Right off historic Route 66 in Williams, Arizona, Camp Prado offers a unique glamping experience on 12 acres of open desert. If you want a memorable Grand Canyon–area campsite with limited cell service and a social, communal vibe, follow the dirt road until you spot large glowing green bug sculptures — you’ve arrived at Camp Prado.
After a long day exploring the Grand Canyon, we followed directions from our host, Richard. Located near the edge of the grid, the site is difficult to find by GPS, so Richard’s landmarks and turn-by-turn guidance from the South Rim entrance were essential. Navigating the back roads felt like part of the adventure and heightened the excitement of discovering our tent.
Photo: Audrey Lee
We bumped down a dusty track in our rental vehicle and were glad we chose a Jeep — a low sedan might have struggled. The glowing bug sculptures marked the entrance, and parking in the designated lot we were greeted warmly by Richard, who explained the layout, showed us to our tent, and told us when dinner would be served.
- Photos: Audrey Lee
We took only what we needed from the car and walked a short distance to our tent to settle in and shower before sunset. With no light pollution, desert nights are strikingly dark compared with city living. I’m not afraid of the dark, but the desert brings animals such as snakes, coyotes, tarantulas and occasionally mountain lions, so it feels different than a suburban night.
Our shower was an outdoor solar-heated bag in a private stall — not a hotel-style experience, but refreshing after a sweaty day of hiking. It felt great to rinse off and get ready for dinner.
The communal dining area centers on a long family-style table where guests gather to talk, enjoy drinks, and share meals. Richard, who has a background as a chef, served a homemade chili with all the fixings, corn on the cob, coleslaw and warm tortillas — hearty, flavorful comfort food. Conversation flowed easily with fellow travelers from around the world: topics ranged from beer to local lore and lighthearted stories. A light drizzle began during our meal, but a few rain drops didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
Normally there would be a campfire and s’mores, but due to dry conditions, fires were prohibited the night we stayed. Richard had a telescope set up for stargazing and planet viewing; cloudy skies prevented viewing that evening, but on clear nights the desert sky must be spectacular.
- Photos: Audrey Lee
We turned in around 10 p.m. The beds inside the canvas tents were comfortable, layered with fluffy comforters, pillows and an extra throw for added warmth. Temperatures dropped dramatically — from about 101°F during the day to roughly 55°F at night — creating perfect sleeping conditions for a crisp desert night.
I woke before sunrise to watch the sky. The timing of our visit meant the moon was unusually prominent and stayed visible as the sun rose, creating a memorable sunrise scene. I was the only camper awake and enjoyed the quiet—cows lowing in the distance, a rooster, and birds greeting the morning. If you visit, getting up early to catch the sunrise is a highly recommended experience.
For breakfast, Richard offered coffee and a buffet-style spread. I chose a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and strawberry jam and a hard-boiled egg for protein. Packing up the next morning, we regretted not booking another night. Camp Prado left us wanting more, and we plan to return with friends and family to share the experience.
If you’re interested in staying, book well in advance as spots fill up quickly.