The San Rafael Swell is a vast geological uplift in central Utah containing marvelous canyons, ancient rock art, and spectacular rock formations. It is often considered one of the most likely areas to become a national park or monument in coming years. While camping options are fairly limited in number, they are diverse and range from a few commercial campgrounds in the town of Green River, a small campground in Goblin Valley State Park, several areas of BLM land that allow dispersed camping, and this well-maintained state park near the Green River and its namesake little town.
The state park is literally nothing but a campground, a boat ramp, and a golf course adjoining the river. The campground is set in a lovely river flood plain under huge heritage cottonwood trees that provide shade in the brutal summer and color in the fall. Two small loops comprise the RV and tent camping area with one group site near these campsites and another across the road and next to the boat launch area and parking lot. All the sites recently received water hookups, and all have electric as well. There are showers and a good dump station.
The town of Green River, less than a mile away, is clearly a bit depressed and doesn't offer many services, but it does have an excellent museum focused on the river's history and especially John Wesley Powell, the explorer that truly reshaped our knowledge of southern and eastern Utah. This museum should not be missed, even if you are only driving through Green River.
This campground is an excellent place to base an exploration of the remarkable sights of the San Rafael Swell: Goblin Valley, Horseshoe Canyon, Little Wild Horse Canyon, and many additional lesser-known slot canyons dotting the area. One could even take day trips to the Moab area and Capitol Reef, but these regions are really worth their own dedicated itinerary.
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