Temple Mountain Campground

Spend a night at the Temple Mountain Campground in Utah’s San Rafael Swell


The San Rafael Swell’s slot canyons, crags, and waterways provide infinite recreational opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, and boaters alike.

While the BLM allows at-large camping in the swell, the Temple Mountain Campground East and West are the only developed camping areas. The sites are scattered within flat dirt parking areas. 

Temple Mountain, located north of the campground, is the tallest point in the Swell and used to be one of the most active mining operations in the 1950s. Area attractions also include the San Rafael Reef and Goblin Valley State Park.

Nearby trails include: Wild Horse Canyon, Crack Canyon, and Chute Canyon.

Note: This is a dry campground. You’ll need to bring all your water with you.


Amenities

  • Pit toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Fire pits

Directions to Temple Mountain Campground

From Hanksville, Utah, drive 19.5 miles north on UT 24. Just past mile marker 136, turn left onto Temple Mountain Road, following the sign towards I-70, Goblin Valley, and Temple Mountain. When you come to a junction 5 miles down the road, stay straight. Pass the group site on your left before the road cuts through the San Rafael Reef. Pavement ends, and the campground is a short ways down the road, on the right near Temple Mountain.

A picnic table in a big flat gravel area with hills in the background
A pop up camper in a the dirt camping area of Temple Mountain Campground
Ellen Heyn

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