Echo Campground

For Utah locals who cherish the raw, untamed beauty of the desert and seek an authentic, no-frills camping experience amidst world-class recreation, Echo Campground in Moab is an ideal destination. Located within the renowned Sand Flats Recreation Area, this campground offers a truly "bare bones" feel, as one satisfied camper described it, allowing visitors to deeply connect with the stunning red rock landscape without the distractions of modern amenities. Echo Campground is a perfect base for adventurers eager to tackle Moab's famous slickrock trails, explore challenging 4x4 routes, or simply revel in the expansive views and peaceful solitude that define this unique corner of Utah. It's a place where the dramatic interplay of light and shadow on the sandstone formations creates a constantly evolving masterpiece, making every moment an unforgettable part of your Moab journey.

Echo Campground is located within the Sand Flats Recreation Area, just a short drive from the vibrant town of Moab, UT 84532, USA. To reach the campground from downtown Moab, you'll generally head east on Mill Creek Drive, which turns into Sand Flats Road. The Sand Flats Entrance Station, where a fee is typically collected, is approximately 2 miles along Sand Flats Road. Echo Campground is situated about 2 miles further east from this entrance station, on the right or south side of the road. The roads within Sand Flats Recreation Area, including access to Echo Campground, are generally well-maintained, but they are unpaved and can be dusty. While the campground is designed for a primitive experience, it is accessible for a variety of vehicles, including vans and smaller RVs (up to 35-40 feet in some areas, though sites in Echo are often described as "small sites" and not suitable for "big rigs"). Its proximity to Moab (only about five miles from downtown) means that while you feel completely immersed in the wilderness, you're still conveniently close enough for quick trips into town for supplies, dining, or other services. This balance of secluded natural beauty and convenient access makes Echo Campground particularly appealing for locals looking for an easy escape to the iconic Moab scenery.

Echo Campground, consistent with the primitive nature of the Sand Flats Recreation Area, offers minimal facilities, encouraging campers to embrace a self-sufficient approach to their outdoor adventure.

• Campsites: Echo Campground features individual campsites (first-come, first-served) and also includes two reservable group campsites (E-1 and E-10). These sites are spacious and spread out, designed to provide a sense of privacy and prevent overcrowding. Sites typically include a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a grill. Some sites may even have "pre-made shelters" or shade structures, which are valuable in the desert environment.

• Restrooms: Vault toilets (pit toilets) are provided for convenience throughout the campground. While basic, these facilities are essential for responsible waste management in this fragile ecosystem.

• No Potable Water: Crucially, Echo Campground does not provide potable (drinking) water. Campers must bring all the water they need for their entire stay, or be prepared to make regular trips into Moab town to replenish supplies. This is a vital planning consideration.

• No Trash Services: Echo Campground operates under a strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy. There are no trash cans or trash collection services directly within the campground. Visitors are responsible for packing out all their waste, including food scraps and gray water. A recycling area is noted as being "halfway down the hill into town on the left."

• Generator Hours: Generators are permitted during specific hours, typically from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, allowing for some power usage while maintaining quiet hours for others.

• Vehicle Accommodation: While many sites can accommodate various sizes, reviewers note that Echo is better suited for tents, vans, or smaller trailers, rather than "big rigs" or vehicles longer than 40 feet. All vehicles and trailers must fit within the assigned parking area, and campers are limited to 2 vehicles per site and 10 people per site.

Echo Campground’s allure lies in its dramatic natural features and its direct access to some of Moab’s most iconic recreational opportunities.

• Stunning Red Rock Scenery: The campground is set amidst a breathtaking landscape of slickrock domes, fins, and canyons, with sweeping views that extend for miles. The ever-changing light on these formations, especially at sunrise and sunset, creates a truly "beautiful" and "unforgettable" visual experience, as described by visitors.

• Proximity to Slickrock Bike Trail: Echo Campground is exceptionally close to the world-renowned Slickrock Bike Trail, a bucket-list destination for mountain bikers globally. Direct access to this and nearly 40 miles of other off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails makes it an ideal base for biking, 4x4, and dirt biking enthusiasts.

• Spacious and Secluded Sites: Despite its popularity, the campground is "really spread out," ensuring that campers "don't feel crowded in the least bit." This provides a sense of privacy and connection to nature that is often difficult to find in more developed campgrounds.

• Views of the La Sal Mountains: In addition to the sandstone formations, the majestic, often snow-capped La Sal Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, adding another layer of scenic beauty to the experience.

• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution and clear desert skies, Echo Campground offers fantastic opportunities for stargazing, allowing campers to witness a seemingly "unlimited" array of stars.

• Hiking and Exploration: Beyond the famous bike and 4x4 trails, the Sand Flats Recreation Area offers numerous opportunities for hiking and exploring the unique desert environment on foot. The landscape itself is an invitation to discovery.

• "How Camping Should Be": As one reviewer noted, the "bare bones" feel of Echo Campground contributes to an authentic camping experience, appealing to those who prefer simplicity and self-reliance over extensive amenities.

For general inquiries about Echo Campground or the Sand Flats Recreation Area, or for group site reservations, please use the following contact information.

• Address: Moab, UT 84532, USA (Located within the Sand Flats Recreation Area, managed by Grand County in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM))

• Phone (Grand County - Sand Flats Recreation Area): (435) 259-2444

• Mobile Phone (same as above): +1 435-259-2444

• Email: abrand@grandcountyutah.net (for Grand County Sand Flats staff inquiries)

• Website: Official information and group site reservations can be found through Grand County Utah's website (grandcountyutah.net) or Recreation.gov by searching for "Sand Flats Recreation Area."

• Reservations: While most individual sites are first-come, first-served, the two group sites (E-1 and E-10) within Echo Campground are reservable via Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to check for current availability and make reservations for group sites well in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall).

For Utah locals, Echo Campground is a quintessential Moab experience that offers an accessible yet rugged adventure right in their backyard. Its proximity to downtown Moab means that even with its minimal facilities, a trip to resupply or enjoy town amenities is quick and easy. This balance is perfect for Utahns who appreciate true wilderness camping but also the convenience of being near a vibrant outdoor hub. The spread-out, private sites provide a welcome escape from more crowded areas, allowing for genuine tranquility and a deep connection to the breathtaking red rock environment. For local mountain bikers and 4x4 enthusiasts, Echo Campground's direct access to the Sand Flats Recreation Area's world-renowned trails is an unparalleled advantage. It fosters a sense of self-reliance and environmental responsibility with its "pack it in, pack it out" policy, aligning with the Leave No Trace principles many Utah locals value. Echo Campground truly embodies the spirit of raw, authentic Utah camping, making it a beloved spot for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the iconic landscapes that define their home state.

Echo Campground

Moab, UT 84532, USA