The Desert View Tower
Hosted by Ben S.
3 tent sites
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
What to expect
Tent site
14 guests max per site
Toilet available
Pets allowed
No campfires
Potable water available
Picnic table present
Wifi available
No showers
Pack it out
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 9:00 AM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Super Flexible
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Short walk
No wheelchair access
Max 3 vehicles
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
Reviews
98% Recommend261 ratings · 162 reviews
Desert View Tower offers a camping experience that is both unique and welcoming, with its stunning desert landscape and rich history. The hosts, Ben and his family, are consistently praised for their hospitality, making guests feel at home while exploring the property's natural beauty and historical features. Visitors love the peaceful atmosphere, the opportunity for stargazing, and the playful company of the local dogs and peacocks. While the site is slightly remote and requires a bit of a walk from the parking area, it offers a serene escape with well-kept facilities and plenty of space to explore.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · With pets
Awesome stay. Ben and his family were warm and hospitable. Doggos were great company. Will be back for sure. Definitely a hidden gem of San Diego and should be on everyon’s bucket list to camp at the Desert View Tower.
T
Tyler B.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent
This spot is magical…the energy is so peaceful and healing and Ben is the most wonderful and hospitable host. Everyone who works there is amazing. We will be going back asap!
E
Erika P.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2025
Camping
Tent
I love the camping area, it was super clean and with a table and chairs to use. Ben and Sam were super nice and helpful. We forgot our tent and they were super helpful and let us borrow a really nice one. Definitely will come back. The place is nice and hikings are fun. Thank you
M
Maholy A H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
Amazing views and great host!
Tent · Group trip
I loved the camping experience we had at the tower! Table, fire pit, and water in the sites. Nice clean bathrooms short walk from all sites and fun hiking trails in the rocks. Host was super communicative. FYI it’s a little walk in from the parking to your campsite, you can’t just drive up to the site so keep in mind with your equipment.
M
Margaret A.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Book it!!
Tent · Group trip
I want to live life like they do here. Very warm hosts. Got to chat over the Pete’s coffee they provided us in the morning. The rocks were a giant playground. Such a sick camp spot, I’d love to come back for the air bnb.
Lilyana L.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
#peacefulplace🥰🙏
Tent
Nice and peaceful place to camp. For lovers of silence, hiking and enjoying a night under a starry sky, I recommend it
R
Rosie R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Tent · With pets
We really enjoyed our weekend away at Desert View Tower. It was peaceful and relaxing, with lots to explore and sweet puppies to pet. We hope to come back another time!
S
Shannon B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · Group trip
The desert view tower property is truly one-of-a-kind - gorgeous slice of the desert at a reasonable price, especially for a group. Host was super responsive, gave us a tour of the property, and was helpful throughout the duration of our stay.
Would be happy to stay here again. Highly recommended!
Evihn V.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent
Loved the boulders, the sites, the dogs (all nine of them) and the tower lit up in purple at night. Peacocks on one side and beautiful desert vistas on the other. Looking forward to staying again.
A
Andres V.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · With pets
Awesome and super friendly host! Definitely would recommend to any friend! Beautiful desert camp spot!
K
Keenan J.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2024
Tent
Desert Tower and the hosts are wonderful. This is a unique location, the sites are comfortable, the views are amazing. We were greeted by Ben and John. You can have a campfire. There is a bathroom available, just a short walk from the campsite. Bring headlamps for sure! We'll camp here again!
K
Kristen R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2023
Amazing!
Tent
Incredibly kind and funny host! Shows you the tower and caves! Peacocks and cute dogs everywhere. Beautiful stars.
A
Alexandra H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
Tent · Group trip
Fantastic campsite. So much to do and explore, and there are clean flush toilets. The landscape here is much like Joshua Tree. Get ready to explore the many features of this over 90-acre playground: the historic tower, the friendly campground dogs, the wandering peacocks, the painted boulders shaped like animals, and the beautiful stargazing at night. Thank you, Ben!
C
Cindy N.
6 reviews
Recommends
· July 2023
Tent · With pets
Amazing time and amazing property. Heat got to us but they have a pool/well that you can jump in whenever you want!
S
Samantha J.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
Tent · Group trip
Great private campsite in the rocks! Just be sure to check the weather as the sun and wind are very strong. Definitely recommend bringing as much shade and water as possible. We had a group of 13 and we all enjoyed Ben's property and exploring the Desert View Tower. Ben and his family were very welcoming and helpful in accommodating our group.
Andres N.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2023
Tent
The property was absolutely amazing and Ben was so receptive and kind! Would come back for SURE, this is a hidden gem!
Stephanie S.
4 reviews
Recommends
· May 2023
Tent · Group trip
Had a great time camping here. The hosts are very relaxed. Lots of dogs roaming around, which we kind of loved. Our campsite felt pretty secluded. Bathrooms were clean and pretty nice!
E
Evonne E.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2023
Peaceful escape yet easy to get to
Tent · With pets
Great place to get away while being easy to get to. We enjoyed a very peaceful few days nestled among the rocks. Plenty of space, local wilderness to explore along with the amazing tower and caves/carvings. Water available at site, plenty of choice where to set up camp - we chose to be further away from everyone but there is also space right by parking. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.
Pippa M.
5 reviews
Recommends
· January 2023
Tent · Group trip
It’s always great camping here at the desert tower. The hosts are super nice and the campsites are spacious. No complaints, always have had a great experience with this campsite
Sofia G.
5 reviews
Recommends
· November 2022
Tent
We spent 2 nights at the Desert View Tower. It definitely exceeded our expectations. Each site has a different charm. We chose a small, secluded one and absolutely loved our time there. From the endless climbing rocks to the friendly dogs and peacocks, there was so much to explore! Ben, the host, is very welcoming and accommodating, as well. An awesome place to stop.
Uma M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· November 2022
Tent · With kids
Amazing land with amazing views. The boulder park was awesome for the kids to explore. Ben and his team were so nice and hospitable. Easy and safe camping while feeling remote and private at the same time.
Luke W.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2022
Tent
Very gracious host, clean camp sites, close to freeway but u won’t know it when camping
D
Darin P.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2022
Tent · Group trip
The hiking in the area was fun and beautiful! Enjoyed playing with the on-site dogs. And the host was friendly and helpful. We will be returning!
L
Lisa C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2022
Tent
Ben and everyone there were so warm and accommodating! From their hospitality to the well maintained camp sites behind their rental property, as well as their many dogs, I loved every part of my stay.
Kevin R.
8 reviews
Recommends
· April 2022
This is a bucket list campsite
Tent · Group trip
This is really a delightful place to camp. You are nestled next to the boulder field, which is a scramble through boulders that were long ago carved to look like animals; near the historic Tower; and on a beautiful piece of land, where you will see beautiful peacocks stroll by.
The proprieteurs are lovely people. I have been here twice, and each time was amazing for my friends who accompanied me.
This isn't just a piece of land to pitch your tent. It should be a bucket list campsite.
J
Joe M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2022
Tent · Group trip
ben’s land had bathrooms and we felt pretty safe knowing the staff was always nearby in case of an emergency.
J
James C.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2022
Amazing view and caves!
Group trip
Loved this place! The site was spacious for us to put up two tents. The view was absolutely beautiful and we had the whole area to ourselves. Just be mindful if you have little ones since there is a lot of cactus 🌵 loved how they had their dogs come visit us and they are all so friendly. If you want to explore there are some caves to check out and you can get an even better view at the top of the tower. We went to their gift shop and got some little goodies before our departure. Ben and the staff working the site was very friendly and inviting!
Lyssa N.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2022
Desert camping at its finest
Been coming here for years. Truly a wonderful spot for folks with kids.
Matthew H.
6 reviews
Recommends
· December 2021
Group trip
Great place! Absolutely gorgeous and the host, Ben, was super friendly! Definitely coming back. :)
Stefanie H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2021
Group trip
Clear night skies, awesome hosts and a good time.
D
Daniel H.
3 years on Hipcamp
Hosted by Ben S.
Joined in July 2015Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 6 hours
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