Temple Mountain Campgrounds

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) facilitates 2 free campgrounds along W. Temple Jct. road within the San Rafael Swell, UT. The campgrounds have ample parking, tent sites, fire pits, vault toilets, and RV parking. There is no potable water or electrical service at either site. Camp sites are first come first serve, but generally did not seem crowded. I only saw 2-3 people at Temple Mountain Campground. 

South Temple Wash: Located on the east side (aka “front”) of the swell, just past the intersection of Temple Jct. and S Goblin Valley road. This site is more easily accessible by RV or campers via a paved road and is roughly 15 minutes from Goblin Valley State Park. The campground is also located near the Temple Wash petroglyphs. However, the Temple Mountain site is a better options for tent campers.

Temple Mountain Campground: Travel another 5 minutes west on W. Temple Jct. and you will reach Temple Mountain Campground, located just on the other side of the Swell (aka “Behind the Reef”). The campground is conveniently located at the intersection of Behind the Reef Rd. There are also nearby trails and 4x4 roads to explore Temple Mountain and the abandoned mining operations. A plaque can be found at the site detailing the mining history at this site. This campground is a great base for exploring the “behind the reef” backcountry.     

https://www.blm.gov/visit/temple-mountain-townsite-campground