Desert View Campground offers a less crowded alternative on the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park. Sites at Desert View accommodate smaller RVs up to 30 feet with picnic tables and fire rings under pinyon pines at 7,500 feet elevation. During summer, temperatures can reach 85°F during the day but drop to 50°F at night, with winter temperatures often falling below freezing. Most visitors arrive early and depart by midday to explore the canyon, creating a distinct daily rhythm at campgrounds throughout the park.
What to do
Watch wildlife from your site: Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed Camping area provides free sites just outside the South Entrance where wildlife sightings are common. "We had a huge bull elk with his cows walk right past our camp," reports one visitor. Located only six miles from the South Entrance, this dispersed camping area serves as an excellent base for day trips.
Hike the rim trail from camp: North Rim Campground connects directly to scenic trails along the canyon rim. "There is a nice trail that you can take from the campground along the rim to the visitors center (about 1.5 miles)," notes a camper. This allows visitors to avoid shuttle buses while accessing viewpoints directly from their campsite.
Visit Bedrock City: The unique attraction near Raptor Ranch RV Park offers nostalgic entertainment for families. "Kids loved it, great halfway point to the Grand Canyon to spend the day, Bedrock City and raptor tour was great," shares a visitor. The park features Flintstones-themed structures and regular falconry demonstrations throughout the day.
What campers like
Pine forest setting: Tusayan-Montane Campground surprises visitors with its wooded environment. "Large campsite with lots of shade and space between sites," mentions a camper. The pine forest creates a cooler microclimate that contrasts with the desert expectations many visitors have of Arizona.
Early morning wildlife: Elk sightings are frequent at campgrounds throughout the area, particularly at dawn. "Female elk roamed all around the campsites, and one even wandered up while we cooked dinner to snack on the bush next to our truck," reports a visitor at Trailer Village RV Park. The park's natural setting attracts wildlife despite its developed facilities.
Less crowded atmosphere: The eastern section of the park provides a quieter experience. "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," explains a Desert View visitor. North Rim areas typically receive only 10% of the visitation compared to the South Rim.
What you should know
Shower availability varies: Pay showers are common but have limited hours. "Half the showers were out of order, very dirty, and cost a quarter a minute," reports one North Rim camper. At some campgrounds, shower buildings close as early as 4 PM, requiring careful planning.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: During dry periods, fire bans may be implemented with little notice. "There were severe fire restrictions on at the time so no campfires allowed," notes a North Rim visitor. Always check current regulations before arrival, particularly during summer months.
Pothole challenges: Long Jim Loop Campground offers free dispersed camping near the South Entrance but requires careful driving. "Only down side was the N Long Jim Loop road has a TON of potholes so you have to go like 5mph," cautions a visitor. These conditions can worsen after rainfall, especially for larger vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Bring quarters for showers: Most shower facilities require coins. "The showers are limited to 7 minutes per person only," explains a Raptor Ranch RV Park visitor. Plan for approximately $2.25 per shower per person at most facilities, and bring more quarters than expected.
Pack for temperature swings: Temperature variations can exceed 30 degrees between day and night. "Super hot during the day and super cold at night. Along the trails there was still some snow in the shade," reports a Grand Canyon Camper Village visitor. Layered clothing is essential even during summer months.
Reserve early for holiday periods: Holiday weekends fill quickly at established campgrounds. "We waited too long to plan our Grand Canyon North Rim trip so this place was the only option for full hooks up on the North Rim," shares a Kaibab Camper Village visitor. Reservations for major holidays should be made 6-12 months in advance.
Tips from RVers
Check RV length restrictions: Many Grand Canyon campgrounds have strict length limits. "Sites have the typical fire rings and picnic tables and are clean and level and shaded by huge ponderosa pines," notes a North Rim camper, but size restrictions vary by campground. Desert View limits RVs to 30 feet, while Trailer Village can accommodate larger rigs.
Arrive with full tanks: Water access points are limited in dispersed camping areas. "Been here couple days now. Plenty of room and other campers around. Feel isolated but not totally alone," shares a Forest Service Road 328 visitor. Most dispersed sites require self-contained camping without access to water or dump stations.
Plan for limited internet: Cell coverage varies significantly by carrier and location. "The cell coverage was good enough for phone calls no problems but internet was really hit and miss. Mostly miss," reports a Long Jim Loop camper. Download maps and reservation details before arrival as coverage can be unreliable.
