Desert View Campground
Inside the park · 26 miles east of the Village
Small, first-come during shoulder season. Trades amenities for silence and darker skies.
Price
$12
per night
Booking
Good odds
Type
Campground
You'll book on Recreation.gov. We don't handle reservations.
Score breakdown
Weighted from seven categories.
Why it scores this way
Desert View scores high on everything except comfort. You give up showers and laundry, but the sunset from the rim, the dark skies and $12/night more than earn it back.
See methodology →Best for
- Sunset chasers
- Dark sky viewing
- Anyone avoiding Village crowds
- Small-RV solo travelers
Good to know before booking
- No showers or laundry — plan a mid-trip stop at Mather if you need them
- Sunset from Desert View Watchtower is the highlight
- Some seasons are first-come only — call the visitor center
- 26-mile drive back to Grand Canyon Village
Best time to camp here
- Best months
- April – October
- Higher demand
- Summer weekends
- Weather note
- Cooler than the desert below; nights drop into the 40s even in summer.
Amenities
Essentials
- Toilets
Site features
- Firepits
- Picnic tables
Rules & extras
- Dark sky area
Tags
Location
Desert View, AZ
Inside the park · 26 miles east of the Village
36.045° N, 111.826° W
Open in Google MapsNearby alternatives
Three campgrounds close by, each with a different trade-off.
Data note. Scores are editorial estimates from published park data, amenity lists and seasonal booking patterns — not live availability. Booking availability shown on partner sites is authoritative.
Disclosure. CampingPoints may earn a commission when you book through some partner links. This never affects a campground's score or ranking.
Last reviewed: January 2026
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