Desert View Campground

Desert View Campground is a circular loop of 50 campsites on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park at roughly 7,463 feet in elevation. The sites include fire rings and picnic tables and accommodate both tents and vehicles up to about 30 feet long.

The campground was developed as a base for visiting the nearby Desert View Watchtower, designed in 1932 by architect Mary Colter. The tower's design draws from the architectural forms of the region's ancestral Pueblo cultures.

Local artisans demonstrate their traditional crafts and share stories of their heritage during warmer months near the settlement. These encounters give visitors a direct sense of how local traditions are kept alive and valued by the community.

The best times to camp are outside the hottest months, as the elevation offers cooler temperatures. Reservations are required from April through October, while free sites are available in winter when weather can be unpredictable.

From this spot you can see the Colorado River's eastern bend directly and watch California condors soaring over the canyon walls. These large birds with their impressive wingspan are regularly seen here, particularly during warmer months.

Location: Coconino County

GPS coordinates: 36.03887,-111.82264

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:29