Open
— Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No advance reservations accepted. Limited to 14 consecutive days per stay.
About
South Temple Wash Campground sits at the base of the San Rafael Reef, one of central Utah's most distinctive geologic features. This 75-mile-long rocky spine reaches up to 1,000 feet high and forms the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell. The campground is positioned at the eastern mouth of Temple Wash, a short, steep canyon that cuts through the reef, and provides excellent access to some of the Swell's most popular attractions.
The campground features 10 individual sites and 2 group sites spread across a flat area with parking suitable for large RVs and trailers. Each site includes a fire ring and large picnic table. Located along Temple Mountain Road, the campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the area's scenic slot canyons, including the nearby Little Wild Horse Canyon, which is the most popular hike in the San Rafael Reef. The Behind-the-Reef Road provides access to several wilderness trailheads, while Temple Mountain Townsite offers glimpses into the region's Cold War-era uranium mining history.
The area is characterized by red and white sandstone formations, with sculpted slot canyons, spires, and towering cliffs providing a dramatic desert landscape. Goblin Valley State Park is just two miles to the east. The campground's location makes it easily accessible from Highway 24, though the surrounding backcountry roads require varying levels of vehicle capability depending on conditions.
Directions
From Interstate 70: Take Exit 149 south on Highway 24 for 24 miles. Turn right onto Temple Mountain Road following signs for Goblin Valley State Park, continue straight for approximately six miles. From Hanksville: Go north on Highway 24 for 19 miles, turn left onto Temple Mountain Road following signs for Goblin Valley State Park, continue straight for approximately six miles.
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