Best Glamping near Emery, UT

3 nights in Yurt 1. Coolest yurt location of any we’ve stayed in previously. Beautiful canyon. Heater worked well. There are a couple electrical receptacles. BBQ works well. Fire pit and picnic table are great. The park office has ice and firewood. Everything was great about our stay, EXCEPT… mice. The yurt management should either let guests know this in advance, or set some traps and take care of the problem. Make sure and only store food in mice proof containers, otherwise they will infiltrate.

Had a great time in Goblin Valley. Camping was affordable and so pretty. The night sky was unbeatable. At the time the bathrooms and showers were closed but there was a bathroom open by the yurts. We stayed in an RV lot which was a few minutes from the trail heads. Excited to come back with bikes to see more of the area. Fire pits and fires allowed. No cell service but an amazing way to see Utah without the Moab traffic. It’s a small park with a small visitor center and a handful of trails, but they all make up for the size with their unique views. And, valley of the goblins has no trails so you can wander all day.

This place is so cool! Truly never seen anything like it. Tent sights are great and nestled in the rocks. We drive in with no reservation and we’re able to find a spot. The yurt spots are really something special though! There’s also a cool frisbee golf course in the camp ground.

I guess you could say I’m the adventurous one of my friends. I was thrilled when I convinced them to come camping in winter, and we compromised with staying in a yurt. We had the whole park to ourselves and desert fox friends. We woke up to snow in the red rocks and made memories we will never forget.

The goblin Valley Campground is located within goblin Valley State Park in Utah. This is pretty much in the middle of nowhere between Hanksville and Green River on a 12 miles off detour off Highway 24. The park itself provides access to a rare and bizarre landscape of rock formation some assembling goblins mushrooms and other spires which is pretty unique to the area. The campground is nestled on the edge of some of these rock for atto a in a really scenic location. Covered picnic tables fire rings we’re also provided and a paved driveway and tent pads were also provided. No water, electric hook-ups. However, despite a fairly steep price for a standard non-electric site ( $30) minimal facilities were offered. The bathrooms and showers were closed for the season (it was late December) ang there was only access to a pit toilet near the yurts a little walk away from the campsites. There were flushing toilets a couple of miles away at the visitor center and a at the major view point over the valley of goblins. no cell reception on either Verizon or AT&T.

The park and campground are small and the camp sites are fairly close to one another, so it's likely that you will hear and interact with other campers. The campground is a short hike and even shorter drive to the goblins and the grounds itself is surrounded by red rock that you can climb and explore. I stayed in a tent, but there are yurts available as well. It's also about a 10-20 minute drive to Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon if you're interested in slot canyons. Very family friendly. I'd also recommend the Goblin's Lair hike. My favorite by far in the park.

Goblin Valley State park is located on off of Hwy 24 between Hanksville and Green River UT, This is a 24 site campground inside the park. There are 14 Vehicle / RV sites and 10 tent only. There are also two yurts to rent.  The campground is in good condition, Each site has a paved parking spot, four are pull through ADA spots for bigger RV's. There are fire pits, picnic tables, and tent pads at each site. There are also sunshade structures at each site. Note: be careful when you pick a site online, a few structures face into the afternoon sun, we chose poorly, we had to put up a tarp for shade.  There are flush toilets and showers located in the one restroom. There is also a pit toilets up near the yurts The park is super family friendly and there are a lot of areas to explore. So the CG will have a good amount of families and kids. That didn't bother us, we enjoyed seeing all the kids explore the goblins and rock formations near the CG. There is a big group site too which looks to cost $100 on the reservation site. There is a dump staion and trash dumpsters located across from the rest room. There are potable water spigots located throughout the CG.

The CG gives direct access to the Curtis Bench Trail and the Entrada Canyon trail. You can hike and Mt. Bike right from the CG to all areas of the park. Some notable hikes are the Three Sister, Carmel Canyon, and Goblins Lair, which is actually the Mollys Castle overlook trail.

We came in winter this time and got a tent camp easily, only one other group was camping. If you dont want to tent camp in the winter they also have yurts for rent. We had a different approach to Goblin Valley this time around and decided to do the Lair of the Basilisk (Goblins Lair) canyoneering route. We got to hike in and around snow covered hoodoos that culminates in a 100' drop into the lair! It is truly a magical place and worth a visit! You can also get ti the lair by a now popular marked trail around the east side of the park. 60 m rope recommended plus helmets.

Goblin Valley is a drive, but a beautiful State Park Campsite. The amazing formations are on your doorsteps! There are 24 site campground, 1 group site, and 2 yurts with centrally located restroom and shower facilities. Yes, I said showers!! And pretty clean and maintained showers/ restrooms. Because of the limited numbers of campsites, do plan ahead. You will need to stay a few days!! And if you enjoy mountain biking!! Don’t forget to carry it.. there are many off roading bike routes! This place is very much kid friendly.

If the weather is right, visit the Wild Horse Slot Canyon, 8 miles round trip. There are so many trails and hikes in the surrounding area. Have fun!!

General: Small campground with 24 sites, and two yurts. Sites are designated as RV or tent with the main difference being that the tent sites have multiple vehicle pads right next to each other. We did see some vans in the tent sites and in November, that was not a problem. All camping is dry camping. Each site has a covered picnic table with side shelters, not needed when we were there in November but a necessity in the warmer months, and a fire pit. 

Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and level. Some were pull-thru and others back-in. The ones on the exterior of the loop have the best views IMO. 

Bathhouse: (automatic) flush toilets, two sinks, paper towels, and soap. There were showers but they were closed for the season as of November 6. 

Activities: There are three valleys filled with hoodoos. No distinct trails so you can wander freely among the hoodoos. Several moderately challenging hiking trails, including one directly from the campground (Entrada). We did the Caramel Canyon Loop which included several scrambles in narrow canyons (but doable for two seniors – 65 and 71 years old in good physical shape). There are also designated biking trails and horseback riding is allowed in the Red Canyon Primitive area. 

We were last here 35 years ago, but it was so much fun to explore the area again. Utah State Parks are getting pricey (not the only expensive state) but this one is worth it IMO. It is a photographer's dream!

Drive through video tour

Here is the deal. If you need a campground with some amenities then this might be the place for you. It has a dump station, places to fill up water and bathrooms/showers. Keep in mind that during the winter the water is probably shut off.

You get the above for $35 a night. This includes free neighbors close by to talk to.

Now, if you don't really need all of the above and don't want to pay $35 a night, you need to check out all of the BLM land out here. There are SOOO many FREE places to camp away from everyone. Certain times of the year can get busy but you still can't beat free.

Okay, back to the campground review. When I visited the area was well kept and clean. The water was off for the winter so the flush toilets and showers weren't available. Vault toilets were open.

The sites aren't crammed together but you will still have neighbors. Each site has a table, fire pit, shade shelter and tent pad area. There are a couple of yurts that you can rent and also some tent only spots that you are required to walk to.

Overall, it is a decent campground but I would prefer to stay for free on BLM land. I am also set up with a toy hauler that I can be self sufficient for a week. So, if you need or want the amenities of a campground then you can't really go wrong here. You also don't have much of a choice out here in the middle of nowhere. 🤣

I stayed at the campground for one night. As with all Utah State Parks we have stayed the place was clean and well maintained. I am so impressed with Utah State Parks.

Utah has such a wide variety of geology and Goblin Valley campground is in the middle of it. Sites are a bit close together, but they have shelters over the tables and there are some walk-in tent sites that are more secluded. Nice, free showers too.

Having the campground amidst the orchard is a beautiful thing. Should've planned my stay around harvest time! Very close to the Cohab canyon trail, one to hike for sure! Be sure to stop by the lil cabin nearby delectable pies and a bit of history. My new favorite Utah national park.

Capitol reef is such an interesting park and so much less crowded than the others in Utah. You’ll see a lot of the same impressive red rocks but fruita is located near the orchards which is such a nice oasis. It’s still the desert, so don’t expect tons of privacy or shade. But the spaces are nice enough and perfect drive into the rest of the park!

We stayed at one of the walk in tent sites where were in a large field. The area is very neat with an orchard, wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The sites were not overly secluded, but the park seemed quiet enough for the amount of people there. Capitol Reef National Park seemed less busy than the other Utah National Parks and we really enjoyed our hiking adventures in the park as well as the camping opportunities.

One of our favorite campgrounds in southern Utah nestled in the Capitol Reef National Park. We visited in mid October, the foliage was beautiful, cool temps at night, mild to warm during the day for hiking. Probably by favorite time to visit Southern Utah, otherwise it would be SO hot. 

Like others have mentioned its the perfect mix of historical and geological wonders. The campsite itself is pleasant with flushing toilets, dumpsters, even water refill station and RV dump if you need. All sites are flat. The inner circle of sites are close together but you can find others along the outer edges facing out that are more spacious. All of them butt up to the orchards which you can walk through and pick your own fruit if its the right season. Deer roam around the campground, graze next to your tent or trailer, they are so sweet. The best part (beyond the views of the red rock canyons above, and gentle river that flows next to it) is the Gifford House - they sell fresh baked pies, cinnamon rolls and bread daily! Get there in the Am as they sell out. IF you ask my kids the homeade pies for breakfast might have been their favorite part! LOL.

Only 24 sites makes this one of the hardest campgrounds in Utah to book. If you’re lucky enough to get in then you are going to love Goblin Valley. All of the sites come equipped with a shade structure, picnic table & fire ring. Best sites are on the out side of the loop, with the cliffs right behind you. No hook ups, but the is potable water & dump station. Small visitor center/store offers a few essentials. Very hot & windy when we were there in June. Dark skies offer amazing star gazing. Clean bathrooms and free, private showers.

We were lucky to get a reservation at this campground as it is in the National Park. While they have no showers or cell service, the campground was nice, toilets had running water and were clean. Our particular site had a downhill slope so we had no flat ground to set our tent on, but we made it work. Great hikes in this park that I dubbed the stepchild Utah Park, the rangers are awesome, lots of activities, we were there over the Fourth of July and they had patriotic sing-a-longs along with other ranger led activities. Highly recommend this park and campground.

Our group was approaching Goblin Valley State Park around 8 pm and stopped at a gas station in Hanksville, Utah. A worker at the station gave us the great advice to save a few dollars and enjoy a more desolate camping experience by utilizing the BLM land along UT-24. We took a 4x4 road (38.460945, 110.674291) and drove up for about 15 minutes to the top of a ridge line at dusk until we found a flat spot to pitch our tent and an existing fire ring. When we woke up we were astounded by the magnificent views. I would definitely recommend camping here if you are in the area and looking for a primitive spot to get away from civilization in the desert.

Cutest Campground award! Surrounded by orchards and grassy fields, this $20 a night campground was a lovely little stop! Super clean bathrooms and wonderful sites both tent and RV (loop pictures shown) We saw deer and tons of little critters. There were horses near by which my daughter went nuts to visit! If your driving between Utah parks this is definitely a refreshing stop to make! Unfortunately we didn’t hike in the area but there was a nature center and a little store that seemed to serve some kind of food. We did see signs for hiking trails on the way out of the Park. Overall super wonderful quiet little camp! Great experience!

The main Capitol Reef campground was our second stop on a weekend getaway. It's first come first served which makes getting a site very difficult on weekends. We were at a walk in site in Loop A and it was beautiful. We had a huge tree to pitch the tent under and we felt far enough from our neighbors. Overall the campground was a little crowded and the sites were kind of on top of each other. The walk in tent sites were a nice alternative to the RV pads. We frequented the orchards and picked apples and bought pie and coffee everyday from the Gifford House. Would definitely go again! Capitol Reef remains my favorite Utah park.

This is one of the nicest camp spots around. Close to town but close to the boulder mountains. Full hook ups for trailers. Cabins you can rent, and tent spots. Best views in Utah. If you like red dirt this is the place to be. Close to Capital Reef or the Boulder Mountains. The owners are on site and are very friendly. Lots of stuff to do in Torrey. They have a store on site plus it is close to gas station if you forgot anything.

Make sure you reserve a spot of Apple Days in July it is a fun time to be in Torrey. Lots of stuff going on. This place is busy all summer long so it is best to call ahead. Spring and Fall is amazing in Torrey and is not as hot as the summer months.

The Fruita Campground is open year-round, and is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park. This campground is one of the most unique ones I’ve stayed at. The orchard 🏕 onsite for picking fruit is so cool! There are lots of trees and shade and after driving through the desert it’s crazy to find this oasis tucked back behind these big beautiful rocks 🏜. The sites are a good size and comfortable. You don’t have cell service but, maybe that’s your thing? Not having to worry about email can be a plus. There are bathrooms but, unfortunately no showers. Definitely, a great stop while visiting all of the National parks in Utah.

The 71-site Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef. Reservations are available March 1- October 31.

Each site has a picnic table and firepit and/or above ground grill, but no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups.

There is a RV dump and potable water fill station near the entrance to Loops A and B.

The nightly fee is $20.00 ($10.00 for Golden Age/Senior Pass holders.

We road tripped through all of Utah’s national parks this year, and were most surprised by Capitol Reef. It is probably the least popular of the parks, but it was our favorite, by far. By chance, we stayed here just as the apple crop was ripening (August), so we got to pick some of the heritage varieties that were available. We treated ourselves to baked apples over our campfire. There’s a lovely little gift shop right near the campground, and while they sell mostly souvenires and the like, they also have homemade cherry pies. The main petroglyphs are within walking distance, as are many incredible hiking trails. If you’re there on the weekend, be sure to take advantage of some of the interpretive programs. We did a full moon hike, which was really incredible.

The campground is fairly open, with some big trees for shade. There’s a river running through the back side of the campground - perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. We did see a snake on the river bank while we were wading in the water, so be warned. Amenities are very basic - just toilets and cold water - no showers.