Not everyone knows this, but the Grand Canyon is actually a certified Dark Sky Park! One of the lesser-known campgrounds in the park, Desert View Campground provides stellar views of the cosmos. It’s among the best stargazing camping in Arizona, offering plenty of peace and quiet while you enjoy the scenery.

Built nearly a century ago, the Desert View Watchtower stands guard near the East Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
Gary Weathers / Tetra Images Collection / Getty Images
Its designer, the world-famous Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, modeled the structure after the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau.
While the Watchtower makes a fascinating addition to any Grand Canyon trip, it doesn't have to be reduced to a quick afternoon stop.
Alan Fuslier/Google Maps
Few people know this, but you can actually camp out overnight just steps away from the tower. Since the East Entrance is much more lightly trafficked, you'll practically have the place all to yourself once the sun goes down. Once here, you'll understand why we say this is one of the best places to go camping in Arizona.
There are a total of 49 campsites - unlike the more popular Grand Canyon campgrounds, which can accommodate hundreds of tourists.
Google/Steve Bailie
Amenities include a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and restroom facilities. You'll enjoy a much more peaceful experience in the intimate setting. Both tents and smaller RVs and travel trailers (30 feet or less in length) are allowed here.

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Not everyone is aware that the Grand Canyon is a certified Dark Sky Park, and even fewer people know the Desert View area is one of the best places to stargaze.
Steven Love / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images
When night falls, trillions of stars and other celestial bodies glimmer over the Watchtower. The best part is that you can witness the spectacle with the naked eye - no fancy equipment necessary.
The views during the day are pretty incredible, too.
Robert Lobdell/Google Maps
A developed scenic overlook known as Desert View Point is located right next to the camping area, and you won't have to compete with throngs of crowds for a front-row spot.
Desert View Campground is open seasonally generally between mid-April and mid-October.
Cameron MacPhail / Aurora Photos / Aurora Open Collection / Getty Images
Reservations must be made either online or by phone, and the nightly rates vary for adults, seniors and those with an Access Pass). Don't miss out on this awesome dark sky park in Arizona!

Be sure to visit the National Park Service campground website for more information and/or to make a reservation.

Have you ever stayed at the Desert View Campground? If so, do you agree that it’s one of the best places to stargaze in Arizona? Which part was your favorite? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

While we’re at it, don’t forget to check out our previous article for another Dark Sky Park worth visiting.

If you’re still in the mood for more Arizona adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

Fun things to do in Arizona

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | April 13, 2023

Where can we find some of the best restaurants in Arizona?

  • Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles in Phoenix serves up some of the best chicken and waffles, as well as other delicious breakfast fare.
  • El Hefe Scottsdale in Scottsdale is a popular spot for its distinctive tacos and happy hour offerings.
  • El Guero Canelo in Tucson has been a city favorite for about 30 years and is popular for its special Sonoran Dogs.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other delicious restaurants in Arizona.

Where can we find haunted attractions in Arizona?

  • The Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale comes out every Halloween season and is full of scary things all over the train as it winds through the countryside.
  • The 13th Floor Haunted House Phoenix in Phoenix has been voted one of the best haunted houses in Arizona for several years.
  • The AZ Scream Park in Scottsdale and Mesa creates very scary and unique themes for the Halloween season.

Read on to learn more about some of the other creepy haunted attractions in Arizona.

Where can we find waterparks in Arizona?

  • Paqua Park at the Scorpion Bay Marina in Morristown is a popular 7,000-square-foot inflatable obstacle course waterpark.
  • The Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale is one of the popular national chain waterparks dotted all over the country, offering loads of fun for the entire family.
  • Enchanted Island Amusement Park in Phoenix has a wide array of amusement-type rides and attractions, as well as a bumper boat area and waterpark splash zone for young kids.

Read on to learn more about some of the other exciting waterparks in Arizona.

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Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA