How much does camping cost at Desert View Campground?

Camping fees at Desert View Campground are $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.

What is the best time to visit Desert View Campground?

Desert View Campground is open April 11 to October 18. 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.

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

Top 12% in AZFall

A-Report Card

Scenic ViewsStargazing

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

Quick Facts

7,463 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open mid-April throu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,463 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open mid-April throu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Desert View Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV or Tent Site: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(928) 638-7081John_Arnold@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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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).

Weather at Desert View Campground

Current alerts(3)

Pets. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times and may not be left unattended.
Reservations required. Due to high demand, Desert View Campground requires advanced reservations during the season from April to October. You may book reservations up to 6 months in advance.
Sites accommodate tents or small RV's . RV's or travel trailers may not exceed a maximum 30 ft (9 m) total length, measured from the front bumper to the rear bumper of vehicle or trailer.

Best Time to Camp at Desert View Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F), crisp, clear skies for canyon visibility, and significantly lighter crowds than midsummer—perfect for long rim hikes, photography at golden hour, and wildlife viewing. Daytime warmth makes trails comfortable while cool nights (often 25–40°F) are ideal for campfires and star‑gazing. Monsoon season has passed by September/October, so afternoon thunderstorms and lightning risks are much reduced and road conditions are at Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 12% in AZ

Fall cited as best season: mild temps, clear skies, lighter crowds—ideal canyon visibility.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 11 to October 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-April through mid-October. Closed during the off-season.

About Desert View Campground

Desert View Campground sits on the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, within walking distance of the historic Desert View Watchtower and canyon overlooks. Operated by the National Park Service, this high-elevation alpine campground accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive setups during peak season. Campers use the site as a base for rim hiking, photography at sunrise and sunset, and stargazing under dark skies.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically 55–75°F), crisp, clear skies for canyon visibility, and significantly lighter crowds than midsummer—perfect for long rim hikes, photography at golden hour, and wildlife viewing. Daytime warmth makes trails comfortable while cool nights (often 25–40°F) are ideal for campfires and star‑gazing. Monsoon season has passed by September/October, so afternoon thunderstorms and lightning risks are much reduced and road conditions are at Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7463 ft above sea level

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.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available at Desert View Campground. Campground facilities are limited to dry camping sites for tents and smaller RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThe 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or through the toll-free call center at 1-877-444-6777.

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.

Best CampsitesSites 20, 46, 48, and 34 get mentioned in reviews for trail proximity and canyon access. Arrive early. Some sites are more spacious and private than others, shielded by vegetation, but a few spots sit close to neighbors.

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

All campsites are dry sites. No utility, water, or sewer hook-ups are available. Each site does have a campfire grill for fires and cooking use and a picnic table. There are two water faucets located within the campground. There are men's, women's, and accessible restrooms in the campground. The restrooms have flushing toilets and sinks (no hot water). Desert View has no showers, laundromat, or dump station.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Desert View Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Several nearby trails, including one from sites 46–48 to a sunrise viewpoint; used as base for rim hiking.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Rim overlooks, sunrise/sunset viewpoints, and layered canyon geology make it top-tier for photos.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available in some parts of the campground, though coverage may be spotty. One user commented, 'Not going to lie when reading about this campground through the NPS app it said there would be no cell phone service, but we most definitely had phone service!'

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 738 reviews.

Campsite 47Loved
Bring your own firewood.' Campsite 47: 'Plenty of shade.
Campsite 31Loved
Great for sunrise views.' Campsite 31: 'The trail leads to some amazing views.
Campsite 34Mentioned
Campsite 34: 'Very nice campground that comes with the bonfire.

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

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