Sleeping under a blanket of stars while surrounded by endless dunes sounds like something out of a fairy tale, but luxury desert camps make this dream a reality. These extraordinary destinations blend the raw beauty of desert landscapes with sophisticated amenities that would make any five-star hotel jealous. From Morocco’s golden Sahara to Jordan’s Mars-like terrain, these camps offer front-row seats to some of the world’s most spectacular stargazing while keeping you comfortable in style.
What makes these camps truly special isn’t just their stunning locations—it’s how they transform the traditional camping experience into something magical. Think air-conditioned tents with king-size beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and gourmet meals served under a canopy of countless stars.
Here is a list of 15 luxury desert camps that will leave you speechless.
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Nestled on 160 acres of piñon and juniper forest, Under Canvas Grand Canyon sits just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. The safari-style tents come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable desert escape, including king-size beds, plush linens, and wood-burning stoves for those chilly desert nights. Their Stargazer Tents position beds underneath a transparent covering for easy night-sky watching, making this one of the most romantic spots to catch a meteor shower. The camp’s location in one of the world’s first DarkSky-certified areas means the stargazing here is simply phenomenal.
Sahara Stars Camp
Located in Morocco’s Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, Sahara Stars Camp offers a balance between traditional Berber design and current comfort with 16 luxurious and spacious fully equipped tents. This camp perfectly captures the essence of desert living without sacrificing modern amenities. Guests can enjoy an unforgettable evening accompanied by traditional Berber music under an incredible sky filled with stars. The surrounding golden dunes create a landscape so surreal it feels like stepping into another world entirely.
Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel
Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert, often called ‘Mars on Earth,’ provides the dramatic backdrop for this innovative camp. Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel offers its guests a unique experience by staying in see-through domes that will make you feel like you just landed on Mars. These transparent bubble tents allow for 360-degree views of the desert landscape and unobstructed stargazing from your bed. The camp includes private bathrooms, air conditioning, and even stargazing experiences with professional astronomers and telescopes.
Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon
Valle, Arizona serves as home to this collection of stunning sky domes designed specifically for stargazing enthusiasts. Clear Sky Resorts features unique Sky Domes with AC/heat climate-control, designer interiors, and 5-Star mattresses with luxury linens. Each dome comes with a private designer bathroom featuring a rainfall shower and a private patio for outdoor relaxation. The dome design maximizes your connection to the desert sky while maintaining complete comfort and privacy.
Desert Luxury Camp Morocco
Situated in both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga regions of Morocco’s Sahara, Desert Luxury Camp offers luxurious accommodations with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning at night, guided camel rides, and sand boarding. The camp specializes in creating complete Sahara experiences that go far beyond just accommodation. Their luxury canvas tents feature spacious beds, AC, showers, toilets, and spacious patio areas, plus amenities like a swimming pool in the middle of the Sahara. It’s like having a five-star resort dropped into one of the world’s most remote locations.
Under Canvas Lake Powell
Located near Page, Arizona, this camp provides easy access to some of the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes, including Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Under Canvas Lake Powell is one of five DarkSky-certified camps recognized as the first-ever DarkSky-certified resorts in the world due to their exceptional sky quality. The safari-style accommodations feature private bathrooms and sleep up to six people, making them perfect for families or groups. The desert setting combined with Lake Powell’s proximity creates a unique blend of arid beauty and water recreation opportunities.
Royal Luxury Camp Morocco
Deep in the heart of Erg Chebbi’s dunes, Royal Luxury Camp resides at the heart of the Moroccan Sahara desert, providing the most luxurious stay with fully equipped camp amenities including air conditioning, private toilet and shower, and king-sized beds. This camp takes glamping to royal levels with beautiful Moroccan furnishings and carpets that create an authentic yet luxurious atmosphere. The camp location in the dunes of Erg Chebbi Merzouga is famously known as The Sea of Dunes, offering guests an immersive desert experience that feels both ancient and timeless.
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
Jordan’s Wadi Rum protected area houses this exceptional camp that offers both traditional tents and futuristic bubble accommodations. The executive suite tents at Memories Aicha feature king-sized beds, pull-out couches, full living rooms, and en-suite private bathrooms complete with showers. The camp provides the perfect balance between adventure and luxury, with modern conveniences that almost push the boundary of what can be considered glamping. The surrounding red cliffs and dramatic rock formations create an otherworldly setting that’s perfect for both photography and contemplation.
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort
Located just one mile from Grand Canyon West’s Skywalk, this resort offers multiple accommodation styles including wagons, tipis, and innovative Stargazer Domes. The 7m Stargazer Dome offers stunning Grand Canyon Rim Views and includes VIP Concierge Services such as complimentary fire pit experience with s’mores kit and in-room food & cocktail delivery. Each accommodation type features heating, air conditioning, and private facilities, ensuring comfort in any season. The variety of options means there’s something perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a unique desert experience.
Zeina Desert Lodge
This brand-new property in Wadi Rum stands out for its house-like structures and exceptional interior design. Zeina Desert Lodge offers suites where every room comes with its own hammock for relaxation, and dinner is served outside on the terrace overlooking the majestic red rocks of the Wadi Rum desert. The lodge successfully blends comfort with adventure, providing guests with a genuine feel of desert and Bedouin life while maintaining amazing hospitality. The spacious bubble accommodations feature private terraces with gigantic views, especially stunning during sunrise.
Palmera Camp Wadi Rum
This unique desert retreat combines luxury with refreshing amenities that seem impossible in such a remote location. Palmera Camp offers its guests a unique experience in the desert of Wadi Rum with 13 luxury domes and a swimming pool where you can take a refreshing dip. The presence of a swimming pool in the middle of the desert creates a truly surreal experience that guests never forget. The camp’s dome accommodations provide modern comfort while maintaining the authentic desert camping spirit that makes Wadi Rum so special.
Nick and Bobo’s Erg Chigaga Camp
Located in Morocco’s remote Erg Chigaga dunes, Nick and Bobo’s camp offers three different camp options, including a Main Camp with 13 tents, a Private Camp with 5 tents, and an exclusive Private Nomadic Camp with just one tent. The camp is 60 km off-road from the nearest town M’Hamid, requiring a 4WD ride through sand, dried-out lakes, and rocky terrain. This isolation ensures complete tranquility and some of the darkest skies in North Africa. All meals, drinks, camel rides, and most activities are included, making it a truly all-inclusive desert experience.
28 Palms Ranch
About an hour from Palm Springs and 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, 28 Palms Ranch sells itself as the ideal destination for stargazing with no light pollution in this desert retreat and no Wi-Fi or phone service. The Mongolian-style yurts feature a comfy queen-sized bed, private bathroom with a heated shower, fire pit, barbecue area, and picnic table. This digital detox destination forces you to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the desert, making it perfect for those seeking genuine peace and stellar stargazing opportunities.
Open Sky Zion Resort
Located near Utah’s iconic Zion National Park, this resort offers multiple luxury camp options with unobstructed views and unique amenities. The Superior II camp features a spacious interior with a stargazing room and an outdoor sky hammock on a large suspended deck, plus a private cedar hot tub and outdoor shower. The Desert Rose Luxury Camps provide a romantic, serene atmosphere with plush bedding and soft lighting, including a private patio for enjoying sunsets. Each accommodation type offers a different way to experience the desert while maintaining luxury standards throughout.
Sun City Camp Wadi Rum
This Jordanian desert camp offers a unique twist on traditional glamping with its distinctive ‘Martian domes’ that provide panoramic front views despite being covered on top. Sun City features Martian domes with king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms with showers, creating a futuristic feel in an ancient landscape. Sun City invites guests into the heart of the magnificent desert landscape, offering a unique and luxurious way of camping. The camp’s design philosophy focuses on creating an otherworldly experience that perfectly matches Wadi Rum’s Mars-like terrain and atmosphere.
The Stars Still Shine in Remote Places
These luxury desert camps prove that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort to experience some of the world’s most stunning natural beauty. From Morocco’s endless golden dunes to Jordan’s red rock formations and America’s iconic southwestern landscapes, each destination offers something unique while maintaining the common thread of exceptional stargazing opportunities. The growing popularity of these camps reflects our deep human need to reconnect with nature and rediscover the wonder of truly dark skies—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in our light-polluted world. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family adventure, or solo retreat, these camps offer memories that will last far longer than any typical vacation.
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