Pictures courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park -Desert View Campground.
Campground Overview:
Desert View Campground area offers some of the best views of the Colorado River from the rim of the Grand Canyon. Located inside the Grand Canyon National Park at the end of “Desert View Drive” portion of Arizona State Route 64, the The Desert View Watchtower and Tusayan Museum are located nearby. A gas station, snack bar and market are located within a few miles of the campground.
Campsites:
Desert View Campground has 50 campsite for tents, trailers and small RVs (no hookups). 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 now 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.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Developed |
Season: |
April- October |
Nearby City: |
Grand Canyon Village |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Desert View Campground- Grand Canyon National Park |
Campground Map: |
Campground Map/ Grand Canyon South Rim Map |
Reservations: |
|
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in America with more than five million visitors each year. The history of the Grand Canyon goes back approximately six million years, with the Colorado River being the focal point of its creation. Over these millions of years, the Colorado River slowly eroded the land beneath it forming the spectacularly deep canyon that we all know today.
“Grand Canyon” was officially designated a national park on February 26, 1919, though the landmark had been well known to Americans for over thirty years prior. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt visited the site and said: “The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled through-out the wide world… Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children’s children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see.”
Desert View Watchtower– Perched on the rim of the canyon, the Watchtower reflects the architecture of the ancestral Puebloans in the Four Corners region. Climb the stairs for views up and down the canyon. On a clear day, one can see well over 100 miles.
Tusayan Ruin and Museum– is an 800-year-old Pueblo Indian site located within on the north rim of The Grand Canyon National Park, and is considered by the National Park Service to be one of the major archeological sites in Arizona. The site consists of a small, u-shaped pueblo featuring a living area, storage rooms, and a kiva. Tree ring studies indicate that the site was occupied for about twenty years, beginning around 1185. It is found on the “Desert View Drive” portion of Arizona State Route 64, 3 miles west of the Desert View Watchtower.
South Rim Day Hikes
Hiking is the most popular activity for visitors. From the campground, campers can access the Greenway, a paved walking and biking trail that leads to scenic overlooks and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The Rim Trail, a paved walking trail, is one mile away and runs for 14 miles along the edge of the canyon. Pets are allowed on both trails, but are not permitted below the rim.
Trailheads for the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails, which descend into the canyon, are a short drive or shuttle bus ride from the campground. The park’s concessionaire also offers day and overnight mule riding trips into the canyon and along the rim. (Click here for hiking Information)
Rim Trail
The Rim Trail extends from the village area to Hermits Rest. Begin from any viewpoint in the Village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail offers excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike. No water west of Bright Angel Lodge. By using the shuttle buses, you can customize your hike to meet your needs. Part of the trail is paved and accessible.
Bright Angel Trail
(Steep) The Bright Angel Trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge and offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles (round trip). Some shade. Seasonal water subject to pipeline breaks. Check at the Visitor Center or Backcountry Information Center for water status. Upper portion of the trail may be extremely icy in winter or early spring.
South Kaibab Trail
(Steep) The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus (Kaibab Trail Route). Offers day hikes that range in distance up to 6 miles (round trip). Best views for a relatively short hike. Steep trail, no water, little shade. Water available seasonally at the trailhead. Upper portion of the trail may be extremely icy in winter or early spring.
Hermit Trail
(Steep) The Hermit Trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, 5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Springs, 7 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking. For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.
Grandview Trail
(Very Steep) The Grandview Trail offers hikes to Coconino Saddle, 2.2 miles (round trip), and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins on canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of village). For experienced desert hikers. Hiking boots recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
