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Grand Canyon/Desert View
Overview
Overview
Desert View Campground is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, offering a quintessential national park camping experience. Unlike private RV resorts, this site provides a rustic, immersive environment that places travelers right in the heart of the wilderness. Because it sits within the park boundaries, it is designed for those who prioritize immediate access to natural beauty over modern luxuries like full utility hookups or extensive resort-style facilities.
Location & Surroundings
Positioned near the eastern entrance of the park, Desert View serves as a quieter alternative to the bustling Mather Campground. The surroundings are dominated by pinon and juniper woodlands, providing a serene backdrop for your stay. You are situated mere minutes from the canyon edge, allowing for easy transitions from your campsite to some of the most breathtaking vistas found anywhere in the Arizona high desert landscape.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a dry camping facility, meaning you should arrive with your water tanks filled and batteries charged. Each site features a picnic table, a fire ring, and access to vault toilets throughout the loop. While you will not find electric or sewer hookups, the park is known for being big-rig friendly with spacious pull-through sites. Trash collection and potable water stations are available to maintain your basic needs during your stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary highlight is the nearby Desert View Watchtower, an architectural marvel designed by Mary Colter. Visitors can spend hours exploring the Desert View Point, which offers a unique perspective of the Colorado River winding through the canyon floor. Additionally, the area is perfect for stargazing at night, as the dark sky conditions in this part of the national park are among the most pristine in the United States.
Who This Park Is Best For
Desert View is ideal for self-sufficient RVers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a deeper connection with nature. It is perfect for travelers who value peace and quiet and prefer to be close to the park entrance for early morning hikes or sunset photography sessions. If you are comfortable boondocking without utilities, this location offers an authentic, unforgettable experience within one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.
Features & Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Candy's Garden
I got my military pass, which was beneficial since we took our dogs with us, & it may have been better not taking a pooch... Yep, spent around 10 mins checking out 2 spots for viewing. Our dogs are turds, so we took a few pix, vids, & left, checking off the Grand Canyon off the bucket list. We did see Elk right as you enter, & fat squirrels. Restrooms were decent, & hoping to go again one day without our dogs.
André Björnstad
Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the most celebrated natural wonders on Earth. The park encompasses 277 miles (446 km) of the river canyon, stretching up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and dropping a mile (1.6 km) deep, exposing nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history. Choosing how to experience the park typically depends on which "Rim" you plan to visit, as they offer vastly different perspectives, environments, and seasonal access. The Two Main Rims 1. The South Rim (The Classic Experience) Accessibility: Open 360 days a year, 24 hours a day. It is the most popular, developed, and heavily visited side of the canyon. Vibe: Bustling, historic, and highly panoramic. Key Viewpoints: Mather Point (right by the main visitor center), Yavapai Point (excellent for geology lovers), and Desert View (featuring Mary Colter’s historic 1932 Watchtower). Getting Around: A highly efficient, free shuttle bus system runs along the rim, connecting lodges, visitor centers, and major trailheads (like Bright Angel and South Kaibab). 2. The North Rim (The Rugged, Remote Alternative) Accessibility: Highly seasonal, typically open only from mid-May through mid-October due to heavy winter snowpack. Vibe: Much quieter, wilder, and less crowded. It sits at a higher elevation (over 8,000 feet / 2,438 meters), meaning it is cooler and heavily forested with aspen, birch, and ponderosa pine trees. Current Note: Following a significant wildfire (the Dragon Bravo Fire), the North Rim has reopened with restricted services. Paved scenic drives (like Cape Royal and Point Imperial) are fully accessible, but there is no indoor lodging available within the park on this rim; visitors focus primarily on day-use, camping, and backcountry hiking.
Patrick Walker
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is absolutely breathtaking! The views are spectacular in every direction, with endless layers of colorful rock formations and stunning scenery that photos simply can’t capture. Whether you’re watching the sunrise, sunset, or just taking in the incredible vistas throughout the day, every viewpoint offers something amazing. The trails are well maintained, the park is easy to navigate, and the sheer size and beauty of the canyon leave you in awe. This is truly one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world and a destination everyone should experience at least once. Highly recommended!
Annmarie verstraeten
With over 78,000,000+ views on my Google reviews as a Level 9 expert Google Reviewer, I always aim to give clear and honest feedback. Grand Canyon National Park lives up to everything people say about it. From Mather Point to Yavapai Point, Duck on a Rock Viewpoint, and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, every stop offered breathtaking and unforgettable views. It honestly feels like looking at a giant painting and photos simply do not do it justice. I loved how well everything was planned and connected, allowing visitors to walk between many of the viewpoints and enjoy different perspectives of the canyon. The park itself was well maintained and organized, making it easy to explore and enjoy the experience. For the more adventurous visitors, there are hiking opportunities down into the canyon as well. There were washrooms available throughout some areas, which was appreciated, although a few could use a little more attention when it comes to cleanliness and maintenance. Still, I was happy there were facilities open since some others were closed during our visit. Definitely bring water, take lots of photos, and allow yourself time to really take in the beauty. It is one of those places that leaves you speechless. Free to go in and places to park.
Paul Brothe
The park facilities and layout are very well designed. There are excellent viewing points. Mather point being the most popular, however the viewing places on Desert View road are well worth the time. The architecture in the park, both old and new is sensitive designed and maintained. The landscaping is well designed and maintained. The trails are kept in good condition. The staff is friendly and helpful, even when answering questions they must get many times each day. Truly a brilliant place. The canyon is without hype a wonder of the world. At all times of the day and in all kinds of weather it is awe inspiring. Everyone should come here at least once in their lifetime.