Arizona just may be the best place on Earth for camping. From last-minute camping excursions to finding that perfect desert beach on which to pitch a tent, the Grand Canyon State has more to offer than many other states in the U.S. Following are five excellent choices for camping within the Grand Canyon (not all of them require hiking INTO the Grand Canyon). From RV parks that are more like small hotel villages to rustic sites along a creek in the bottom of the canyon, this list has a little something for everyone’s needs/preferences:
The North Rim Campground offers tent, camper and RV sites, however, there are no hookups. Nearby hiking trails along the rim dish up even better views than the already great views from the campground. A nearby general store and restaurant are added amenities that make this location a solid camping choice. Accessible sites and restroom facilities are available. North Rim Campground is located in North Rim, AZ. The access road is closed in the winter, making this a seasonal camping choice available from May 15 through October 31. This one usually fills up, so reservations are highly recommended. More information can be found on the official website for NPS.
Located within the popular Grand Canyon Village, Mather Campground is one of the most popular family campgrounds in which to bunk down for your sightseeing trip to the Grand Canyon. It's located a mere mile from the rim of the canyon and has a whopping 327 campsites. The campground has pump-station water located at various places throughout and flush toilets. There are no hookups, but there is a dumping station. Open year-round, it's the perfect place for a tent, camper or RV getaway. Find more details and make reservations on this page of the official site of the NPS. Mather Campground is located on Havasupai St., Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
3. Bright Angel Campground - below Grand Canyon Village, near South Rim
Up for a little hike? This hike-in campground nestled in the bottom of the canyon is near Phantom Ranch, where you can get a hot meal — and spend the night if you can get a reservation. Speaking of planning ahead, be sure to get a backcountry permit here, or the rangers could make you hike all the way back out to get one. This sweet little spot is worth the added work in getting the permit and backpacking all your gear down the trail. The hike is 17.7 miles round trip and is considered strenuous. Get directions to the trailhead at this link.
4. Trailer Village RV Park - Grand Canyon Village, South Rim
This is one of the nicest full hookup RV parks in the Grand Canyon. Although technically inside the park, Trailer Village is operated by an outside vendor. The paved, pull-through sites here can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long. Located along the South Rim, the park stays full year-round and reservations are highly recommended. Get more information, and book online on the official website for Trailer Village RV Park. Trailer Village RV Park is located at 100 Trailer Village Rd., Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
Desert View is a small settlement approximately 25 miles from Grand Canyon Village. The drive that connects the two is a scenic wonder with beautiful views of the Grand Canyon. The seasonal campground (open May 15 - October 18) is popular, but can be hard to get in. There are no RV hookups at this campground and it is on a first come basis only; no reservations are accepted. For convenience, there is a small market, a service station and a snack bar located just outside the entrance to the campground. Get more information from the official website of the NPS. Desert View Campground is located at the East Entrance to the Grand Canyon. Click here for a Google map of the location.
Camping while visiting the Grand Canyon adds another layer to an already immersive adventure into the great outdoors. We’re sure there are other great campgrounds not included on this list. Feel free to add your favorite and any details or links in the comments!
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