Photo: Grand Canyon National Park / CC BY 2.0

Campgrounds 7,463 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park at an altitude of 7,463 ft (2,275 m), Desert View Campground is located 23 miles (37 km) to the east of Grand Canyon Village. The Desert View area offers a peaceful setting. Most sites are sized to accommodate tents or smaller RV’s, or vehicles with travel trailers (30 ft./9 m total length). Vehicles over 29' in (8.8 m) total length may not be able to negotiate turns without damaging resources and/or vehicle/trailer. Due to high demand, Desert View Campground requires advanced reservations during its season, usually mid-April to mid-October. You may book reservations up to 6 months in advance. Desert View Campground does not hold back any campsites for first-come, first-served camping during peak season and does not have a wait list or call back system. You may book same day reservations here on Recreation.gov or through the toll-free call center at 1-877-444-6777. Recreation Wildlife Viewing Bicycling Photography Star Gazing and Night Sky Events Facilities There are a total of 50 campsites in the Desert View Campground. Most sites can accommodate tents or SMALL RV's or travel Trailers. Sites can not accommodate RV's or travel trailers over 30 ft. maximum length - Front bumper to rear bumper). Limit of six persons; two tents; two-vehicles or one RV/Travel Trailer per site. There are no Group Sites. Affiliated Groups cannot break up into separate sites. Examples of Affiliated Group: clubs, Scouts, organizations, group of friends, large family gatherings. 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. The nearest are at: Mather Campground, in Grand Canyon Village, 26 miles/42 km west of Desert View. A General Store and a Gas Station are in the Desert View area; with limited groceries and firewood. Natural Features Desert View Campground lies beneath a mixture of pinyon and juniper trees, providing most campsites with ample shade. The campground is less than 1/2 mile (.8 km) from the rim of the canyon. A visit to the canyon during sunrise and sunset yields spectacular views of yellow, orange, red and violet hues in the canyon walls. Layers of rock display billions of years of geologic history. Campers can take a short walk from the campground to the historic Desert View Watchtower. Visitors can see the mighty Colorado River, which flows 277 miles (446 km) through the bottom of the canyon. Wildlife abounds on the South Rim, including elk, mule deer, coyotes, lizards, songbirds and the endangered California condor. Although condors nest below the rim, they can be seen soaring several thousand feet above the canyon in search of carrion. Nearby Attractions Desert View provides one of the widest views of Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. The Mary Colter's Desert View Watchtower displays this architect's talent. The Desert View area offers an aviation memorial, a trading post and market, and Tusayan Ruin and Museum which provide glimpses into the life of a small Ancestral Puebloan village 800 years ago, all within 5 miles from the campground. Charges & Cancellations Reservation adjustments are made online through www.recreation.gov. or by phone (877)444-6777.

Near Grand Canyon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

This packing list is tailored to the Desert environment and Continental at Desert View Campground.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Climate Gear

Insulated layers — Body heat escapes rapidly when you stop moving; an insulated layer traps warmth during breaks and at camp.
Hand warmers — Cold fingers lose dexterity fast, making it harder to operate zippers, buckles, and navigation devices when you need them most.
Thermos — A hot drink on a cold trail restores core temperature and morale faster than any other comfort item.
Layering system (wide temp swings) — Desert and mountain environments can swing 40+ degrees between dawn and midday; layers let you adapt without overheating or freezing.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
Headlamp (extra) — Remote terrain often takes longer than expected to navigate; a backup headlamp prevents being stranded in darkness if your primary fails.
Emergency bivy — An emergency bivy sack weighs 4-8 ounces and provides wind and rain protection if an injury, storm, or navigation error forces an unplanned night out.
PLB/satellite messenger — A Personal Locator Beacon sends your GPS coordinates to search-and-rescue via satellite, working anywhere on Earth with no cell signal needed.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

The terrain here lends itself to camping, picnicking, rv camping — activities that match the Desert environment.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.

The wildlife safety profile at Desert View Campground includes bears, venomous snakes — here's what to know about each.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (180mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), Elevated (7,463ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.

Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
Make noise while hiking
Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The natural world around Desert View Campground reflects its Desert setting — Gambel Oak and Southwestern Ponderosa Pine overhead, Stansbury's Cliffrose at your feet, and wildlife throughout.

Trees (2)

Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States.
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico.

Wildflowers (1)

Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Shrubs (3)

fernbush — Foliage has a strong resinous scent when crushed.
Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer.
Brown-spined Pricklypear — It grows in desert scrub habitats.

Other Plants (5)

Utah Agave
Colorado Pinyon
Apache plume
Banana Yucca
Utah Juniper

Mammals (7)

Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump.
Cliff Chipmunk — A small striped rodent with gray-brown fur and bold facial markings.

Birds (30)

Bushtit — Tiny gray bird with long tail
Wild Turkey — Large dark bird with iridescent bronze sheen
Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
Juniper Titmouse — Plain gray body
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Blue head and wings

Reptiles (10)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.

Amphibians (1)

Canyon Tree Frog

Insects (8)

Western Carpenter Bee
Painted Lady
Monarch
White-lined Sphinx
Kaibab Paper Wasp

Nature Bingo at Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Wapiti (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
Utah Agave (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park Climate & Sun

Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.

The climate at Desert View Campground peaks for outdoor activity during May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, when temperatures average °F.

Climate type: Continental

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Winter 32°

1.4"

Spring 47°

0.6"

Summer 72°

2.4"

Fall 52°

1.2"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	32°F	1.4 in
Feb	34°F	1.0 in
Mar	41°F	1.1 in
Apr	47°F	0.6 in
May	55°F	0.7 in
Jun	69°F	0.2 in
Jul	72°F	2.4 in
Aug	69°F	2.6 in
Sep	63°F	1.4 in
Oct	52°F	1.2 in
Nov	42°F	0.9 in
Dec	32°F	1.8 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.6 hours in summer — a difference of 4.9 hours.

Summer: 5:09 AM – 7:45 PM

Winter: 7:30 AM – 5:14 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:30 AM, Sunset 5:14 PM Golden hour from 4:34 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:09 AM, Sunset 7:45 PM Golden hour from 7:07 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:39 AM, Sunset 6:33 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:08 AM, Sunset 6:36 PM Golden hour from 6:02 PM

Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Desert View Campground.

Whether it's a day trip or weekend getaway from Phoenix, here's what visiting Desert View Campground involves.

Nearest city: Phoenix (180 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $44.89 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 145.1 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent (Has restrooms)
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

The area around Desert View Campground has plenty more to offer.

The proximity of 13 other outdoor spots makes this area ideal for multi-day exploration.

Nearby Trails

Cape Solitude Trail, Grand Canyon National Park 0.3 mi
Desert View Walkways, Grand Canyon National Park 0.33 mi
Tanner Trail (N, 0mi), Grand Canyon National Park 1.73 mi
Tusayan Ruins Loop, Grand Canyon National Park 3.04 mi
Beamer Trail, Grand Canyon National Park 4.48 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Hull Cabin Campground (NE, 4mi), Coconino 8.48 mi
Grandview Lookout Cabin Campground, Coconino 9.26 mi
Cottonwood Campground, Grand Canyon National Park 15.19 mi

Nearby Attractions

Stargazing & Night Sky at Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.

Under the Bortle class 2 skies at Desert View Campground, you can expect to see 3 major constellations and constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

From Desert View Campground, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Knowing what each season brings helps you plan the best possible visit to Desert View Campground.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: April - May

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 7463ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park

Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.

For thousands of years, this land has been cared for by Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai) and their ancestors.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Havasupai, Hopilavayi, Diné Bizaad.

Data from Native Land Digital

Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Desert View Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Permian sedimentary rocks
Formation: Kaibab Formation; Toroweap Formation; Coconino Sandstone
Lithology: Major:{sandstone,limestone}, Minor:{chert}
Age: Permian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 285
Unique Species: 114
Oldest: 1000 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 14
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Copper, Uranium, Silver, Zinc, Cobalt, Antimony

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 120°F (2021-07-10)
Record Low: -32°F (1990-12-23)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 121
Largest Fire: Obi (11,435.8 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Grapevine Creek-Colorado River
Water Quality (Good): 1.291%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 6 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 2 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 32/100

Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon National Park Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Safety starts with current information. These resources cover real-time conditions near Desert View Campground.

Nearest weather station: GRAND CANYON EAST ENTRANCE, AZ US (0.5 mi)