An Insider's Guide to Camping Near the Grand Canyon

By Tom Harrison on February 16, 2024
18 min read

The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly one of the must-see places in the American Southwest. Majestic. Thrilling. Awe-inspiring. Breathtaking. It’s easy to go overboard when describing what this masterpiece really is. But seriously- the Grand Canyon is one of the proofs that Mother Nature is truly the best artist. 

With its grandeur, this Arizona landmark draws oohs and ahhs from close to 6 million visitors every year. Some choose to fly over it on helicopter tours. Others prefer turning it into a one-day road trip from Las Vegas. But if you ask us, Grand Canyon camping is an experience unlike any other! It’s safe to say that the Grand Canyon is a 2-in-1 park offering iconic views during the day and the perfect place for stargazing at night. 

Camping in the Grand Canyon can take various forms, from RV camping to glamping and dispersed camping. Whatever floats your boat, here’s a detailed guide with all the information you need about Grand Canyon campgrounds, from costs to rules, regulations, and tips. 

Key Takeaways

  • Bright Angel is the only established campground on the Grand Canyon floor. 
  • The best North Rim camping sites are North Rim, Tuweep, and Indian Hollow campgrounds. 
  • The best South Rim campgrounds are Mather, Trailer Village, and Desert View. 
  • Grand Canyon Camping grounds fill up quickly. We strongly recommend applying for a backpacking permit 4-6 months in advance. 
  • Trailer Village RV Park is the only campground in the Grand Canyon National Park that provides full-service hookups for RVs and campervans. 

What is Camping at the Grand Canyon like, and Who is it For?

Camping at the Grand Canyon is an experience everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. And we mean everyone, including families with kids and groups. The Grand Canyon National Park offers tons of outdoor family activities, including camping, hiking trails, birdwatching, biking, train rides, and river trips. And if your kids enjoy everything astronomical, the park holds a star party every June on both the south and north rims. 

Being one of our planet’s first creations, the magical views below the canyon seem to slow down time. Its stunning visual changes and jaw-dropping size make it the perfect place for a “mental vacation.” In short, if a bit of awe can help clear up your mind and relieve feelings of being time-starved, hop in the car or catch a flight and head to the Grand Canyon.

What are the Camping Grounds Like?

The Grand Canyon offers two main types of camping:

  • Developed in-park campgrounds that allow campers and vehicles. These are operated by the National Park Service. 
  • Backpacking and dispersed camping outside developed campgrounds and at the bottom of either rim. A backcountry permit from the Backcountry Information Center is necessary for backpacking or dispersed camping in the North Rim, South Rim, and Tuweep. 
Photo by: Briona Baker

Where Can I Camp in the Grand Canyon?

The North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon offer various camping options to suit all visitors. Both rims have campsites suitable for pitching tents, RV camping, small motorhomes, and trailers. 

Our Top 3 North Rim Campsites 

North Rim Campground

The North Rim campground offers 90 campsites, most bordering the rim. Seventy-eight campsites are mixed-use (RVs, trailers, and tents), while 12 are tent-only.

Most of these sites are tucked between towering ponderosa pines and aspens, creating the quiet and peaceful nostalgia typical of the North Rim. All campsites have a table, fire ring, and cooking grate, but no hookups.

Tuweep Campground 

For those who dare explore the remotest areas of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, we suggest camping at the Tuweep Campground. It’s located just a mile from the Toroweap Overlook, which carries the title of one of the most remote regions in the US- according to the National Park Service. 

Tuweep Campground has ten campsites. There are nine family campsites, each meant for two vehicles and six people, and a group campsite with room for four vehicles and up to 11 people. Water and electricity are not available at Tuweep Campground, but picnic tables and composting toilets will be provided. You need advance backcountry permits to camp at Tuweep, and accommodation is limited to 7 nights. 

Indian Hollow Campground

The awesome drive to Indian Hollow Forest Camp through junipers and pines makes it one of the best North Rim campsites. But we must warn you: this is a secluded and semi-developed camping area without water or cell coverage. 

Indian Hollow Campground has three campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. So, you’d better get there early. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There’s only one pit toilet for the three campsites but no potable water. 

You’ll realize that Indian Hollow Campground is less popular than other North Rim Campsites. That’s partly because it does not offer a direct view of the canyon. But it only takes a half-mile hike to get to the majestic rim. So, if you want to enjoy peace and quiet in the North Rim while surrounded by beautiful scenery, this is the place. 

Photo by: Marisa Cornelsen

Our Top 3 South Rim Campsites

The South Rim Park has three front-country areas where you can base yourself when camping in the Grand Canyon: 

Mather Campground

Mather Campground is managed by the National Park Service and offers 327 mixed-used campsites, each with a campfire ring, grate, and picnic table. There are family sites with enough room for three tents, two vehicles, and up to six people. Group sites accommodate 7-50 people, tents, and three vehicles. There’s also a horse camp designed for up to 6 people, six horses, and two vehicles. 

Most RV sites are at Mather Campground, but there are no hookups. Drinking water, flush toilets, shower and laundry services, and a free dump station are available.

Camping at the Mather Campground at the South Rim requires advanced reservations between March and November. Walk-up camping on a first-come, first-served basis at the Mather Campground is available only from December through February.  

Trailer Village RV Park 

Trailer Village RV Park is the only RV campsite that offers full hookup and accommodates vehicles with a maximum length of up to 50 ft. Trailer Village RV Park has 84 RV spaces, each equipped with 30 and 50-amp services, a picnic table, a BBQ grill, and a sewage hookup. Plus, dumpsters and a dump station are available throughout the campground. 

Trailer Village RV Park does not offer laundry and hot shower services. But you can enjoy these amenities at the Mather Campground entrance, around the corner from Trailer Village RV Park (0.5 miles, to be exact). The Canyon Village General Store is half a mile away. It opens daily from 7 AM to 9 PM and has a wide selection of groceries, souvenirs, and outdoor gear for RVers and backpackers. 

Due to the limited spaces, advanced reservations are necessary at the Trailer Village RV Park.  

Desert View Campground 

Desert View Campground is located 26 miles east of Mather Campsite. It’s 35 minutes away by car from the Visitor Center and a 45-minute drive from Grand Canyon Village. 

Desert View Campground is a better recommendation if you want to enjoy some solitude in the busy South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s cheaper than Mather Campground and has some of the most gorgeous sunrise and sunset views. But it also has fewer amenities.

There are 49 campsites at Desert View Campground, which accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers up to 30 ft in total length. There are no hookups at Desert View Campground. 

Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and cooking grill. Also, two water faucets serve the entire campground, but no showers. Laundry and dump station services are unavailable, too. 

Desert View Campground is open seasonally from May through mid-October. Advanced reservations are necessary at Desert View due to the growing demand and can be booked up to six months prior. 

Photo by: Fredlyfish4

Our Top 3 Campgrounds at the Bottom of The Grand Canyon

There are several options for experiencing the Grand Canyon, from flying over it to camping near the rim. And all of them offer incredible views. But none of all the options available- and we mean none- lets you experience this spectacle of nature in all its beauty and majesty than camping at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. 

The journey to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is approximately 10 miles long. There are four ways of reaching the floor of the canyon:

  • Hiking- the best trails for getting to the bottom of the Grand Canyon are the Bright Angel Trail (9.3 miles), South Kaibab Trail (6.8 miles), and North Kaibab Trail (14.2 miles).
  • A mule trip- costs $500 and requires a reservation. 
  • Rafting down the Colorado River. It also requires a reservation.
  • Driving- you can drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon by taking Diamond Creek Road, which starts in the small town of Peach Springs, Arizona. A permit is required, but it’s easy to get one online. 

There are a few precautions you should know first if you are planning to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon:

  • The hike to the canyon’s floor is strenuous and not for the faint of heart. 
  • Risks are greater if you choose to hike alone. 
  • It takes 4-5 hours to hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and twice as long to climb back up. It’s not recommended to make both trips in one day. 

So, where can you camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

Bright Angel Campground

Bright Angel Campground is the only developed campground on the floor of the Grand Canyon. It’s operated by the Grand Canyon National Park and lies along the Bright Angel Trail. The campground is located on the South Rim and sits between towering cliff walls and the banks of Bright Angel Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River. 

Bright Angel Campground has 31 small group campsites (1-6 people) and two large group sites (7-11 people). Each campsite has a table and two camping food storage boxes. There is a ranger station, and drinking water and toilets are available. There are no shower facilities at the Bright Angel Campground. You need a backcountry permit to camp at the Bright Angel Campground. 

Indian Garden Campground/Havasupai Gardens

Formerly known as Indian Garden, Havasupai is a beautiful oasis with shade and running water 4.8 miles below the South Rim along the Bright Angel Trail. Each site at Havasupai Gardens has a shade, pack pole, picnic table, and food storage boxes. The campground also has a ranger station with an emergency phone, water fixtures, and composting toilets. 

Cottonwood Campground 

Cotton Campground is on the North Rim side of the Grand Canyon. It sits 6.8 miles below the North Rim along the North Kaibab Trail and halfway from the North Rim to the Bright Angel Campground. 

Cotton Campground has 11 small group campsites (1-6 people) and one group site accommodating 7-11 people. The basic amenities available are composting toilets, picnic tables, potable water, bag hooks, and food storage boxes. 

Cottonwood gets fewer visitors than Bright Angel and Indian Garden owing to its location in the North Rim. Nevertheless, its campsites are often out, so it’s necessary to make reservations up to six months in advance. Keep in mind that the ranger station at Cottonwood is not manned full-time. Using this first-aid checklist to ensure you are fully prepared for emergencies. 

Photo by: Aram Grigoryan

Camping at the South Rim vs. the North Rim 

Each Grand Canyon Camping vacation starts with deciding whether the North or South Rim is best. Both rims are located in Northwest Arizona. But while they are only 20 miles away from each other, you will need to make a 5-hour drive or hike for 2-3 days to get to the other rim. 

The major considerations when deciding between the South Rim and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are weather, popularity, availability of services, and your origination point. 

Here is a low-down on why you may want to visit either rim.

Altitude 

At an altitude of 8000 ft., the North Rim is almost 1000 ft. higher than the South Rim, which averages 7000 ft. For this reason, the North Rim has pleasantly cooler summers but more extreme winters. The Grand Canyon Campgrounds in the North Rim also have more natural shade, which adds to their relaxing setup. 

On the other hand, the South Rim’s lower elevation allows better views of the wall on the other side. 

Availability of services 

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, including holidays and winter months. Due to its extreme winter conditions, the North Rim opens from 15th May to 15th October each year. 

Accessibility 

It’s better to visit the South Rim if you want the most accessible rim between the two. The South Rim is an hour or so north of the Interstate 40 town of Williams via Route 64 and an hour and a half northwest of Flagstaff via Route 180. 

The North Rim is much harder to access because no major towns are nearby. The closest town, Page, is 2+ hours to the northeast, and you have to drive through Jacob Lake. 

Crowdedness

The North Rim is the best region to visit when camping near the Grand Canyon if you prefer less crowded places. The North Rim receives around one million visitors, while its neighbor, the South Rim, attracts about 5 million visitors annually. 

Views 

The views from both rims are nothing short of spectacular. At a lower elevation, the South Rim is a much better option to embrace the vastness of the Grand Canyon. But if you want to get a sense of how deep the big ditch goes, go to the North Rim. The walls of the North Rim also have more vibrant colors than those of the South Rim. 

Photo by: Grand Canyon National Park

Dispersed Camping in the Grand Canyon 

Dispersed camping is also known as boondocking or free roughing it. It means camping anywhere within the National Forest but outside developed or established camping sites. Dispersed camping offers an alternative method of Grand Canyon camping for free. But that also means you don’t enjoy convenient amenities and services like fire pits, picnic tables, water, toilet, and trash removal. 

If you can take care of all that swag yourself, here are our favorite free dispersed campsites near the Grand Canyon. 

Forest Service Road 688

Forest Service Road 688 is 5.4 miles from the Grand Canyon South entrance. It has around 20 campsites suitable for tent campers and RV folks. Its proximity to the Grand Canyon Village (10 miles) means the demand for the few spots is insanely high, particularly in the peak season. Be sure to arrive early. 

Coconino Rim Road 

Coconino or Forest Road 310 is the closest you can camp free of charge near the Grand Canyon. This dispersed campground is located past Kaibab National Forest’s sign. It’s very quiet and clean and hard to miss, thanks to the handmade fire rings. The first mile towards the campsite is heavily rutted, but you are soon rewarded with plenty of camping spots for some forest camping. 

Long Jim Loop 

Long Jim Loop is only 1.4 miles from the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance near the little town of Tusayan. The Grand Canyon Village is barely 15 minutes from here. You can also walk to the Grand Canyon Shuttle Park and Ride, where you can take a free shuttle anywhere around the South Rim. There is no water at Long Jim Loop dispersed campground, and the camping sites get full pretty quickly. 

Saddle Mt. Overlook 

Saddle Mountain Overlook is the best-dispersed camping site near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s about an hour from the North Rim entrance and offers five non-reservable camping sites spacious enough for big rigs. The road to this location is not as bad, but the camping spots are close together, meaning privacy can be an issue. There’s no water or toilets at Saddle Mountain Overlook, so come fully prepared.

Photo by: Grand Canyon National Park

Wilderness Areas

The Grand Canyon, which covers an area of 1,218,375 acres, mainly comprises national forests and wilderness areas, including; 

  • Kaibab National Forest 
  • Grand Canyon Caverns 
  • Saddle Mountain Wilderness
  • Lake Powell 
  • Vermilion Cliffs 
  • Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness 
  • Mt. Logan wilderness 
  • Mt. Trumbull wilderness 
  • Paiute wilderness 

Cost of Camping in the Grand Canyon 

The Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee is:

  • $35 per private vehicle and its passengers (up to 15 passengers)
  • $20 per motorcycle with all its passengers 
  • $15 for individuals arriving on foot, bicycles, shuttles, or the Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee allows you to explore both rims for seven days. The entrance fee does not cover other costs, such as camping fees, tours, and accommodation in the established lodgings. 

Generally speaking, camping fees at the Grand Canyon range from $6 for a communal hiker/biker site to $50 for a group site accommodating 7-50 people, tents, and three vehicles. 

Reservations 

You don’t need a reservation to enter Grand Canyon National Park itself. However, most Grand Canyon campgrounds require you to make reservations up to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season. It doesn’t hurt to enquire about same-day reservations, though. People cancel reservations daily. 

Camping Rules and Regulations

Whether seasoned or a novice camper, always err on the side of caution by understanding the rules and regulations of every campground. 

Here are some of the rules and regulations you should know when camping at the Grand Canyon:

Check-in

Enquire about your reserved campsite’s check-in and check-out times. While you don’t have to arrive at the exact check-in time indicated on your backcountry permit, try to arrive before the sun goes down. Setting camp will be much easier, and you won’t disturb your neighbors. 

Campground Check-out 

In addition to check-in, every campground has rules regarding check-out time and the procedure for renewing if the sites are available. 

Type and Number of Vehicles Allowed

When reserving your campsite, ensure you understand the type and length of vehicles allowed on the site. Each site also has a limit on the number of vehicles that can fit.

Are You Bringing Your Furry Friends?

Each campground has rules regarding dogs’ camping and their allowed areas. Dogs are permitted in the Grand Canyon but must be leashed and remain in established front-country campgrounds, parks, picnic areas, and developed trails above the rim. 

Fires 

Grand Canyon National Park allows fires only in the designated fire rings in the developed campsites. Campfires and open fires are not allowed anywhere inside the canyons. Inner canyon users can only use canned heat gas cook stoves. 

Photo by: Grand Canyon National Park

Tips for Camping at the Grand Canyon 

  • Grand Canyon Campgrounds fill months in advance. The sooner you start preparing, the better. 
  • Purchase your National Park permit online to avoid long lines at the National Park entrance station. 
  • Bring your debit/credit card if you plan to purchase your entrance permit on-site. Cash payment is not accepted. 
  • Be honest about your hiking abilities. The Grand Canyon is a reversed mountain. 
  • Review the NPS website daily for current information, closures, and alerts. 
  • Double-check your camping checklist to avoid overpacking or leaving essential items. Regarding what to wear when Grand Canyon backpacking, ensure you include sweat-wicking and quick-drying t-shirts and underwear. 
  • Always pack extra water and never underestimate the heat.
  • Consider your hygiene supplies. Bring biodegradable soap to bathe yourself. Alternatively, bring wipes/baby wipes to wipe yourself when it’s too cold for a bath. 

Grand Canyon Camping Activities 

Camping at the Grand Canyon never gets boring, whether it’s your first or umpteenth time. Here are some of the ten best things to do at the Grand Canyon: 

  • Go hiking- the Grand Canyon has a mix of family-friendly and breathtaking trails for an unforgettable experience. 
  • Take a mule or horseback ride around the campgrounds or right into the heart of the Grand Canyon. 
  • Go sightseeing in style on the Grand Canyon Railway. 
  • Experience the colossal force of the Colorado River by way of floating through it on a raft. 
  • Rent a bike and enjoy relaxing and traffic-ride rides. 
  • Absorb the scenery from the horse-shoe-shaped Grand Canyon skywalk. 
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the big ditch from the Desert View Watchtower. 
  • Understand the geological history of the Grand Canyon at the Yavapai Geology Museum at South Rim. 
  • Cruise the Desert View road while taking in scenic canyon views from some of the best viewpoints. 
  • Enjoy memorable sunrise and sunset views and take photos at Mather Point and Yaki Point. 
  • For even more inspo, check out our top entertaining camping activities guide.

Final Thoughts 

The Grand Canyon is the perfect place to explore the best of Mother Nature’s erosion art. With its beautiful and vibrantly colored landscapes, we know an experience of this geographic wonder is one to cherish forever.

There are various options for camping at the Grand Canyon. And, yes, camping at the bottom of the Grand Canyon is possible and an indescribable experience!

Featured image: Grand Canyon National Park.

FAQs

Can I sleep in the car at the Grand Canyon?

Yes. You can sleep in your car at the Grand Canyon, provided you have reserved a site at the designated campgrounds. 

What time of year is best to camp in the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is busiest in Summer (June, July, and August) because the schools are closed and the weather is warm. That said, Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November) are the best seasons to visit the Grand Canyon to enjoy cooler weather and avoid crowds.

Is it hard to get a camping permit for the Grand Canyon?

Unfortunately, yes. Because of the large number of people seeking an opportunity to spend a night at the Grand Canyon National Park, backcountry permit applications are processed via a random lottery system. The best idea is to apply as soon as the backpacking permits become available. Also, you should apply four months in advance.

Is the Grand Canyon good at night?

While the Grand Canyon is spectacular by day, its remoteness makes it one of the best places for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way with your naked eyes. 

How long should you stay in the Grand Canyon?

We suggest setting aside 2-3 days if you want to explore some of the best things to do when Grand Canyon camping.

Is there wildlife in the Grand Canyon?

Yes. The Grand Canyon National Park is home to 447 species of birds, 91 species of mammals, 48 species of reptiles, and about 10 species of amphibians. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the Grand Canyon include mule deer, coyotes, gray fox, mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, rattle snakes, the rock squirrel, and a variety of birds.

Tom Harrison
Tom Harrison

Tom Harrison is an intrepid explorer and fervent nature lover. Through his clean writing style, he invites readers to join him on an exhilarating journey into the wilderness.

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