TL;DR
Camp among wild, mushroom-shaped rock hoodoos under super dark skies at Goblin Valley State Park.
Your options:
- Pitch a tent right near the rocks, or grab a basic RV spot (both $45). For more comfort, try a climate-controlled yurt ($150). Big groups can book a large area ($200).
- Explore is the main activity here. Wander freely among the goblin-like hoodoos. Take an easy family hike through Carmel Canyon. Or seek a challenge exploring Goblin’s Lair cave.
- The nearby Little Wild Horse slot canyon is also worth seeing.
- At night, the stargazing is amazing.
Keep in mind:
- Book campsites way ahead – think 4 to 11 months, especially for groups or yurts. Pack serious water: over 4 liters per person, each day.
- Bring layers; nights get cold. Keep food sealed tight against rodents. Always check current fire bans before you go. Download maps offline because cell service is unreliable.
- Spring and fall are prime time. Summer brings extreme heat. Remember, your camping fee covers park entry too.
The Allure Of The Goblins
Goblin Valley State Park in Utah feels like stepping onto another planet. Thousands of mushroom-shaped rocks, called hoodoos, rise from the red desert floor. Their whimsical shapes spark imagination – filmmakers even use this place as a stand-in for Mars. Wind and water worked for 170 million years carving these formations.
So, why camp out here? Goblin Valley delivers something special. It’s got official dark sky status, making Milky Way photography almost easy. Trails work well for families and thrill-seekers. You feel adventurous, tucked away from civilization. Yet, you’re still close enough to amenities for comfortable camping.
Choosing Your Perfect Basecamp
Tent Camping: Rock-Sheltered Serenity
GO10 tent sites offer semi-private camping right among huge sandstone rocks. You get a shaded spot to pitch your tent, plus a fire pit and covered picnic table – nice perks for desert camping. It’s about a 75-foot walk from where you park, but that little distance makes a big difference for feeling alone out there.
Families often pick these spots. Kids can safely poke around nearby rocks while parents get meals ready under the covered table. The best part? The Entrada Trail practically starts at your tent door, so morning hikes couldn’t be easier.
RV Camping: Comfort Meets Adventure
The park offers fourteen paved RV spots, handling rigs up to 30 feet long. No hookups though. Don’t stress – a dump station takes care of waste, and you’ll find potable water spigots around campgrounds.
Here’s a tip: Aim for outer loop sites, numbers 11 through 24. They give you incredible views of those red-rock cliffs. Waking up to that panorama makes sipping your coffee feel pretty special.
Glamping Yurts: Desert Luxury
Forget sleeping on the ground but still want that camping feel? Two climate-controlled yurts make it possible. Yurt #1 hides among rocks, offering maximum privacy. Yurt #2 is easier to reach. Both sleep five, thanks to bunk beds.
Each yurt comes with air conditioning, heating, and a propane grill. Just remember to bring your own bedding! At $150 a night, these round shelters are a great choice for a special getaway or introducing family to the outdoors—especially if they aren’t big on roughing it.
Group Camping: Stargazing Gatherings
Got a big group? Reserve your own area for $200 a night. These spots fit 35+ people. They’re great for astronomy clubs holding overnight sessions, family reunions under the stars, or scout groups on a stargazing adventure.
Adventures Beyond Your Campsite
Exploring Goblin Valley
Pack your camera for sunrise at Observation Point. Get there before dawn. Watch the first light hit the rocks. Colors start purple, turn orange, then glow brilliant red as the sun rises higher.
Wander off-trail around Three Sisters formations. Explore freely—no paths mark the way. Just pick your route among countless hoodoos. Kids have a blast playing hide-and-seek around these natural shapes.
Hiking Adventures for Every Level
For families: Carmel Canyon Loop is just a mile long, but packs pretty amazing scenery. It winds through slot canyons so narrow you can touch both sides at once. Even toddlers can handle this gentle walk.
Thrill-seekers should gear up for Goblin’s Lair. This demanding hike takes you to an 80-foot underground cavern.
Remember: permits are needed, navigation is tricky. Bring headlamps and be ready to scramble over rocks.
Beyond Park Boundaries
Little Wild Horse Canyon is only 20 minutes out. Hike its 4.5 miles of slot canyon. Winding through narrow passages feels like being inside a cathedral as light streams down from above.
At camp, play disc golf. Rent gear for a dollar. Cyclists can find desert trails on the nearby Wild Horse Trail System.
Essentials: Surviving Desert Camping
Packing Must-Haves
Water is key. Bring over 4 liters per person every single day – desert air dries you out fast, especially when you’re active. Pack warm layers too; nights get surprisingly cold, even in summer.
Keep your food sealed up tight. This helps avoid unwanted wildlife visitors:
- Use coolers and containers mice can’t get into.
- Folks staying in yurts need to be extra careful – rodents really like those spaces.
Remember headlamps. Darkness falls quickly out there, and you’ll want hands-free light for anything after sunset.
Amenities and Limitations
After a dusty hike, hot showers here are free and feel amazing. You’ll also find drinkable water spigots around the campground. That means no need to lug heavy jugs from your car.
Keep in mind these vehicle rules:
- Each campsite gets space for just one vehicle.
- Any extra vehicle costs $15 more.
- Parking spots are limited, so plan accordingly.
Critical Alerts
Planning a campfire this summer? Check current rules before you head out; bans happen often. Signal drops past Observation Point, so grab offline maps just in case.
- Hanksville is your nearest spot for help or supplies, about 30 minutes away.
- Use it for emergencies or grabbing anything you forgot.
- Top up your gear there before heading in.
Seasons And Reservations
Spring and fall? That’s prime camping time here. The weather’s just right, usually between 60 and 80°F. Hiking feels great, and nights by the campfire are perfect. Summer gets seriously hot – daytime temps often top 100°F. Beat the heat with super-early morning hikes or grab an air-conditioned yurt.
Getting your spot:
- Book regular campsites up to 4 months before your trip.
- Need a group site? Reserve those much earlier – 11 months ahead.
- New dates open up at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. Mark your calendar!
- Popular weekends, especially in spring and fall, grab sites fast.
Costs:
- Tent and RV sites: $45 per night.
- Yurts: $150 per night.
- Big plus: Your overnight fee covers park entry (a $20 value). That makes staying over a pretty sweet deal.
Sample Itineraries: Making Most of Your Stay
24-Hour Adventure Dash
Afternoon: Get there and wander the valley floor among those crazy hoodoos. Stick around to see the sunset turn the rocks all kinds of bright, fiery colors. It’s worth the wait.
Evening: Set up your camp spot as night comes in. Once it gets properly dark, look up – the Milky Way usually shows itself pretty clearly out here. Perfect for stargazing.
Morning: Wake up early. Grab your gear for the sunrise hike up to Goblin’s Lair. After the hike, head back down. Squeeze in a quick round of disc golf before you pack up and head out.
Weekend Deep Dive
Day 1: Get settled into your cozy yurt. Then, head out to check out those impressive Three Sisters rock formations. Later, fire up the propane grill for a tasty BBQ dinner right at camp.
Day 2 brings adventure:
- Drive over to Little Wild Horse Canyon for some exciting slot canyon hiking.
- After exploring the narrows, head back to camp.
- Wind down sharing stories around a crackling campfire under the night sky.
Family-Focused Fun
Ranger programs pop up seasonally. They offer guided walks and educational talks. Kids especially get a kick out of hide-and-seek games among countless rock formations.
For families with little ones, Curtis Bench Trail is a solid choice:
- It’s stroller-friendly.
- You get scenic views.
- The terrain isn’t challenging.
Pro Tips And Camping Etiquette
Finding your Spot: Want killer views? Pick an outer-loop RV or tent site (numbers 11-24). They cost the same as inner spots but give you way better red-rock scenery.
Keeping it clean:
- Pack out everything you bring in. Trash sticks around for ages in the desert.
- Hike only on trails or rock. Footsteps wreck fragile soil crusts that take years to heal.
About local wildlife:
- Pronghorn antelope sometimes roam through camp.
- Keep food locked up tight. Mice find yurts easy to get into, so be extra careful there.
Embrace This Otherworldly Adventure
Goblin Valley State Park feels like magic. It offers a landscape so weird and wonderful it seems from another planet, yet it’s totally doable for a family camping trip. Come for tough hikes, amazing night skies perfect for photos, or just to let kids loose among nature’s own wild sculptures. This desert spot creates memories that stick.
Being ready matters a lot. Pack loads of water, tread lightly to protect the delicate desert, and snag your campsite reservation well ahead of time. Plan right, and you’ll see why this valley is one of Utah’s favorite places to camp.
Stars blaze here like few other spots in the country. Those crazy rock shapes form natural playgrounds firing up imaginations. The best part? You really disconnect from screens and daily buzz, finding fresh ways to connect with your crew and the outdoors – something regular life rarely gives you.
Don’t forget to bring your sense of wonder with the tent and stove. Goblin Valley’s otherworldly scene is ready. It promises adventures that feel ancient and totally new all at once. Your desert trip starts walking among those old stone guardians. Sculpted over 170 million years, they’ve seen Earth’s long story – now it’s your turn to add a page.
FAQ
Can Beginners Try Canyoneering?
Get in the Wild Adventures and similar tour groups let anyone rappel into Goblin’s Lair, no experience needed. DIY permits run $2 per person.
Can I Fly A Drone In The Park?
Want to fly a drone here? You’ll need a $10 permit. Get it at the visitor center. No permit means you can’t fly.
Are Ranger Programs Available?
Explore moonlit hikes, telescope astronomy, and geology talks during seasonal programs. See what’s coming up on the park calendar.
Are Showers Included With Camping?
Campers get hot showers and flush toilets. They’re right in the central comfort station, available at no cost.
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