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 places for stargazing and camping in Arizona, offering plenty of peace and quiet while you enjoy the scenery. So get ready for a nighttime adventure with some dark sky camping in Arizona.

Built nearly a century ago, the Desert View Watchtower stands guard near the East Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.

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.

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.

If you have been searching for "Star gazing camping near me" Then this is one place to put on your bucket list. There are a total of 49 campsites - unlike the more popular Grand Canyon campgrounds, which can accommodate hundreds of tourists.

Amenities include a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and restroom facilities. You'll enjoy a much more peaceful experience in an intimate setting. Both tents and smaller RVs and travel trailers (30 feet or less in length) are allowed here.

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. So combining the two for some dark sky camping is a match made in Heaven.

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. What an amazing dark sky campground!

The views during the day are pretty incredible, too.

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.

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. If you are in need of a camper for your stay please make sure to visit our friends over at RV Share to rent one for your trip. Then get ready for some amazing dark sky camping in Arizona.

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 amazing OnlyInYourState video: