restrictions, as some areas have pet bans.
What are the nearest towns for fuel and supplies? Green River (40 miles north) is the largest town with a Walmart, gas stations, restaurants, and hotels. Hanksville (20 miles west) is smaller but has a gas station and grocery store. Both towns are essential stops for stocking up before entering the backcountry.
Can I camp for free near Goblin Valley? Yes. Temple Mountain BLM dispersed camping is free and located three miles north of the park. No amenities are provided, and you must be fully self-contained with water and waste management.
What is Little Wild Horse Canyon and how difficult is it? Little Wild Horse is an 8-mile round-trip BLM slot canyon hike with moderate difficulty. The canyon narrows dramatically in sections, requiring shoulder-width squeezes but no technical climbing. It's appropriate for most fitness levels with proper hydration and footwear.
Is a reservation required for Goblin Valley SP Campground? Yes. The 25-site campground books rapidly, especially April-October. Reservations open six months in advance and typically fill within days. Without a reservation, you'll need to use nearby BLM dispersed sites or Green River commercial parks.
How far is Goblin Valley from other major Utah attractions? Goblin Valley is roughly equidistant between Capitol Reef National Park (60 miles west) and Moab (90 miles east). Salt Lake City is 200 miles north. It's a perfect midpoint base for exploring multiple parks in a week-long trip.
Thinking About Selling
If you own an RV park in the Goblin Valley region or anywhere in Utah, the outdoor hospitality market is actively growing. Goblin Valley and the surrounding San Rafael Swell area sees increasing visitation every year, driven by social media exposure and growing demand for accessible desert recreation. Parks positioned near state parks, slot canyons, and scenic drives command premium rates and enjoy strong occupancy, especially during spring and fall peaks.
We're actively acquiring RV parks that meet operational excellence criteria: strong seasonal cash flow, scalable management, and loyal customer bases. If you've built something special in Utah—whether a small RV park, a resort-style campground, or a dispersed camping operation—we'd like to explore opportunities with you. No pressure, no cookie-cutter offers: just professional, respectful conversations about value and fit.
Reach out to Jenna Reed directly. Visit /sell to learn more about our acquisition process and what we look for in park owners.
Jenna Reed
Director of Acquisitions
rv-parks.org
jenna@rv-parks.org