Sand Flats Recreation Area — Attraction in Moab

Many of the other reviews out there make it seem really complicated to get a campsites in Sand Flats - it’s not! It’s easy and you’re going to have a great time! When you arrive, you tell the people at the booth you want to camp and they’ll either have you pay then if they know there are sites available, or they’ll let you in to look around for a site that’s open. If you find one, you claim it by leaving something there and go back to the booth to pay/get your tag. It’s $15/night, per car. Extra fees for trailers, etc.

There are a bunch of different campground loops. A, B, C, and D are the closest to the entry booth and accessible by mostly paved roads; E-J are deeper in. Each has several labeled sites (letter+number), all of which are first come first serve through the process above. Note: there are a few big group sites, which are the only sites you can reserve in advance. There are lots of types of spots with different sizes and features - all can accommodate a car and a tent - only some can accommodate bigger campers and trailers. There’s not a ton of privacy - you’ll probably be able to see other sites from yours. That said, there are some real gems with cool rock formations, trees, etc., and all have picnic tables and fire rings.

There’s solid LTE and 5G cell service in some of the sites - especially the loops with early letters in the alphabet.

There are clean, not-smelly, well-cared for vault toilets with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and locking doors for privacy distributed in every loop. There are also some old school toilets that are just fenced in with no roof - exciting/terrifying!

Be aware: You’re going to hear dirt bikes, jeeps, and 4-wheelers from time to time, or depending on your loop/site, a lot. It’s possible to have a pretty peaceful time if you choose your site wisely, but this whole area unfortunately attracts people who like loud things, so at the very least, you’ll encounter these vehicles on the road and/or parking at sites near yours. If you’re like me and kind of hate that, just try to let your mind drift across the unbelievably beautiful landscape and carry on. It’s truly gorgeous out here and good people have made a lovely place to camp.

Bring your own water! There’s none available anywhere in Sand Flats. (Free water filling is available at Gear Heads in town.) Also bring your own wood and prepare to pack out your trash. A couple parking lots have dumpsters but they aren’t in the camp loops.

All in all, this is a very cool place to camp simply. It’s affordable, well-kept, and in a stunning area. You’re close to town, but in the magnificent desert, your phone will probably will work, and you can go to the bathroom comfortably. Thanks Sand Flats crew and good luck out...

My son and I have been exploring the western U.S. on a 4 week road trip. We've visited so many remarkable places and met wonderful people throughout the trip which included the beautiful City of Moab and it's wonderful people. Until, we met with just one person at the MIC (Moab Information Center). Never have I ever felt the judgmental condescending demeanor from one person in such a public position. I'm of Filipino descent, born and raised in the U.S., proudly served my country as a soldier and served my community as a Police Officer. I continuously teach my child to be a proud American regardless of our ethnicity. The second I made contact with Peggy, I noted a stand offish attitude while discouraging my visit to the trails by a verbal barrier at every question without any other offer or advise. Trying to get information from her about "The Sand Flats Recreation Area" was like pulling teeth one tooth at a time. Peggy doesn't know what our Motocross or trail experience is nor is it her duty to decide for us what attraction we should visit or not visit. She withheld a "Sand Flats trail book" from me that she clutched tightly in her hand as I was simply asking about the Trails. My son and I walked out and ended up gathering the information that we seeked about The Sand Flats Recreation Area from a local with directions and a drawn map to the location! I understand one persons personal beliefs is not a fair representation of all Moab and it's citizens. One can only strongly assume racial profiling and I suggest if you even look like a foreigner of this Country not to make contact with Peggy of the Moab Information Center. She has a hard time concealing what she feels about those of a darker persuasion and lacks self awareness ... btw, the MIC deleted this review from their FB page which speaks volumes of their lack of integrity when dealing with people who post...

Went here with a rented KRX 1000 and had a ton of fun. You can purchase a $5 day pass online, but it is easier to pay at the booth. $10 for a week pass. Card only, they don’t accept cash for some reason. Decent bathrooms (no running water) at Hell’s revenge trailhead and throughout the various campgrounds.

I’m a beginner in off-roading but successfully completed Hell’s revenge (no obstacles) and fins n things and baby lions back. Make sure to get out and walk the trail to choose the best path if you are unsure. I had to walk a few times and am glad I did because there are some really challenging drop offs that a KRX probably couldn’t handle (ex on Baby lions back at the end if you go left there’s a massive drop off, but if you go straight and let it roll downhill using engine braking you can make it fine). Also, knowing exactly where your wheels are will help you pick the best route. Mountain biking has taught me how to choose the best route well.

Hells revenge was much more enjoyable than fins and things. There are more technical drop offs in fins and it is much more bumpy. Me and my wife both enjoyed hells revenge much more. We went on a Tuesday and there were very few people out, and we only had to wait a few times, but the people usually let us by since we were going faster in our KRX :) the trails are marked well, and if you get lost consult your map (bring a map and water!) or ask a Jeep guy/gal where you are. Bring sunscreen and wrap a cool t shirt of microfiber towel soaked with ice water to stay cool. Heat exhaustion is no fun. Bring lots of water in a cooler with ice, unless you like warm...