Goosenecks State Park Campground

Goosenecks State Park Campground boasts an incredible overlook of the San Juan River.


If you’re headed to Bears Ears National Monument, spend a night at Goosenecks State Park Campground.

Goosenecks State Park is primitive, boasting a picnic area and incredible views as its only amenities. The park has no hiking trails, and while it may not be a destination in and of itself, it’s worth stopping if you’re heading to or coming from nearby Cedar Mesa, Utah.

The campground is just as sparse as the park. There are eight designated sites with picnic tables and fire pits, some with shade structures. Be sure to bring your own water and firewood. If you’re comfortable with dispersed camping, you’ll fee right at home.

There are no reservations, just first-come, first-served sites. Pay your fee, pick your  spot, and enjoy the beautiful vistas.

The campground sits on the rim of the Goosenecks Overlook and offers incredible panoramic views of the sinuous San Juan River below. Head to the Kane Gulch Ranger Station the next morning for Cedar Mesa hiking permits.


Amenities

  • Pit toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade structures
  • Fire pits

Directions to Goosenecks State Park

From Mexican Hat, Utah, continue east on Hwy 163 for 4 miles. Turn left onto UT 261, and head north for about 1 mile. Following signs to Goosenecks State Park, turn left onto UT 316 and follow the road to its end. The campground is on the left side of the road near the overlook.

A view of the San Juan River gorge from the rim above, looking at a tight river meander
A picnic table and trash can on the edge of cliffs that drop down to the San Juan River

Adventure awaits

Sign up to get three hikes in your inbox every month for a year. 

 
The contents of the adventure kit: black hat with Grand Canyon Trust logo, map of grand canyon, bookmark, sticker of grand canyon logo, plus four scenic notecards

Special membership offer

Join the Grand Canyon Trust today to receive your adventure kit:

  • $25 donation: a Grand Canyon map, The Advocate magazine subscription, bookmark, and sticker
  • $75 donation: everything above plus four stunning note cards
  • $100 donation: all the benefits of the $75 level, plus a Grand Canyon Trust hat

Join today

Related Hikes by Destination