Sand Flats Recreation Area — Moab Slickrock Staging Camp

Sand Flats sits on a sandstone bench east of Moab and is the go-to basecamp for overlanders running the Kane Creek corridor, Hell’s Revenge, or the Slickrock trail system. Dispersed sites are spread across the area with no hookups, no water, and minimal shade — this is desert camping, bring everything. The views back toward the La Sal Mountains and the Colorado River canyon make up for the sparse amenities. Fee area: $15/night as of last check, pay at the self-serve kiosk at the gate. Sites fill hard on holiday weekends from March through May and September through October.

Access via Sand Flats Road off 400 East in Moab. Pavement ends at the fee station, then it’s graded gravel and slickrock two-track. High-clearance recommended; plenty of 2WD trucks make it to the front sites but 4WD opens up better real estate. No on-site water — town is 10 minutes back down the hill. Cell service is functional on most of the mesa.

Slickrock basecamp above Moab.