Looking to go glamping near Emery and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Camping has always been a favorite form of travel for many, but Emery, UT glamping is a new and unique way to do it. You're sure to find glamping for your Utah camping excursion.
The campground at Goblin Valley State Park consists of 25 sites and two yurts. Goblin Valley camping is divided into ten walk-in tent pads, fourteen RV spaces, and one group site able to accommodate up to 35 people. Showers and flush toilets, as well as a communal water and dump station are all available free of charge. All sites contain a picnic table, metal fire ring, and shade shelter. Cowboys searching for cattle first discovered secluded Goblin Valley. Then in the late 1920s, Arthur Chaffin, owner/operator of the Hite ferry, and two companions were searching for an alternative route between Green River and Caineville. They came to a vantage point about a mile west of Goblin Valley and were awed by what they saw, five buttes and a valley of strange-shaped rock formations surrounded by a wall of eroded cliffs. In 1949, Chaffin returned to the area he called Mushroom Valley. He spent several days exploring the mysterious valley and photographing its scores of intricately eroded creatures. The area was acquired by the state of Utah and in 1964 was officially designated a state park. Goblin Valley State Park is a showcase of geologic history. Exposed cliffs reveal parallel layers of rock bared by erosion. Because of the uneven hardness of sandstone, some patches resist erosion much better than others. The softer material is removed by wind and water, leaving thousands of unique, geologic goblins. Water erosion and the smoothing action of windblown dust work together to shape the goblins. Bedrock is exposed because of the thin soil and lack of vegetation. When rain does fall, there are few plant roots and little soil to capture and hold the water, which quickly disappears, in muddy streams without penetrating the bedrock.
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles (160 km). The Fruita Campground has 71 sites. 65 sites are reservable year round. Sites 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 are used as administrative sites. Sites 14, 24, and 63 are accessible sites with electrical hookups. While Loop C is closed in the winter season, generators are allowed in Loops A & B, 8 am-10 am and 5 pm-7 pm. The rest of the year, generators are only allowed in Loop C. There are no first come first serve sites during peak season.
Walk to historic inscriptions on the Capitol Gorge Trail and stroll the Goosenecks Trail or longer trails such as Cohab Canyon, Chimney Rock, and Cassidy Arch. Check out our Trail Guide to explore your options.Enjoy the geology and view the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs along Hwy 24. In addition, the Scenic Drive will introduce you to the fascinating cultural and geological history of Capitol Reef National Park. The drive includes a portion of the original road through the Waterpocket Fold. The road passes through parts of the Fruita Historic District and follows the western faces of the Waterpocket Fold, and spur roads allow exploration into beautiful Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. Check at the Visitor Center for a current schedule of interpretive programs, which may include geology talks, Fremont culture talks, evening programs, star gazing, moonwalks, and geology hikes. Stop in at Ripple Rock Nature Center to experience interactive exhibits, games, activities, and free educational programs. Wander through the historic Fruita Orchards and pick fresh fruit when in season. The orchards contain approximately 3,100 trees including cherry, apricot, peach, pear, apple, plum, mulberry, almond, and walnut. Discover Mormon pioneer history at the historic Gifford Homestead store and museum.
The Fruita Campground area is located one mile south of the visitor center and is often described as an oasis within the desert. Fruita Campground is a semi-shaded, grassy campground and is located in the Fruita Historic District of the park.
For facility specific information, please call (435) 425-3791.
The Fruita campground is adjacent to the Fremont River and is a short walk from the group site, amphitheater, picnic areas, hiking trails, the historic Gifford house and orchards.
$25 / night
Joe's Valley Reservoir Campground is located in a high mountain valley next to its namesake, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the surrounding off-road vehicle trails. A paved road winds around the lake but quickly turns to dirt once the elevation begins to increase.
The reservoir offers good fishing for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, tiger muskie and trophy splake. Boating, water skiing and canoeing are popular on the lake. A boat ramp is located nearby on the eastern shoreline. Horseback riding, bouldering, hiking and mountain biking are popular in the area as well.
Joe's Valley is situated on the Wasatch Plateau in Central Utah. Juniper, pinyon pine and sagebrush cover the area, and aspens and pines dot the surrounding hillsides. Located on a reservoir, there is nearby access to Seely Creek, Littles Creek, North Dragon Creek, and Lowry Water.
Renowned bouldering opportunities are located in nearby Straight and Cottonwood Canyons. Popular mountain fisheries at Grassy Lake, Pete's Hole, and Potters Ponds are all within 10 miles of the group site. The 370-mile Arapeen Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System can be accessed directly from the Reeder Trailhead, which includes 66 and 55-inch OHV trails. Attractions at Joe's Valley Reservoir include the Orange Olsen Guard Station cabin rentals, and Joe's Valley Group Pavilion.
$18 / night
$24 - $100 / night
Wonderland RV Park is the perfect spot to hang your hat while you explore Capitol Reef National Park, after all, we've been welcoming guests to the wonders of Southern Utah since 1934. We're located at the junction of Scenic Byway 24 and All American Highway 12 – just three miles away from Capitol Reef. We provide outstanding amenities to ensure that your stay is both comfortable and convenient. Come stay with us, and discover why we're Capitol Reef's Best RV Park. So welcome to Southern Utah. Welcome to Wonderland.
Joes Valley Reservoir Campground is located in a high mountain valley adjacent to and just above Joes Valley Reservoir at an elevation of ~7,000 feet. Juniper, pinyon pine, and sagebrush cover the area, and aspen and pine dot the surrounding hillsides. Several sites provide nice views of the reservoir, and some sites are shaded. The campground contains several single- and double-family campsites, all of which are accessible. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved. A boat ramp is located within the campground. The reservoir offers good fishing for cutthroat, rainbow trout, and trophy splake. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing, and canoeing, as well as horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. The expansive Arapeen OHV Trail System can be accessed just west of the reservoir and has more than 350 miles of designated, well-maintained trails that are suitable for all riding skill levels.
$10 - $18 / night
$20 - $65 / night
Sunglow Campground is located in a scenic red rock box canyon just 2 miles from Bicknell, Utah. Visitors enjoy exploring local trails and day-tripping to Capitol Reef National Park. View Sunglow Campground Map
Many miles of trails for hiking, biking and off-road vehicles are in the area. The Great Western Trail passes nearby.
The canyon sits at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Cottonwoods and junipers provide very limited shade. Sagebrush and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
The Ke Bullock Waterfowl Management Area is nearby, just south of Bicknell, with wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities.Capitol Reef National Park is approximately 20 miles away, offering excellent hiking trails, historic sites, scenic driving and breathtaking scenery.Sightseeing along Utah Highway 12, a National Scenic Byway, is very popular. Travelers visit from every corner of the world to gaze upon stunning red rock canyons and desert landscapes.
For facility specific information, please call (877) 444-6777.
$55 / night
Orange Olsen is located at 7,000 feet with a panoramic view of Joes Valley. The dwelling and cabin offer amenities including solar powered lighting, LP range and heated shower. The dwelling can accommodate six visitors while the cabin sleeps four. These cabins do not have electricity.
Joes Valley Reservoir offers boating and fishing opportunities just minutes away. A boat ramp is available on the east and west shorelines. Joes Valley Campground is located immediately south of Orange Olsen, with Joes Valley Group Pavilion only a mile away.
The dwelling and cabin are set in an open sagebrush meadow interspersed with pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine trees. There is no shade available.
Renowned bouldering opportunities abound in nearby Straight and Cottonwood Canyons. Popular mountain fisheries at Grassy Lake, Pete's Hole, and Potters Ponds are all within 10 miles of Orange Olsen. The 370-mile Arapeen Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System can be accessed directly from the dwelling and cabin.
$40 / night
Guide
Well spaced, paved camping sites in a shaded campground. Fruit orchards all around with the Fremont River flowing nearby. Heated bathrooms that are spotless. Stop by the Gifford house for fresh baked pies. As of October 2024, the visitor center parking lot is still under construction, and the scenic drive is closed for the same. Also. Make a campsite reservation before you arrive as there are no payment stations in the campground. If you don't the visitor center has Wi-Fi as there is no cell service in the park. Oh. And loop C is the only campground that allows generators. Enjoy Capitol Reef.
Scout
Tranquil, don’t make the mistake of reaching over the fence to take a picture and accidentally touching the electric wire. It was literally the shock of my life lol.
Ranger1/2 off with an America the Beautiful pass. I got lucky and I was able to reserve a spot on short notice and it was one of the best spots for a truck camper which was right next to the tent camping area. Site 42. It is crowded! The sites are right next to each other. More like a really nice RV park..sort of. Normally I don't do NP campgrounds for this reason. I just needed one night before finding some disbursed sites. As with other National Parks like Bryce or Zion, if you plan to see the sites more than camping then get a motel or cabin. I will say, it is in a beautiful location.
Guide
Hot dry but nice shade at each campsite
GuideStayed for two nights in September 2024. Close to park attractions. Fantastic nighttime telescope activity on Friday night. No hookups but potable water and dump station available. No showers.
Traveler
We had to back out of the "pull through" site because there wasn't clearance to pull forward with our 30ft 5th wheel. The double sites are wide and spacious but all the sites seem to be short. The owner upgraded us to a double site since in a single there would have been no space for our truck. Check in is at noon but no one is in the office until 3 so you have to text to get your site number. Very quick response on the text though.
ScoutWell maintained, clean washroom Excellent WiFi!! Close to Capitol Reef NP
Legend
This is a great little park with beautiful views and lots to do in the area. There is a restaurant on site, small park for the kids, basketball court and dog walk area. The sites are very close no privacy. There are two styles ld cabins. They sell wood and propane by the tank they do not fill tanks.
GuideWe stayed in May 2023 and we were given a site all the way to the back. The view was pretty, the site was level, but when all the large RVs returned for the night, our electricity browned out and we couldn't run our AC. Our power also cut out during the night. The response from the management was, lets just say - unhelpful. Otherwise, it's a good location, the grounds are nicely maintained, the bathroom/showers were old, but they worked and had hot water. Unfortunately for us, we needed electricity for a CPAP, and our RV was 95 degrees inside, so for us, this campground gets two thumbs down.
TravelerI 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.
GuideThough we tend to prefer a more low-key experience, GBSP camping is beautiful and the sites are well taken care of. If you're fortunate enough, snag a site adjacent the sweet rocks. Level sites w shades at the picnic tables. The bathroom has running hot and cold water, and there are showers available. Expensive, but the fee includes entry to the state park.
LegendGeneral: 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!
LegendWonderland was a great place to stay to visit Capitol Reef National Park. Only a few miles to the entrance. Park was clean and the town of Torrey was small but great. Our site was #5. Good amount of space but you are still close to your neighbors. FHUs, restrooms, showers, and laundry available. Apple trees are scattered throughout the campground. We ate dinner at a great food truck Capitol Burger in Torrey.
TravelerFall colours in all their splendour, deer at our fence, stroll to the Gifford house for pies and souvenirs…couldn’t have hoped for more!
Scout3 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.
Scout
Setting is simple, nice and clean. Staff was extremely helpful. Located on Highway 24. This is a dark sky community, so it was hard to see the signage, but worth the trouble. Nice enough Mexican restaurant next-door.
GuideAbsolutely wonderful experience staying at this campground. Tucked away at the bottom of the canyon, under age old trees, it is very quiet (i believe it prohibits generators) and yet lively. NP has a lot of programs for all ages, the bathrooms are clean and heated, and the people were very respectful of each other. I fell asleep under the sky full of giant stars to the music of the flowing waters of Fremont river. This was probably as close to how the Pioneers experienced this oasis when they came upon it, as one can get.
ScoutGreat facility. Many options for hiking, off road FWD.
Also darkest point in US for star gazing. No lights visible for 10 miles.
The Goblins absolutely amazing
TravelerAffordable, clean and friendly campground.
TravelerThis is a wonderful campground next door to some of the prettiest hikes Capitol Reef has to offer. However, our site (B40) did not seem appropriate for tent camping. There is no tent pad, the area surrounding the parking bay is not leveled, and it has no grass or gravel, only red dirt which turns into mud very quickly. Additionally, the site is downhill from the surrounding sites so any amount of rain will turn the site (including the blacktop) into a mud bath. At the same time, it must be a good RV camping spot as the bay is huge with lots of shade during most of the day.
RangerOnly 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.
GuideI enjoyed camping here, but there were a lot of people close together. What I loved: picking fruit in the orchard, ranger talks and flush toilets. What I didn't love: setting up a tent in 30 mph winds, blowing dirt, close range neighbors who feel the need to shout all their words from 6 am to 11 pm. If you want that National Park experience, this is a great place, but should you be unlucky enough to land next to an obnoxious group there is no buffer.
Guide
This campground is small but there seemed to be plenty of space between sites. It felt quite private and was such a nice sanctuary from the National Park crowds. I reserved site two. It was quite nice with room for one tent. Some sites were much larger, while others were pretty small and probably better for van campers. Get there early enough and you should have some options. Flush toilets and water were a nice benefit.
Guidegreat views, very close to the CRNP visitors center, fantastic pie, and insanely close deer. would for sure come back
Scout
Great rec area including a playground. Bathrooms well Maintained and pedal boat and other boat rentals. Plenty of fish to catch off the shore or in a boat
ScoutPerfect size park with full hookups for RVs as well as cabins for rent. Very clean, and has bathrooms with showers. Easy access to Capital Reef National Park. Would definitively come again.
GuideNice spot for a night, was surprised it didn’t get full in a saturday night in early may. cows from a nearby feedlot are fairly vocal nonstop. what looks like a vault toilet turns out to have a flush toilet and sink! cool rocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Emery, UT is Goblin Valley State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 58 reviews.
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