How much does camping cost at Desert View Campground?

Camping fees at Desert View Campground range from $18-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Desert View Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Desert View Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Desert View Campground before I book?

Yes! Desert View Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Desert View Campground?

Desert View Campground is open April 12, 2025 - October 12, 2025. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Desert View Campground?

Desert View Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Desert View Campground?

Fire policies at Desert View Campground: Campfires allowed in designated grills. Restrictions may apply during high winds or fire bans.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Desert View Campground?

Cell phone service at Desert View Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Desert View Campground have?

Desert View Campground has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Desert View Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Desert View Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Desert View Campground?

Desert View Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Desert View Campground

4.56

738 reviews

PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Grand Canyon National Park#2 Grand Canyon Desert Camping Arizona +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Desert View Campground is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Desert View Campground

$18.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites at the Desert View Campground are $18.00 per night.

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(928) 638-7081John_Arnold@nps.gov

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Desert View Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

What Campers Say

4.56

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Desert View Campground

PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Desert View Campground

Fall brings the best conditions: daytime temps of 55-75°F, crisp visibility for canyon views, and lighter crowds than summer. Nights drop to 25-40°F, cold enough for campfires and warm sleeping bags. Monsoon season ends by September, reducing afternoon thunderstorms and lightning risk. Summer days are hot, nights surprisingly cool. Spring can bring frost and occasional snow dusting the junipers. Pack layers year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in AZ

Fall called best: crisp visibility, mild days (55-75°F), lighter crowds and excellent views.

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

Desert View Campground sits on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. The campground has 50 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet, priced $18-30 per night. Sites are first-come, first-served and fill quickly in peak season. The canyon rim is a half-mile walk from camp.

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 Significance

Women's History

The Desert View Watchtower stands nearby, architect Mary Jane Colter's 1932 design blending Native American motifs with canyon views. The Tusayan Ruin and Museum preserves 800-year-old stone foundations from Ancestral Puebloan residents who lived here before European contact.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions: daytime temps of 55-75°F, crisp visibility for canyon views, and lighter crowds than summer. Nights drop to 25-40°F, cold enough for campfires and warm sleeping bags. Monsoon season ends by September, reducing afternoon thunderstorms and lightning risk. Summer days are hot, nights surprisingly cool. Spring can bring frost and occasional snow dusting the junipers. Pack layers year-round.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies pinyon-juniper woodland at 7,463 feet elevation, less than half a mile from the canyon's edge. Most sites have shade from these hardy desert trees. The canyon itself reveals two billion years of geology in distinct color bands: yellow sandstone, orange shale, red limestone, violet schist. Elk wander through camp at dawn. Mule deer browse nearby, coyotes call at twilight, and lizards sun themselves on rocks. Clear night skies here are exceptional for stargazing.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites loop beneath pinyon and juniper trees. Spacing varies. Most accommodate six people, two tents, and either two vehicles or one RV. Restrooms and water faucets are centrally located. No showers on-site. The nearest showers and laundry are 26 miles away at Mather Campground.

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.

AccessibilityThe campground has ADA-accessible restrooms. Several sites are relatively flat, which may be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site 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.

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 SitesSites 46-48 are recommended for access to trails leading to sunrise viewpoints. Site 20 offers spacious space near amenities.

Need help booking Desert View Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Camp Store

RV details

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

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated grills. Restrictions may apply during high winds or fire bans.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced after 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located at Grand Canyon Village, approximately 23 miles (37 km) west of the campground.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available but recycling bins are not explicitly mentioned. One reviewer noted, 'No recycling, but a very loud trash dumpster.'

Water FeaturesLess than 0.5 miles from the Colorado River visible from the canyon rim.

Camp HostHosts are generally helpful, offering assistance and insights on nearby attractions. However, mixed reviews mention rude behavior by certain hosts.

Weather at Desert View Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

738 reviews

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...

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...

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 -...

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...

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.'...

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....

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