Desert View Campground

Star4.58
738 reviews
PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

7,463 ft

Price

$18 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open mid-April throu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Desert View Campground
$18.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $18 per night, with a 50% discount for holders of Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Golden Age Passport, and Golden...
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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

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Provider
(928) 638-7081John_Arnold@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 738 reviews

303 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanfriendlywell-maintained

"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."

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Campground Map

PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Desert View Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Desert View Campground

Experience 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; high demand, hot days but cool nights and excellent stargazing reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Spring and fall are popular for milder weather and excellent views; reviewers favor these seasons.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is popular with milder temps and good access to rim viewpoints and trails.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-October through mid-April; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 12, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open mid-April through mid-October. Closed during the off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Park closures affect specific trails. Silver Bridge, River Trail, Plateau Point are currently closed.

About Desert View 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.
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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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
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.
HikingThe 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.'
BikingThe area supports biking activities, with roads leading to the Desert View Watchtower and other viewpoints.
Wildlife viewingWildlife 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 ProgramsThe 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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 at Desert View Campground

Reviews

4.6
738 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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 738 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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Based on 738 reviews

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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Based on 738 reviews

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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Based on 738 reviews

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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Based on 738 reviews

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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Based on 738 reviews

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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Based on 738 reviews

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 738 reviews

Pet-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 738 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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