Desert View Campground
4.55284 reviewsPO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Desert View Campground
$18.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $18 per night, with a 50% discount for holders of Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Golden Age Passport, and Golden Access Passport. RV sites without hookups cost $30 per night during peak season (April to October).
About this campground
Escape to Desert View Campground, where 50 thoughtfully placed campsites await beneath a canopy of ancient pinyon and juniper trees. Just 23 miles east of the bustling Grand Canyon Village, this tranquil retreat welcomes tent campers and smaller RVs up to 30 feet, offering the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness. Here, the sounds of nature replace the crowds, and each site promises its own slice of high desert serenity.
Desert View Campground caters primarily to tent camping and smaller RVs. Group camping, cabins, and luxury glamping options are not available, maintaining a rustic and quiet atmosphere.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living museum where ancient stories whisper through the wind. Just moments away stands the iconic Desert View Watchtower, Mary Jane Colter's architectural masterpiece that marries Native American artistry with visionary design. Explore the nearby Tusayan Ruin and Museum, where 800-year-old stone foundations reveal the daily lives of the Ancestral Puebloan people who once called this sacred landscape home.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of desert weather at 7,400 feet, where blazing summer days give way to surprisingly cool nights that call for cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. Spring and fall bring their own magic—and occasional surprises—with possible snowflakes dusting the junipers and frost painting the morning landscape in crystalline beauty. Pack layers and prepare for Mother Nature's full repertoire.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 7,463 feet above sea level, Desert View Campground places you literally on top of the world. This lofty elevation brings crisp, pure air that fills your lungs with each breath, though newcomers may need a day to adjust to the altitude. The reward? Star-filled skies so clear you'll swear you can touch them, and temperatures that offer blessed relief from the desert heat below.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle rustling of pinyon pines and the sweet scent of juniper on the morning breeze. Most campsites nestle beneath these hardy desert sentinels, providing welcome shade during the day's warmth. A short half-mile stroll leads you to the canyon's edge, where sunrise paints the ancient rocks in liquid gold and sunset sets the world ablaze. Keep your camera ready—elk may wander through camp at dawn, while mule deer browse nearby. Coyotes sing their haunting songs at twilight, lizards bask on sun-warmed rocks, and a symphony of songbirds provides nature's soundtrack.
Geological RegionPerched on the magnificent South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Desert View Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring two billion years of Earth's autobiography written in stone. The landscape here tells an epic tale through its distinctive pinyon-juniper ecosystem, thriving less than half a mile from where the earth dramatically falls away into the canyon's depths. From your campsite, witness how ancient seas, rivers, and deserts left their signatures in layers of yellow sandstone, orange shale, red limestone, and violet schist—a rainbow of rock that chronicles our planet's incredible journey through time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has ADA-accessible restrooms. Several sites are relatively flat, which may be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size but are generally spacious enough to accommodate up to six people, two tents, and either two vehicles or one RV/travel trailer.
Sites PrivacySites offer moderate privacy, with some spaced farther apart and shielded by vegetation. However, a few reviews noted the proximity of campers at certain spots.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 46-48 are recommended for access to trails leading to sunrise viewpoints. Site 20 offers spacious space near amenities.
Best CampsitesHighlighted sites include 20, 46, 48, and 34 for proximity to trails and views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is after 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site permits a maximum of six persons.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in a loop format under pinyon and juniper trees. Restrooms and water faucets are centrally located.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-April through mid-October. Closed during the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or through the toll-free call center at 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityDesert View Campground does not hold back any campsites for first-come, first-served camping during peak season and does not have a waitlist or callback system.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. Reservation adjustments are permitted up to six times.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Desert View Campground offers a mix of peaceful and immersive recreational activities. Campers can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and biking. Its proximity to the Grand Canyon rim allows for breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset. The Desert View Watchtower and associated trails are highlights, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Hiking
The campground offers several nearby trails, including one leading from campsites 46-48 to a secluded sunrise viewpoint. Many reviewers highlighted the short walk to Desert View Watchtower and the rim for stunning views of the Grand Canyon. One user noted, 'There is a trail between 46-48 that leads to a nice sunrise spot. Very beautiful place.'Biking
The area supports biking activities, with roads leading to the Desert View Watchtower and other viewpoints.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant, with sightings of elk, mule deer, coyotes, lizards, songbirds, and even the endangered California condor. One camper stated, 'Spotted a group of deer 3 minutes from my campsite!'Cultural and Educational Programs
The Desert View Watchtower offers cultural insights, including ranger talks and presentations about the area's history and geology. One review featured a 'Ranger talk during sunset' as a highlight.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not featured prominently, but camping during the off-season may provide solitude and unique winter views of the Grand Canyon.Water Sports
The campground does not offer water sports activities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated grills. Restrictions may apply during high winds or fire bans.
- Quiet hours enforced after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include gusty winds, cold nighttime temperatures, and encounters with wildlife such as ravens and deer.
Active alertsPark closures affect specific trails. Silver Bridge, River Trail, Plateau Point are currently closed.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
The nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located at Grand Canyon Village, approximately 23 miles (37 km) west of the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 12, 2025 - October 12, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available but recycling bins are not explicitly mentioned. One reviewer noted, 'No recycling, but a very loud trash dumpster.'
Proximity to water featuresLess than 0.5 miles from the Colorado River visible from the canyon rim.
Common complaintsComplaints include tight campsites, lack of showers, and poor restroom cleanliness. Some reviews mention rude hosts.
HostHosts are generally helpful, offering assistance and insights on nearby attractions. However, mixed reviews mention rude behavior by certain hosts.
Campground Map
PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Driving directionsThe Desert View Campground is located in the Desert View Area, 23 miles (37 km) to the east of Grand Canyon Village and 28 miles west of Cameron, near the Desert View Gas Station.
Accessible via paved roads from Grand Canyon Village and Cameron. Roads require careful maneuvering for vehicles longer than 29 feet (8.8 m). Seasonal road conditions can be influenced by closures or weather, especially during winter months.Nearby places
Grand Canyon Village - 23 miles/37 km (approx. 30-minute drive), Cameron - 28 miles/45 km (approx. 35-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
A general store and gas station are located in the Desert View area, providing limited groceries and firewood. Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village, 26 miles (42 km) west, offers additional services like showers, laundry, and a dump station when open.
Camper Reviews
4.6
284 reviews
Desert View Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Desert View Campground is highly praised for its tranquil setting, cleanliness, and proximity to the Grand Canyon rim. Many users appreciated the spacious sites, helpful camp hosts, and the opportunity to stargaze in the clear night skies. However, some reviews highlighted issues like the lack of showers, occasional rude hosts, and the need for better site descriptions on reservation websites.
Review Summaries
Based on 284 reviews
What Campers Love
- Clean and well-maintained facilities - Proximity to the Grand Canyon rim and Desert View Watchtower - Quiet and family-friendly atmosphere - Responsive and helpful camp hosts - Excellent stargazing...
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Common Concerns
- No on-site showers and the nearest facility is far - Some campsites are uneven or poorly described on reservation platforms - Rude or overly strict camp hosts in isolated incidents - Limited cell...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early to secure the best sites - Bring your own firewood and prepare for self-sufficiency due to limited amenities - Visit the Desert View Watchtower for stunning sunsets and ranger talks -...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention the campground's high demand and the need to arrive early. Spring and fall are popular due to milder weather, while winter offers solitude but fewer services. Windy...
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Camper Quotes
- 'Bathrooms were clean, spring water to tap, beautiful, spacious and quiet campsites.' - 'Loved this campground. Clean. Quiet. Just a 4 minute walk from our tent to our own private view of the rim.'...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 34: 'Very nice campground that comes with the bonfire. Bring your own firewood.' Campsite 47: 'Plenty of shade. Great for sunrise views.' Campsite 31: 'The trail leads to some amazing views....
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Accessibility Features
Several users noted the accessible restrooms and relatively flat terrain of some sites. However, amenities are limited for those requiring additional support.
Based on 284 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and not left unattended. Some users cited noise from barking dogs as a disturbance.
Based on 284 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025