Desert Camping

Desert Camping

Discover the magic of desert camping. Dramatic landscapes, star-filled skies, and serene solitude.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: October - April
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Desert Camping by State

ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoNevadaNew MexicoOregonTexasUtah
Top Picks

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Devils Garden Campground

Devils Garden Campground

Arches National Park · Moab, UT

Towering sandstone fins and ancient arches surround your campsite beneath twisted junipers and fragrant pinyon pines, where prickly pear and yucca thrive in the red rock amphitheater.

4.7(627 reviews)
Verified
2
Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Canyonlands National Park · Moab, UT

Towering sandstone spires and ancient junipers frame your nights under some of Utah's darkest skies, where the Milky Way stretches unobstructed across the desert horizon.

4.7(305 reviews)
Verified
3
Jumbo Rocks Campground

Jumbo Rocks Campground

Joshua Tree National Park · Twentynine Palms, CA

Massive honey-colored boulders tower like buildings, creating intimate camping alcoves among groves of otherworldly Joshua trees in this high-desert sculpture garden.

4.6(1222 reviews)

About This Landscape

Desert camping offers some of the most spectacular and otherworldly outdoor experiences in the United States, where vast landscapes of sand, stone, and sky create an environment unlike any other. From the iconic red rock formations of Utah's canyon country to the towering saguaros of Arizona's Sonoran Desert, and from the boulder-studded wonderlands of California's Joshua Tree to the remote wilderness of Texas's Big Bend, desert campgrounds provide access to landscapes shaped by millions of years of geological forces.

Best Time

The optimal desert camping season varies by region and elevation, but generally fall through spring offers the most comfortable conditions across most desert environments. October through November and March through April provide ideal temperatures in lower elevation deserts like Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego, and Big Bend, with daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F and pleasant evenings perfect for campfires.

Scenery Highlights

  • Unique desert landscapes
  • World-class stargazing
  • Mild winter temperatures
  • Solitude and wide-open spaces

Explore Desert Camping Nationwide

Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters20+ desert campgrounds
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Plan Your Trip

Popular Activities

Hiking through slot canyons and desert trailsRock climbing on granite boulders and sandstone formationsStargazing under dark desert skiesPhotography of landscapes, sunrises, and sunsetsWildlife viewing including bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and desert birdsExploring geological formations and ancient rock art

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Desert camping requires specific preparation and respect for harsh environmental conditions that can quickly become dangerous without proper planning.
  • 2Always carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, and double that amount for summer camping or strenuous hiking—dehydration is the number one safety concern in desert environments.
  • 3Pack sun protection including wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts, and high-SPF sunscreen, as desert sun intensity exceeds most other environments due to elevation and lack of atmospheric moisture.
  • 4Temperatures can swing 40-50 degrees between day and night, so bring layered clothing including warm jackets even for spring and fall trips.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Desert Camping

Desert Camping FAQ

Desert camping offers dramatic landscapes, incredible stargazing (some of the darkest skies in America), unique geological formations, and serene solitude. The wide-open spaces and minimal light pollution create unforgettable night skies.

Fall through spring is ideal for desert camping when temperatures are moderate. Winter offers mild daytime temps and cold nights. Summer camping is possible at higher desert elevations but requires careful preparation for extreme heat.

We list 20+ desert campgrounds across the Southwest, including the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts. From developed campgrounds to primitive boondocking sites.

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