Camp at Goosenecks State Park

San Juan County, Utah

4.3/5
based on 3 reviews

Description

Added by Katie Lyons

This secluded Utah state park is a hidden gem. It boasts amazing views, inexpensive camping, and plentiful photography opportunities.

Located near the southern border of the state, Goosenecks State Park is a small slice of Grand Canyon views in Utah. The park overlooks the meanders of the San Juan River, and canyons that have eroded over the millennia. This park is great for anyone hoping to learn about geology, get far away from civilization, or take in the natural desert beauty of Utah.

This park has primitive, first come, first serve camping sites, but getting a site usually isn't a problem if you arrive early in the day, even in the busier months of the year. Sites are equipped with a picnic table, and fire ring. Vault bathrooms are available. Beware that the area can be quite windy. Bring strong tent stakes!

Several informational signs can be found throughout the park. These signs explain both park history, and geologic history. This can be useful for anyone hoping to turn this trip into an educational adventure.

Daytime photography is a can't miss opportunity here. The orange sandstone canyons carved by the river look especially amazing contrasted against the bright bluebird skies and distant red mesas. A wide angle lens can be especially useful for those looking to capture as much of the scenery into one picture as possible.

Goosenecks has ideal conditions for nighttime photography. The skies are incredibly dark due to the lack of towns in the area. Astrophotographers can try their hand at capturing the many constellations that cover the night sky, or even the Milky Way.

If you're looking for incredible views, and amazing photography, look no further than Goosenecks. The desert scenery is sure to inspire photographers, hikers, families, and adventurers alike.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Camping
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Scenic
ADA Accessible

Camp at Goosenecks State Park Reviews

Lonely night in beautiful landscape with view on monument valley! Highly recommended!

We planned to spend a Friday night here while passing through. We arrived around 7:30pm and the park was completely empty. There are composting toilets and the sites have a covering over the table. We ended up leaving because it was really windy and dusty and we were kinda creeped out that nobody was there. If you like quiet and isolation, the this might be your jam. Don't get wrong, the views are spectacular!

I rolled up to this tiny park late in the afternoon, hoping to get a campsite. All I knew was it was marked as a park on my atlas, and I hoped it would be better than staying in Mexican Hat after driving through Monument Valley. I was so pleasantly surprised by how gorgeous the view was, and I had the place to myself. The campgrounds itself is pretty bare bones and exposed, but it was such a nice spot to cook dinner and enjoy the view.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Goosenecks Viewpoint Trail

Hike the Honaker Trail

Raft the Lower San Juan River

Camp at Muley Point

Camp in the Valley of the Gods

Forrest Gump Hill