Booking a room in Hanksville is refreshingly simple. There’s no strip of chain hotels to compare and no resort fees. The town has a handful of cabins, a motel or two, a few RV parks and some vacation rentals, and that’s about it.
What Hanksville does have is location. Stay here and Factory Butte is a short drive away for sunrise, Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Canyon are under an hour north, and Capitol Reef is 45 minutes west. The right room isn’t about luxury. It’s about spending less time driving and more time out in the desert at the best light.
This guide answers where to stay in Hanksville, Utah: the best cabins, motels and RV parks in town, camping at Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef, free camping on public land, and when to base yourself in Torrey or Green River instead.
Where Should You Stay in Hanksville, Utah?
For most travelers, the best place to stay is in Hanksville itself. Choose Muddy Creek Mining Company for cabins with kitchenettes, Whispering Sands Motel for a simple motel room, and Duke’s RV Park or Hanksville RV & Marine if you have an RV or trailer. Camp at Goblin Valley State Park for dark skies, or stay in Torrey if Capitol Reef is your main focus.
| Where to Stay | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Muddy Creek Mining Company | Cabins | Couples, families, multi-night stays |
| Whispering Sands Motel | Motel | Simple road-trip stops, trailers and OHVs |
| Duke’s RV Park | RV and tent sites | RVs, vans, tent campers who want showers |
| Hanksville RV & Marine | RV park | Big rigs, boats, ATVs and UTVs |
| Vacation rentals | Houses and cottages | Families and groups |
| Goblin Valley State Park | Campground and yurts | Stargazing and camping |
| BLM public land | Free dispersed camping | Self-sufficient campers |
| Torrey | Hotels and lodges | Capitol Reef-focused trips |
| Green River | Chain hotels and motels | Backup when Hanksville is full |
Best Places to Stay in Hanksville
Hanksville is tiny, so there’s no “wrong neighborhood.” Everything is within a few minutes of the gas stations, restaurants and the junction of Highways 24 and 95. Pick by type of stay, not by location.
1. Muddy Creek Mining Company: Best Cabins
If you’re staying more than one night, this is the most comfortable option in town. Muddy Creek Mining Company has individual cabins in several sizes, including king cabins, double-queen cabins, an accessible cabin, adjoining units for groups and a family cabin that sleeps up to eight.
Standard cabins have a private bathroom and kitchenette, and the family cabin has a fuller kitchen and dining space. That matters in Hanksville, where restaurant choices are few and hours change by season. Making breakfast before a sunrise drive or a simple dinner after a long hike is a real advantage. The property also offers free guest laundry, Wi-Fi, outdoor grills, fire pits, EV charging and self check-in.
Best for: couples and families staying two or more nights, photographers, and anyone who wants to cook.
2. Whispering Sands Motel: Best Simple Motel
Whispering Sands Motel, on Highway 95 in town, is the classic road-trip motel option. It has queen, king and two-queen rooms plus a larger king suite, all with a private bathroom, mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, TV, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning and heating.
There’s guest laundry, a water refill station and, importantly for this area, parking for oversized vehicles, trailers and OHVs. If you’re towing dirt bikes or a side-by-side, that alone can decide it.
Best for: one- or two-night stops, solo travelers and couples, and anyone hauling a trailer.
3. Duke’s RV Park: Best for RVs and Tents
Duke’s (also known as Duke’s Slickrock Campground) has pull-through and back-in RV sites with full hookups, trailer sites and tent areas. Amenities include showers, restrooms, a 24-hour coin laundry, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, fire pits and overnight EV hookups. After a dusty day at Factory Butte, a hot shower is worth a lot.
Best for: RVs, camper vans, trailers and tent campers who still want facilities.
4. Hanksville RV & Marine: Best for Big Rigs and Toys
Traveling with a big fifth-wheel, a boat for Lake Powell or a trailer full of ATVs? Hanksville RV & Marine is set up for exactly that, with large pull-through spaces and room for trucks and equipment. It’s a practical base for Lake Powell, the Henry Mountains, Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef.
Best for: large RVs, boat trailers, OHV groups and anyone who values parking space over hotel extras.
5. Vacation Rentals: Best for Families and Groups
Hanksville also has a few vacation rentals, from small cottages to full houses. For one night, a motel is simpler. For three nights with kids or a group of four or more adults, a rental with a full kitchen, separate bedrooms and outdoor space is often better value and more relaxing. Other small motels in town, such as the Red Sands Hotel, are also worth checking when the places above are full.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay in Hanksville?
Prices change by season, so check current rates, but here’s a rough guide to what to expect:
| Type | Typical Price Level |
|---|---|
| BLM dispersed camping | Free |
| Tent sites (town or Goblin Valley) | Budget |
| RV sites with hookups | Budget to moderate |
| Goblin Valley yurts | Moderate |
| Motel rooms | Moderate |
| Cabins and vacation rentals | Moderate to higher, but often the best value for groups |
Don’t chase the cheapest room if it means driving an extra hour each way every day. In remote Utah, the fuel and lost sunrise time quickly cancel out the savings.
Camping at Goblin Valley State Park
Want to fall asleep under some of the darkest skies in Utah? Goblin Valley State Park has a small developed campground with 24 sites: 10 walk-in tent pads, 14 RV spaces and a group site. There are no electric hookups. It also has two yurts with beds, heating and a swamp cooler. They’re the most unique place to stay near Hanksville, and they book up fast.
Reservations open four months in advance. The park also has some designated primitive camping areas farther out. Some need high clearance, and their roads can become impassable when wet.
Why camp here: sunset and sunrise right among the hoodoos, Milky Way views in a certified dark sky park, and no drive back in the dark.
Why not: wind, summer heat, cold nights and few comforts. If you mainly want a good night’s sleep and a shower, stay in Hanksville and visit the park as a day trip.
| Choose Hanksville If You… | Choose Goblin Valley If You… |
|---|---|
| Want a real bed, shower and laundry | Love camping |
| Are also visiting Factory Butte and Capitol Reef | Mainly came for Goblin Valley |
| Want restaurants and fuel nearby | Are happy cooking outdoors |
| Are staying several nights | Want one unforgettable night under the stars |
Free Camping Near Hanksville (BLM Land)
Much of the land around Hanksville is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), where free dispersed camping is generally allowed. It’s popular with van-lifers and overlanders, but it comes with responsibility:
- Use existing sites. Camp in spots that have clearly been used before, and don’t drive off-road to make a new one.
- Know the local rules. In the busy Temple Mountain and Goblin Valley area, camping is limited to designated sites. Ask at the BLM office in Hanksville where dispersed camping is allowed.
- Bring everything. There’s no water, toilets or trash service. Pack out all trash, and bring a portable toilet or follow proper waste rules.
- Never camp in a wash. Dry washes can flood suddenly during storms.
- Watch the weather. Clay roads around Factory Butte and Caineville turn impassable when wet, and you could be stuck for days.
- Check fire restrictions before lighting any campfire, especially in summer.
Where to Stay for Capitol Reef: Hanksville or Torrey?
Both towns work, but for different trips. Capitol Reef’s visitor center is about 37 miles (45 minutes) from Hanksville and about 15 minutes from Torrey.
| Stay in Hanksville If… | Stay in Torrey If… |
|---|---|
| Factory Butte, the Moonscape Overlook and Goblin Valley are priorities | Most of your time is inside Capitol Reef |
| You’re heading south on Highway 95 to Lake Powell | You’re continuing west on Scenic Byway 12 |
| You have an RV or OHVs | You want more restaurants and lodging choices |
A smart plan for a three-day trip: sleep in Hanksville for the first two nights, visit Capitol Reef on Day 3, then move to Torrey that evening if you’re continuing west. That avoids backtracking. See our Hanksville, Utah itinerary for the full day-by-day plan.
Camping Inside Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef’s Fruita Campground has 71 sites among the historic orchards, with water, restrooms and a dump station but no showers or hookups. It’s reservation-only year-round, bookings open up to six months ahead, and it fills up from roughly mid-March through October. Waking up inside the park is wonderful, but it’s not a handy base for Goblin Valley or Factory Butte.
Other Places to Stay Near Hanksville
Green River (about 1 hour north): right on I-70, with several chain hotels and motels. It’s a good backup when Hanksville is full and handy if you’re arriving from Moab. Goblin Valley is about halfway between the two towns.
Torrey (about 1 hour west): the main gateway to Capitol Reef, with the widest choice of lodges, motels and restaurants in the region.
Lake Powell (Bullfrog, about 1¼ hours south): marina-area lodging and camping, best for boating trips rather than exploring the Hanksville badlands.
| Base | Best For | Main Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Hanksville | Factory Butte, Goblin Valley, Highway 95 | Few rooms, book early |
| Goblin Valley | Camping and stargazing | Few comforts |
| Torrey | Capitol Reef | An hour from the badlands |
| Fruita Campground | Camping in Capitol Reef | Books up fast |
| Green River | More hotel choice, arriving from Moab | Long daily drives to the badlands |
Where to Stay by Type of Traveler
Couples
For a multi-night stay, a cabin at Muddy Creek Mining Company gives you space and a kitchenette. For a quick overnight stop, Whispering Sands Motel is easy. For something memorable, book a Goblin Valley yurt for one night.
Families
Families do best with space and a kitchen: the family or adjoining cabins at Muddy Creek, or a vacation rental. Look for laundry, because Goblin Valley, slot canyons and the badlands are dusty, and kids get very dirty.
RV Travelers
Duke’s RV Park has full hookups and campground amenities. Hanksville RV & Marine suits larger rigs with boats or OHVs. Goblin Valley has RV spaces but no electric hookups, which may decide it for you in summer or winter.
Photographers
Stay in town. Factory Butte and the Bentonite Hills are close enough that you can shoot sunrise, come back to rest, back up your photos and charge batteries at midday, then head out again for sunset and stars.
Budget Travelers
Tent sites in town or at Goblin Valley, free BLM dispersed camping if you’re self-sufficient, or a vacation rental split among several people.
What to Check Before You Book
- Air conditioning for summer, when highs are near 100°F.
- Heating for winter and chilly spring and fall nights. Lows often drop below freezing.
- A fridge, microwave or kitchenette, since restaurant options are limited.
- Laundry for a dusty multi-day trip.
- Trailer and OHV parking if you’re towing.
- Pet policy. Rules vary by property, so confirm before you book.
- EV charging. It’s limited in this region, so confirm availability ahead of time.
- Accessible rooms. Ask about specific features, since options are limited.
- Self check-in and office hours, especially if you’re arriving late.
- Cancellation rules. Desert weather can change your plans.
How Many Nights Should You Stay in Hanksville?
Two to three nights is ideal for most first-time visitors. One night is fine if you’re passing through, but you’ll miss the best light. Two nights covers the badlands and Goblin Valley. Three nights adds Capitol Reef and room for weather changes. Four or more suits photographers, OHV riders and anyone heading into the Henry Mountains or Horseshoe Canyon.
Whatever you do, stay overnight rather than driving through at midday. The badlands, Goblin Valley and the night sky are all at their best at sunrise, sunset and after dark. For ideas on how to fill your days, see our guide to the best things to do in Hanksville, Utah.
When to Book
Book early for spring (March to May) and fall (September to October). Those are the most popular months for exploring, and with so few rooms in town, they fill up even when Hanksville doesn’t feel busy. Spring break, Easter, holiday weekends and Utah’s fall school break in October are the hardest dates. Summer and winter are easier to book, but some businesses cut hours or close in the off-season, so check before you go. Our guide to the best time to visit Hanksville, Utah covers each month in detail.
Food and Supplies
Hanksville has a few places to eat, like Stan’s Burger Shak, Outlaws Roost and Duke’s Slickrock Grill, plus convenience stores and gas, but no full supermarket. Bring breakfast food, snacks, lunch supplies and plenty of water, and use a cooler. If your room has a kitchenette, you’ll be glad on those pre-dawn mornings.
Tips Before You Book
- Book where you’ll spend your days. Hanksville for the badlands and Goblin Valley, Torrey for Capitol Reef.
- You’ll need a car. Every attraction requires driving, some on remote dirt roads.
- Download offline maps. Cell service fades quickly outside town.
- Arrive with a full tank. Gas is scarce in every direction.
- Expect simple, not fancy. Hanksville is about the landscape, not the lobby.
For details on every destination you can reach from your room, see our guide to the best places to visit near Hanksville, Utah.
Related Guides
Here’s where to go next as you plan the rest of your trip:
- Capitol Reef From Hanksville, Utah
- Goblin Valley From Hanksville, Utah
- Moonscape Overlook, Utah
- Factory Butte, Utah
FAQ: Where to Stay in Hanksville, Utah
Where is the best place to stay in Hanksville, Utah?
Muddy Creek Mining Company is best for cabins with kitchenettes, Whispering Sands Motel for a simple motel room, and Duke’s RV Park or Hanksville RV & Marine for RVs.
Are there hotels in Hanksville, Utah?
Yes, but only a few. Lodging is mostly small motels, cabins, RV parks and vacation rentals, with no large chain hotels.
Is Hanksville a good base for Goblin Valley?
Yes. Goblin Valley is about 40 to 45 minutes away on paved roads, and Hanksville gives you food, fuel and a real bed.
Should I stay in Hanksville or Torrey?
Stay in Hanksville for Factory Butte, the Moonscape Overlook, Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Canyon. Stay in Torrey if Capitol Reef is your main focus.
Can you stay inside Goblin Valley State Park?
Yes. The park has 24 developed campsites and two yurts. Reservations open four months ahead, and there are no electric hookups.
Is there free camping near Hanksville?
Yes, on much of the surrounding BLM land. Use existing sites, pack out everything, avoid washes, and check local rules, since some areas such as Temple Mountain require designated sites.
Where can I stay with an RV in Hanksville?
Duke’s RV Park has full hookups and showers, and Hanksville RV & Marine suits big rigs, boats and OHVs. Goblin Valley has RV spaces without hookups.
How many nights should I stay in Hanksville?
Two nights for the main sights, three if you want to add Capitol Reef and have some flexibility for weather.
Do I need to book Hanksville lodging in advance?
Yes, especially in spring, fall and on holiday weekends. There are very few rooms, so they fill quickly.
What if Hanksville is fully booked?
Try Green River (about an hour north, with chain hotels) or Torrey (about an hour west), or camp at Goblin Valley or on BLM land.
Where I’d Stay on a First Trip
For a first visit, stay in Hanksville for two or three nights. That choice matters more than which room you pick. Take a Muddy Creek cabin if you want space and a kitchen, Whispering Sands if you just need a clean bed, and Duke’s or Hanksville RV & Marine if you’re rolling in with an RV. Then, if you can, spend one night in a Goblin Valley yurt and watch the stars come out over the hoodoos.
The best place to stay in Hanksville isn’t the fanciest. It’s the one that gets you out to the desert at sunrise and back in time for the stars.