Sand defines the experience at Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping. The dirt road off UT-12 at mile marker 70 pulls campers onto a plateau above Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where sites are strung along several miles of sandy track and canyon edges drop away to the north and east. It is free, managed by the BLM, and leaves no shortage of room to spread out, provided campers are willing to drive past the first occupied spots.
Sites vary considerably depending on how far in you go. The first half-mile has a handful of flat, accessible spots that fill quickly on weekends and even mid-week in peak season. Push further, around two miles in, and the road opens to larger clearings with fire rings, extra firewood left by previous campers, and enough space for a group of four to six vehicles. Several sites sit right at the cliff edge, with open sightlines across canyon washes and unobstructed views at sunset and sunrise. Marycatmathis puts it simply: "spots were full but keep driving and you'll find a great view, no problem."
The sand is the main practical variable. It is deep in places, and at least one reviewer found certain spurs impassable without high clearance. Most 2WD vehicles with reasonable ground clearance handled the main road without issue, but soft sandy pullouts should be scouted on foot before committing. Wind picks up in the afternoon at elevation, and campfire restrictions apply at certain times of year. Cell service is inconsistent; Verizon users have reported no signal. Wildlife is present, including cattle further down the road and, based on at least one recent account, mountain lion tracks near the sites.
Nearby dispersed options include Spencer Flat Road BLM Dispersed — Grand Staircase-Escalante NM and Little Spencer Flat, both within a short distance. BLM Dispersed off SR 12 — Head of the Rocks is another close alternative for those who find Spencer Flat full. Campers staging trips through the region can also browse places to camp near Escalante for a broader look at what the corridor has available.
Bring water, pack out trash, and plan to arrive with enough daylight to scout a site. The plateau rewards those who take the time to find their spot.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSpencer Flat Dispersed Camping is located in Utah near Escalante
Coordinates
37.72500034 N
111.44300036 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/29/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/7/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/29/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Spencer Flat Dispersed Camping - Grand Staircase Nat Mon needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 58 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 44 min from Provo, UT
- 4 hrs 6 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 5 hrs 20 min from Flagstaff, AZ


































