25 Amazing Campsites in the American Southwest
You can't beat golden hour in the desert.
There's something special about waking up in the desert. There's a stillness and clarity that you just can't find anywhere else. Maybe it's the endless sky, the towering red rock formations, or the winding rivers. Whatever it is, it works for us!
The American Southwest is home to some of the most incredible high desert landscape you can find on the planet. Whether you want to pull up in the car and set up camp or you're looking to get into the backcountry, this list has something for you. Check out these campsites and start planning your road trip to the desert.
1. Camp in Capitol Reef National Park
Photo: Mike Fennell
2. Camp at the View Campground in Monument Valley
Photo: Hillary + Matt
3. Camp in the Valley of the Gods
Photo: Mike Fennell
4. Camp at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Photo: Jason Hatfield
5. Camp at Arch Rock Campground in Valley of Fire State Park
Photo: Jake Young
6. Backpack the Great Sand Dunes
Photo: Michael O’Keeffe
7. Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park
Photo: Kevin Kaminski
8. Backpack Reflection Canyon
Photo: Kathleen Buenviaje
9. Camp at the Mogollon Rim
Photo: Ethan Fichtner
10. Camp at Boxcar Cove
Photo: Josiah Roe
11. Camp at Patagonia Lake State Park
Photo: Kevin Kaminski
12. Camp at Pine Grove Campground
Photo: Kathleen Buenviaje
13. Camp at Goblin Valley
Photo: Andy Earl
14. Camp at Burnt Corral Campground on Apache Lake
Photo: Kevin Kaminski
15. Backpack into the Needles District
Photo: Casey Berner
16. Camp at Red Rock
Photo: Moe Lauchert
17. Camp at Marshall Lake
Photo: Kevin Kaminski
18. Camp at White Sands National Monument
Photo: Lucas Pols
19. Backpack to the Grand Canyon's Cremation Canyon
Photo: Tiffany Nguyen
20. Camp on Roosevelt Lake Overlook
Photo: Colton Marshall
21. Camp at Wheeler Peak Campground in Great Basin NP
Photo: Jason Shepherd
22. Camp at Goose Island Campground
Photo: Jake Young
23. Camp at the Little Grand Canyon
Photo: Derrick Lytle
24. Camp at Mosca Campground
Photo: Jon King
25. Camp Under the Watchman
Photo: Tiffany Nguyen
Cover photo: Hillary + Matt
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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