Overview Temple Mountain Townsite is a fee campground in the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. Recreation Temple Mountain Townsite is at the intersection of Temple Mountain Road and the Behind-the-Reef Road. From the campground, visitors can hike to reclaimed uranium mines, drive a short distance down the wash to the T…
Overview Temple Mountain Townsite is a fee campground in the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. Recreation Temple Mountain Townsite is at the intersection of Temple Mountain Road and the Behind-the-Reef Road. From the campground, visitors can hike to reclaimed uranium mines, drive a short distance down the wash to the Temple Mountain Pictograph Panel, or drive the longer North Temple Wash loop. The Behind-the-Reef Road is accessible to most vehicles for six miles, accessing several trailheads for hikes into the San Rafael Reef Wilderness. Two of these (Chute Canyon and Wild Horse Canyon) are accessible for horseback riders. The road continues for another 14 miles requiring high clearance and four-wheel-drive as it follows the rugged base of the reef against a backdrop of 500-foot cliffs and jagged canyons. After about seven miles, the road narrows to a maximum vehicle width of 50 feet. More wilderness slot canyons hikes can be accessed from this road. Motorized vehicle use is not permitted in wilderness. Natural Features The campground is at the mouth of a short, steep canyon (Temple Wash) which cuts through the San Rafael Reef. One of the most distinctive geologic features of central Utah, the Reef is a 75-mile-long rocky spine that reaches up to 1,000 feet high and forms the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell. The Temple Mountain area provides acces to many scenic slot canyons, hills, and spires cut from red and white rock. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (435) 636-3600. Nearby Attractions Goblin Valley State Park (fee area), 2 miles east: The state park entrance is two miles up the Temple Wash Road going back towards Highway 24. The state park is famous for its unique landscape of sandstone hoodoos (goblins) and buttes. The park has hiking and mountain biking trails as well as a fee campground and yurt rentals. Little Wild Horse Canyon: The Little Wild Horse slot canyon is the most popular hike in the San Rafael Reef. Visitors can app
Photos
View of campground from trail overlooking the campground. — BLMAn RV and truck camper are parked in a campground below a large sandstone butte. — BLMA picture of a vacant campsite with a parking space and picnic table visible — BLMStone cabin ruins with a sandstone butte in the background — BLMSign for Temple Mountain Townsite Campground with a cliff in the background — BLM
How to Get There
From Highway 24, turn west onto Temple Mountain Road (signed for Goblin Valley State Park). Continue straight on this road past the state park turnoff as it turns from pavement to gravel and enters a short canyon. Temple Mountain Townsite is located on the north (right) side of the road as the canyon opens up, seven miles from the highway turnoff.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Temple Mountain Townsite Campground
Heading to Temple Mountain Townsite Campground? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Temple Mountain Townsite Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Temple Mountain Townsite Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10283358) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Temple Mountain Townsite Campground?
From Highway 24, turn west onto Temple Mountain Road (signed for Goblin Valley State Park). Continue straight on this road past the state park turnoff as it turns from pavement to gravel and enters a short canyon. Temple Mountain Townsite is located on the north (right) side of the road as the canyon opens up, seven miles from the highway turnoff.
How do I contact Temple Mountain Townsite Campground?
