Established Camping
Temple Mountain Townsite Campground
Temple Mountain Townsite Campground, near Goblin Valley, Utah, is a peaceful spot that offers a true escape into nature. With its quiet surroundings and picturesque views, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in the beauty of the mountains.
This campground features ten sites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be ready to snag your spot early. Visitors have noted the lack of amenities like water and trash services, but many appreciate the vault toilets and the chance to disconnect completely—no cell service here, which some campers find refreshing. As one reviewer put it, “It is about 7 miles off the main road and is a quiet picturesque location.”
If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck! The campground is close to some great trails, making it easy to explore the stunning landscape. The area is also known for its off-roading opportunities, with trails nearby that offer a bit of adventure without too much noise.
While the campground doesn’t have picnic tables or electric hookups, it does provide nice fire pits for those cozy evenings under the stars. Just remember, there’s no shade during the day, so pack your sunscreen and enjoy the open skies. Whether you’re camping in a tent or RV, Temple Mountain Townsite is a solid choice for a laid-back getaway.
Description
Bureau of Land Management
Overview
Temple Mountain Townsite is a fee campground in the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area.
Recreation
Temple Mountain Townsite is at the intersection of Temple Mountain Road and the Behind-the-Reef Road. From the campground, visitors can hike to reclaimed uranium mines, drive a short distance down the wash to the Temple Mountain Pictograph Panel, or drive the longer North Temple Wash loop. The Behind-the-Reef Road is accessible to most vehicles for six miles, accessing several trailheads for hikes into the San Rafael Reef Wilderness. Two of these (Chute Canyon and Wild Horse Canyon) are accessible for horseback riders. The road continues for another 14 miles requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive as it follows the rugged base of the reef against a backdrop of 500-foot cliffs and jagged canyons. After about seven miles, the road narrows to a maximum vehicle width of 50 feet. More wilderness slot canyons hikes can be accessed from this road. Motorized vehicle use is not permitted in wilderness.
Facilities
Temple Mountain Townsite is at the intersection of Temple Mountain Road and the Behind-the-Reef Road. From the campground, visitors can hike to reclaimed uranium mines, drive a short distance down the wash to the Temple Mountain Pictograph Panel, or drive the longer North Temple Wash loop. The Behind-the-Reef Road is accessible to most vehicles for six miles, accessing several trailheads for hikes into the San Rafael Reef Wilderness. Two of these (Chute Canyon and Wild Horse Canyon) are accessible for horseback riders. The road continues for another 14 miles requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive as it follows the rugged base of the reef against a backdrop of 500-foot cliffs and jagged canyons. After about seven miles, the road narrows to a maximum vehicle width of 50 feet. More wilderness slot canyons hikes can be accessed from this road. Motorized vehicle use is not permitted in wilderness.
Natural Features
The campground is at the mouth of a short, steep canyon (Temple Wash) which cuts through the San Rafael Reef. One of the most distinctive geologic features of central Utah, the Reef is a 75-mile-long rocky spine that reaches up to 1,000 feet high and forms the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell. The Temple Mountain area provides acces to many scenic slot canyons, hills, and spires cut from red and white rock.
Nearby Attractions
Goblin Valley State Park (fee area), 2 miles east: The state park entrance is two miles up the Temple Wash Road going back towards Highway 24. The state park is famous for its unique landscape of sandstone hoodoos (goblins) and buttes. The park has hiking and mountain biking trails as well as a fee campground and yurt rentals. Little Wild Horse Canyon: The Little Wild Horse slot canyon is the most popular hike in the San Rafael Reef. Visitors can appreciate sculpted sandstone walls and narrows through the three-mile canyon. Paired with Bell Canyon via the Behind-the-Reef Road, this makes for an eight-mile moderate day hike with varied scenery. The canyon bottoms are gravel and there are some obstacles requiring straightforward scrambling. Temple Mountain Mining District: The townsite is in the heart of the historic Temple Mountain Mining District. Visitors can visit sites and learn about the history of Cold War-era uranium mining by foot or vehicle.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (435) 636-3600.
Fee Info
Individual sites $15/night and group sites $50/night, paid at self-pay kiosks.
Location
Temple Mountain Townsite Campground is located in Utah
Directions
From Highway 24, turn west onto Temple Mountain Road (signed for Goblin Valley State Park). Continue straight on this road past the state park turnoff as it turns from pavement to gravel and enters a short canyon. Temple Mountain Townsite is located on the north (right) side of the road as the canyon opens up, seven miles from the highway turnoff.
Coordinates
38.667438 N
110.686238 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TPoor
- T-MobileFair
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Toilets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 8 min from Grand Junction
- 2 hrs 55 min from Provo
- 3 hrs 25 min from Salt Lake City
- 3 hrs 53 min from Ogden
