We’ve been intrigued by the park for several years, and at 200 miles south of Wasatch Mountain State Park, it seemed like a perfect stop on our route this year. It’s a small campground in a remote area, and we figured it would be just our kind of camping. But that’s not how things turned out.
The Drawbacks Of Planning Ahead
We made an online reservation ($20 for a site with no electric and no water, plus an $8 reservation fee—grrr!!). Many parks have gone to a reservation system, which is fine if you know exactly when you want to be somewhere, but this doesn’t really lend itself to a more relaxed mode of travel.
The penalties are stiff for canceling, so for the most part, we’ve stopped making reservations, unless we’re traveling to a popular park in the peak season. Instead, we plan where we’re going a few days at a time, and call ahead to inquire about availability. We figured Goblin Valley might be full because of the recent national park closures. Given that it only has about 20 campsites, we didn’t want to take the chance of driving all the way there and not having a place to stay.
The Drawbacks Of Holiday Weekends
Let’s just say that Goblin Valley State Park wasn’t exactly what we expected. We arrived to find the small campground packed with vehicles, tents, and people. Apparently, we were the only ones with less than eight people in our campsite. At least two-thirds of the campers were under the age of 10.
We realized that although it was only Thursday, people were taking extra time for the Columbus Day weekend. It was a free-for-all, with kids shrieking through the campground until long past the 10 p.m. quiet hour. They were having a wonderful time, but it wasn’t the peaceful out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere camping experience we were anticipating.
Hiking Among The Goblins
We took off for an early morning hike on the primitive trail through a narrow canyon to Goblin Valley, certain that not many other people would attempt the trail. No one else attempted the trail, probably because about a half-mile in, the trail turned to slick, deep mud. We slogged and slid another mile until we finally arrived in the midst of the goblins—along with about a hundred other people who had driven to the area from above and unloaded their kids to run screaming through the rock formations.
This was the impetus that finally pushed us into our first real boondocking experience.
Our First Boondocking Experience
Although we’ve camped many times without water or electric hook-ups (which some people define as boondocking), we’ve always camped in designated campgrounds. But there are many places—especially in the West—where you can camp in undeveloped areas, primarily on BLM land and in national forests. As long as there isn’t a sign posted that says “No Camping,” it’s fair game. We decided to give it a try, figuring that it couldn’t possibly be worse than the state park. And boondocking is FREE, with no penalties if you should change your mind.
We eased into boondocking with a location just a few miles outside of the state park on BLM land. There were a handful of other RV’s already parked there, and we were welcomed with waves and smiles as we pulled in. It turned out to be a beautiful, peaceful spot. We hiked in the gorgeous slickrock wild area directly across from our campsite and relaxed around a blazing campfire that evening with our neighbors. We’re already searching out more boondocking areas for the future.
Very appropriate to spend Halloween week in Goblin Valley.
The sticky mud looks like the stuff that could steal a shoe if you weren’t careful. The boon docking sounds like a no brainer. Either you pay 28 bucks for the privilege of sharing space with a crowd and no amenities or you pay nothing for no amenities and some peace and quiet.
As always great pics!
sue
We were kicking ourselves for spending 28 bucks to camp with a crowd of delinquent parents and their crazed offspring! And that mud was wicked. I think it’s still on my boots. ;-)
Hey! I dunno, but it seems like you are streaking through time and space – I barely delve into one story and then there’s another, just as beautifully written and just as visually beautiful. It’s so odd and interesting, existence. Even standing still life is so complex and dimensional- then add in mobility and the variables expand exponentially. This is why zen was created, to handle the stimulation!
I’m babbling, but am so glad you are on the planet. I went to the Halloween parade in Ashland and was over-stimulated – there were literally thousands of people in incredible costumes. It was clear and balmy and the characters all emerged. Thousands!
Day of the Dead – new scorpio moon. The realm is rich. Glad you are in it.
Thanks for your postings.
amor
n
We’re not moving quite as quickly as the blog posts are at the moment — I’m just trying to get caught up after getting really far behind (for a variety of reasons) after leaving Lopez. Your philosophical observations are very interesting, though — I do feel as though travel is stretching my capacity for adjustment in a way that it never before has. So happy you’re with us. xo
“Travel plans are dancing lessons from God” you know the same One who brought in the mosquito….and the lady slipper orchid…the One with the sense of humor. Happy Boondocking! We miss you, but look forward to your postings of the Zen of the BigFoot!
Creatively said! Dancing lessons, indeed. We’ve had plenty of foot-stepping-on as we maneuver in this tiny trailer. Miss you.
Could I get some directions to the Goblin Valley boondock site. Going that way soon. Thanks.
To get there, follow the road to Goblin Valley State Park (Temple Mountain Road). Don’t turn left at the intersection of Temple Mntn Road and Goblin Valley Rd, but keep going straight. At approximately 1 mile or so you’ll see areas designated for camping by BLM. I believe you can also continue along that road and choose anywhere you like for dispersed camping. Hope this helps!
Is this boon docking site accessible in November?
Carol, I’m not sure, but I assume so. You might check with the local BLM office. Have fun!