Goblin Valley State Park
Hanksville, UT
A basin full of thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone hoodoos that you can freely walk and climb among. The paved road from Utah 24 ends at an observation shelter; the park also has yurts and a campground.
Goblin Valley State Park lies in southern Utah on the flank of the San Rafael Swell, about 50 kilometres (just over 30 miles) north of Hanksville. Across roughly 40 square kilometres (9,915 acres) stand the "goblins", mushroom-like sandstone shapes formed over millions of years by uneven weathering of Entrada sandstone. The park was established in 1964 and has been a certified International Dark Sky Park since 2016; the Milky Way is superb here.
You may walk freely among the rocks, but treat the formations gently; vandalising the goblins is a criminal offence. There are several marked trails, mostly walkable in one to two hours. For the slot canyon Goblin's Lair, about 21 metres deep, you need a permit and canyoneering experience.
For campers there is a campground with 25 sites and two yurts, RV sites up to 18 metres long without hookups, showers and a dump station; reservations are recommended. The best seasons are spring and autumn, and in summer temperatures rise above 38 °C. Bring plenty of water; the area is remote and help can take a while.
- Nearest town
- Hanksville, UT
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 38.5733, -110.7019
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and September. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Primitive Camping AreaCampsite5 mi from Goblin Valley State ParkTentsCaravansFree
- Temple Mountain Campground EastMotorhome stopover6 mi from Goblin Valley State ParkMotorhomesFree
- Temple Mountain Campground WestCampsite7 mi from Goblin Valley State ParkTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- Duke's Slickrock Campground & RV ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from Goblin Valley State ParkTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Muddy Creek Mining CompanyMotorhome stopover14 mi from Goblin Valley State ParkMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWi-Fi
- Offroad RV ResortMotorhome stopover17 mi from Goblin Valley State ParkMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in Utah · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Goblin Valley State Park?
Goblin Valley State Park is in Hanksville, UT, at GPS 38.5733, -110.7019. It is about 36 mi from Capitol Reef (Fruita).
Can you camp near Goblin Valley State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Goblin Valley Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Goblin Valley State Park?
Goblin Valley State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: San Rafael Swell and Goblin Valley to Capitol Reef.
What is there to see near Goblin Valley State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Little Wild Horse Canyon (5 mi), Hickman Bridge Trail (35 mi), Capitol Reef National Park (36 mi) and Fruita Campground (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Goblin Valley State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)