Desert camping may seem like an unpleasant way to spend your vacation, but this is not true. American deserts are home to some of the most interesting forms of wildlife, species whose survival skills rival most others'. And although deserts are often perceived as a dry, lifeless environment, some of the most beautiful and exotic plant life develops in their sands. Expect to see some of America’s most exquisite sunrises and sunsets along a desert’s neatly chiseled horizon.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is located on the western side of the United States in Arizona. Over 5 million people a year come to see this one million acre park. It is recorded as one of the most visited places in the world. The park offers a wide array of activities including mule riding, horseback riding, rafting, hiking, and wildlife watching tours. Since the park receives so much public attention, you will need to make reservations for camp sites. During the regular season (summertime), camping grounds can be reserved for $15 per night, and you can also camp during the off-season for $10 per night. When planning your trip, however, be aware that winter weather in the Grand Canyon is extreme. It is recommended that you plan to camp during the regular season when temperatures remain moderate and you can enjoy every activity. If you plan to tour the canyon by mule, be advised that this is the most popular activity at the canyon. Be sure to reserve your mule trip ahead of time. These trips can be booked up to 23 months in advance.

Joshua Tree National Park

This fascinating park is located in Southern California where the Colorado Desert and Mojave Desert meet. It is surrounded by five mountain ranges and offers a unique blend of two ecosystems. Joshua Tree National Park protects an extraordinary forest of Joshua Trees and a series of rock formations known as Inselbergs. For campers with horses, this is a great park to visit. Horses are allowed in two of the park’s camps, Ryan and Black Rock Canyon. There is limited to access to flushing toilets and there are no showers, but there are fireplaces and picnic tables at all designated camping grounds. Since the summer months are often extremely hot, it’s best to visit Joshua Tree National Park in the spring months of March and April or the fall months of October and November.