A quick trip exploring the eastern south rim of the grand canyon, from Desert View Watchtower to Grand Canyon Village. Only got to hike the Rim Trail and Grandview Point Trail but it being my 1st time to the Grand Canyon I couldn't complain and still spent the next few days in awe. Can't wait to go back.
Desert View is a hidden gem at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Although many people tend to lean toward the more common parts of the south rim, this is a place that will give you more of a nature feel to the camping experience! Would recommend!
Great first come first serve site on the eastern end of the park which is actually great for catching the sunset from the watchtower. I bit away from Mather and the main overlooks, but makes the sites so much less crowded!
Great for tents because the large monster RVs can't fit (although some smaller one's and popups would be fine)
Clean restrooms (because it's less crowded) drinking water and your site will have a fire ring and table. You're not under huge trees, but there are a bunch which help separate out the sites so you're even more private.
The fact that it's not in Grand Canyon Village means it won't be so crowded, which is usually what campers are looking for. The sites are fairly close together, but pretty private considering. It's a very small ground so getting to the loo is easy enough. The terrain is also totally different from the Village, much more desert-y (as the name implies, though there is plenty of shade) & so offers a different experience. If/when we go back, we'll be looking to stay here.
This is an option for those who don't have a reservation at Mather campground located in the Grand Canyon Village. Sites are available first come first served. Arrive by noon or before to get a site. Sites are close together. Drinking water and flush toilets. Wood available at a store nearby. The drive to the Grand Canyon village takes about 30 minutes. It is a winding road and is very dark if you drive it at night. We try to get back to camp before dark after a full day of hiking.
This campsite is first come first serve. I would not trust the rangers or boards at other parts of the park to tell you if the campsite is full. We were told it was full but thought we'd swing by just to check. Comes to find out that there were a lot of opened sites. It has clean bathrooms and water, as well as an area to clean your dishes! It is quite a distance from all the major sites of the park, BUT there are some good sites around it. If you want a site closer to a lot of the major sites plan ahead and book a site closer. The site worked great for our needs (a site big enough for our 3-man tent) in June of 2015. There's a general store near by if you need any supplies, but it does come at the increased park price. You'll also need to bring in your own firewood or purchase it at the general store.
site: good sized. Semi-private. first come, first serve- check out sites before picking on. some shaded sites. amenities: small campground. bathrooms at campground. clean. showers in Village- 20 minute drive. attractions: about 10-15 minute hike to rim of canyon. I would go camping here (just drove through checking out the campground).
