Sand Flats Recreation Area Group Campsites
4.36102 reviews125 E. Center St., Moab, UT, USA
Sand Flats Recreation Area Group Campsites
$80.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee for group campsites is $80. Reservation fees vary based on booking methods, and additional fees apply for late cancellations, changes, and no-shows.
About this campground
Perched atop Utah's iconic slickrock terrain, Sand Flats Recreation Area Group Campsites serve as your gateway to an otherworldly landscape where crimson sandstone domes rise like ancient monuments and the snow-capped La Sal Mountains paint the horizon. This high-desert sanctuary has become a mecca for mountain bikers seeking the legendary Slickrock Trail and off-road adventurers drawn to the area's seemingly endless network of challenging routes through sculpted stone corridors.
The Sand Flats Recreation Area Group Campsites cater primarily to group camping with facilities suited for tents, small RVs, and vans. There is no provision for luxury camping or individual primitive camping.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this high desert into a land of extremes, where mercury climbs between the mid-90s and a sizzling 105°F under the relentless southwestern sun, before cooling to perfect stargazing temperatures after dark. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, offering crisp mornings and warm afternoons ideal for outdoor adventures. Winter brings its own stark beauty, with cold temperatures that occasionally dust the red rocks with snow, creating a photographer's paradise.
ElevationFrom these elevated flats, the world unfolds in panoramic splendor, where your campsite becomes a natural observation deck overlooking a geological masterpiece carved by millions of years of wind and water.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to a sunrise that sets the slickrock domes ablaze with color, their smooth, petrified surfaces glowing like embers against the deep blue sky. Towering sandstone fins create natural sculptures that change character with every shift of light, while the distant La Sal Mountains stand sentinel on the horizon. Ancient pinyon pines and gnarled junipers dot the landscape, their weathered forms offering pockets of shade and adding splashes of green to the red rock canvas.
Geological RegionThis extraordinary landscape reads like pages from Earth's geological diary, where massive slickrock domes and razor-thin fins tell stories spanning millions of years. The sandstone canyons carve deep grooves through the plateau, creating a labyrinth of stone that contrasts dramatically with the 13,000-foot La Sal Mountains looming in the distance. Scattered pinyon and juniper trees cling to life in this harsh environment, their sparse canopies providing welcome respites of shade across the sun-baked stone wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not detailed, but the sites include flat parking areas, and certain loops are closer to the main road.
Sites SizeGroup sites accommodate up to 16 people. Datura A, B, D, and E-1 can accommodate six passenger cars or two to three RVs/trucks with trailers, while Datura C and E-10 have smaller parking areas for four cars or one RV/truck with trailer.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited, as most sites are visible from others. However, some sites offer better seclusion due to rock formations or tree cover.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, select larger group sites like Datura D. For proximity to trails, Echo Campground E-1 offers easy access.
Best CampsitesGroup sites Datura A, B, C, D, and Echo Campground E-1 and E-10 are popular due to their spacious layouts and proximity to trails.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
All group sites accommodate up to 16 people.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 16 people with varying vehicle limits depending on the site. Some sites have smaller parking areas that can only handle four cars or one RV/truck with trailer.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites include shade structures, picnic tables, and fire rings. Parking configurations vary by site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season is January 1 through December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFor non-reservable sites, campers can claim a site by leaving an item and paying at the booth.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellation penalties include forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, including world-renowned mountain biking, off-highway vehicle trails, and opportunities for hiking and stargazing. Nearby attractions such as Arches and Canyonlands National Parks add to the diversity of activities.
Hiking
The Slickrock Bike Trail within the recreation area is a major attraction. While primarily famous for biking, it offers hiking opportunities as well. Other trails like Juniper Trail allow for exploring local rock formations and enjoying scenic views.Biking
The Slickrock Bike Trail is a globally recognized mountain biking destination offering challenging terrain. Other trails in the recreation area also cater to biking enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
There are opportunities to see wildlife such as ravens, chipmunks, and possibly coyotes. Campers are warned to secure food to avoid attracting animals.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly outlined, but reviews suggest cold temperatures and fewer crowds during the winter months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable to this location.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed; campers must bring or purchase firewood in town.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsGusty winds can occur; ensure tents and gear are secured. Wildlife like ravens and chipmunks frequent the area; do not leave food out.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospitals and emergency services are within the city of Moab, 5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesYear-round peak season from January 1 to December 31.
Trash and recyclingCampers are expected to pack out their trash. A few parking lots have dumpsters, but these are not located within the camping loops.
Proximity to water featuresNo on-site water features. Proximity to the Colorado River, approximately 5 miles away.
Common complaintsNoise from off-road vehicles is a frequent concern, as well as issues with occupied reserved sites and confusion with site labeling.
Campground Map
125 E. Center St., Moab, UT, USA
Driving directionsDirections from Your Location: The Entrance Station for the Sand Flats Recreation Area is located around 3000 Sand Flats Rd. From the South: If heading north on Highway 191: Make a right onto 400 East at the stoplight with the gas station just past the intersection. Stay on 400 E for 1/2 mile, then turn right onto Mill Creek Drive. At the 3-way stop, go straight onto the Sand Flats Road. Stay on Sand Flats Road for 2 miles to the Sand Flats Entrance Station. To reach the reservable group campsites, Datura A is 1 mile past the Entrance Station, and Datura B is accessible via the next driveway after Datura campground turnoff. Datura C and D are located 1.5 miles east along Sand Flats Road, near the Fins and Things 4x4 Trail Staging Area. Echo Campground is 2 miles east along Sand Flats Road. From the North: Take exit #182 (Hwy 191) from I-70 and head south for approximately 30 miles into downtown Moab. Turn left onto 100 North Street, then right onto 400 East. Turn left onto Mill Creek Drive after 1/2 mile, and go straight at the 3-way stop onto Sand Flats Road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads leading to the Sand Flats Entrance Station. Internal roads to certain campsites may be unpaved but passable with standard vehicles.Nearby places
Moab (5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Moab, approximately 5 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
102 reviews
Sand Flats Recreation Area Group Campsites is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the beautiful scenery, access to trails, and clean facilities. Some complaints highlight noise from off-road vehicles and issues with site management.
Review Summaries
Based on 102 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the well-maintained vault toilets, stunning views, proximity to Moab, and recreational opportunities. Many reviews mention the "spectacular views" and "clean restrooms."
Based on 102 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise from off-road vehicles, lack of shade, limited privacy, and occasional management issues (e.g., double bookings or failure to enforce quiet hours) are recurring complaints.
Based on 102 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water available on-site. Campers suggest arriving early to choose the best sites, securing tents and gear against gusty winds, and avoiding low areas in...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter offers fewer crowds but colder conditions. Summer can be extremely hot, with daytime temperatures exceeding 105°F, but nights are pleasant. Spring and fall are the most popular camping seasons...
Based on 102 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The vault toilet was very clean and our neighbor campers were courteous." - Keith Everitt. "Bring your own water! There’s none available anywhere in Sand Flats." - Shannon Ferguson. "The sunsets...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Group Site Datura D is frequently praised for its spaciousness and proximity to trails. Echo Campground sites such as E-1 are noted for their cleanliness and ample space for tents and campers.
Based on 102 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not comprehensively addressed in reviews. However, some sites are noted as being closer to vault toilets and parking.
Based on 102 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with reviews indicating that the area is suitable for dogs. One reviewer mentioned walking their dog on local trails.
Based on 102 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025