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Goblin Valley
Overview
Goblin Valley State Park offers one of the most surreal landscapes in the American West. Located in a remote corner of the San Rafael Desert, the park is famous for its thousands of mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles, locally known as hoodoos or goblins. This state park provides a unique opportunity for RVers to stay directly within a geologic wonderland that feels more like the surface of Mars than rural Utah.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away near Green River, Utah, the park is situated within the majestic San Rafael Swell. The surrounding terrain is a rugged expanse of sandstone buttes, mesas, and desert flats. Because of its isolated location, visitors are treated to vast horizons and an incredible sense of solitude. The drive into the park via Highway 24 reveals the striking contrast between the red rock formations and the expansive desert sky.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground consists of paved sites designed primarily for dry camping, as there are no individual water or electric hookups. However, the park provides essential comforts including heated restrooms and showers, which are highly valued in the high desert. There is a communal water filling station and a dump station available for RV use. Each site includes a picnic table and a grill, allowing travelers to enjoy the quiet desert evenings under the stars.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The main draw is wandering through the Valley of Goblins, where visitors can hike off-trail among the formations. More structured adventures include trekking to the Goblin’s Lair, a hidden cavern on the park’s eastern edge. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, the stargazing here is world-class. Additionally, the park features a unique desert disc golf course and is a short drive from the scenic Temple Mountain area.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations and do not mind trading full hookups for unparalleled natural beauty. It is a playground for families and photographers who want to explore a literal labyrinth of stone. If you are looking for a peaceful, rustic experience centered on outdoor exploration and celestial views, Goblin Valley is an essential Utah stop.
Amenities
- Policies
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User Reviews
Jenna K
Hiked out to Goblin’s Lair and Goblette’s Lair. The trail is well marked. Hike there was relatively easy. Getting up the hillside into the caves was a bit more difficult but doable. Getting down to the bottom of the cave is a challenge. We watched people coming out to see how to do it. Inside the Goblin’s Lair is a smaller cave that you can explore and actually exit the cave through a different opening (but you have to crawl on your belly to do it). Super cool! We went in the fall and the weather was perfect. There’s no shade, so summer would be a bad time to go.
ransi kahatawila kalyana
Goblin Valley State Park - A Marvelous Desert Wonder! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars Goblin Valley is absolutely one of the most marvelous places to visit in the middle of the desert! This park is truly a unique gem. Amazing Rock Formations The goblin-like rock structures are absolutely stunning and unlike anything I’ve seen before. These natural sculptures create an otherworldly landscape that’s perfect for exploring and photography. Activities & Adventure The park controllers have done an excellent job making this place accessible for adventure seekers. They allow: • ✅ Camping (plenty of spots available around the park) • ✅ Horse riding • ✅ Hiking and exploring among the formations These activities really add to the adventurous atmosphere of the place! My Visit I was only able to spend two hours here due to my busy schedule, and honestly, it’s NOT enough time to fully explore this incredible park. There’s so much to see and experience. I’m already planning to return one day to spend more time here. Perfect for Solitude Seekers I strongly recommend Goblin Valley to anyone who wants to experience peaceful solitude without the stress of crowds. The desert setting and unique landscape make it ideal for disconnecting and reconnecting with nature. Camping here would be an unforgettable experience. Important Tip! ⚠️ There are NO shops inside or near the park to buy supplies. Make sure you purchase everything you need (water, food, camping supplies, gas, etc.) on your way there. Come prepared! Highly recommended! This place is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. 🏜️🏕️
Heidi Harris
If you're wondering if it's worth the stop....Yes! Absolutely it is! We visited in mid-October and got there early in the morning. It was perfect because even when it's cool out, once the sun lifts high enough the valley heats up quickly. Bring water. Even if its cool out! There's no set paths, which I love. You can weave your own way through the hoodoos and towards the back wall of towers. It's like another world and nice freedom to just explore. The ground was soft and almost spongy like so it was comfortable walking alot. We did at least a few miles of walking! Dogs are also allowed on-leash, which is always nice. If you're continuing west after you stop here, I HIGHLY suggest visiting moonscape Overlook a little further on. You will not regret it. Road is quite rough so better to have a higher clearance vehicle or be willing to take it slow in some spots.
Melissa Baynes
Small State Park, but very cool! Lots of great hiking trails. There was a huge rainstorm a couple of days leaving up to our visit so it very muddy. The "goblins" (hoodoos) are incredible and you can walk through a valley of if them! The views are also amazing! Highly recommend.
Carl Alexander
Top Tips: 1. Check weather, No Rain, Low winds 2. Take sunscreen 3. Pack a picnic lunch 4. Enjoy, be playful, explore We were at Capital Reef NP and decided to visit Goblin Valley State Park, just a short 90ish minute drive away. We had seen reviews and videos of the park and thought it would be fun. We stopped in Hanksville at a rock shop and Cathy highly recommended us going, she said the wind was calm today. We got to the park, WOW! What a fun playground for kids, and kids at heart ❤️. My wife and I, out of shape, nearing 60s, had a blast 😀 hidding behind Goblins, exploring the alien type landscape. We saw families laughing, kids climbing, hiding, and having a good time. After an hour or so we returned to a pavilion overlooking the park, it had 8 picnic tables, so we ate the picnic lunch we had prepared. It was around 2PM, the wind was starting to pick up a little, so wondering in the sandy/dusty environment was less pleasant for those just getting there. Avoid recent rain, windy days, and afternoon hikes in the heat of the day, gets hot, litte shade.