15 Grand Canyon Camping Tips with Photos

Here are photos of campers in the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Camping Stats & Facts

Size: The Grand Canyon National Park spans over 1.2 million acres.
Visitors: Approximately 6 million people visit the park each year.
Established: The Grand Canyon National Park was established in 1919.
Elevation: The South Rim’s elevation averages around 7,000 feet, while the North Rim averages around 8,000 feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many campgrounds are there in Grand Canyon National Park?

There are three developed campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park:

Mather Campground: Located on the South Rim, open year-round.
Desert View Campground: Located on the South Rim, open seasonally.
North Rim Campground: Located on the North Rim, open seasonally.

In addition to these developed campgrounds, there are several backcountry camping options that require permits.

How far in advance should I make campground reservations?

Reservations for Mather Campground and North Rim Campground can be made up to six months in advance. Desert View Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand, it’s recommended to make reservations as early as possible.

What are the rules and regulations for camping in the Grand Canyon?

Some general rules for camping in the Grand Canyon include:

Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
Maximum of six people, two tents, and two vehicles per site.
Campfires are allowed only in designated fire grates.
Pets must be leashed and are allowed only in developed campgrounds and on specific trails.

Camping Locations in the Grand Canyon

South Rim Campgrounds

Mather Campground: Offers 327 campsites with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities available nearby. Open year-round.
Desert View Campground: Features 50 campsites with basic facilities such as pit toilets and water spigots. Open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October.

North Rim Campground

North Rim Campground: Offers 90 campsites with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities available nearby. Open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping requires a permit and allows you to explore more remote areas of the park, such as the inner canyon and wilderness areas.

Grand Canyon Temperatures & Weather

South Rim: The South Rim experiences mild to cool temperatures during the day and colder temperatures at night, with the possibility of snow during the winter months.
North Rim: The North Rim has cooler temperatures than the South Rim, with daytime highs ranging from the 60s to 80s in the summer and much colder temperatures with significant snowfall during the winter.

Wildlife in the Grand Canyon

Some common animals found in the Grand Canyon include:

Mule deer
Elk
Bighorn sheep
Squirrels
California condors
Various species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians

Grand Canyon camping tips infographic

Backwoods Camping

For the more adventurous campers, backwoods camping is an opportunity to explore the Grand Canyon’s remote areas and enjoy a more immersive experience in nature. However, it is essential to note that backcountry camping requires a permit from the National Park Service before setting up camp.

When selecting a backwoods campsite, make sure to consider factors such as access to water, wildlife presence, and terrain difficulty. Also, ensure that you are well prepared for the challenges that come with camping in the remote wilderness.

In conclusion, your choice of campsite at the Grand Canyon will significantly impact your experience. Whether you prefer the calm and serene North Rim, the accessible and developed South Rim, or the adventurous and remote backwoods, knowing your options will help you make the best choice for your camping trip.

List of campsites:

Take some photos

Attractions

South Rim: The most popular and accessible part of the Grand Canyon, the South Rim offers incredible panoramic views and a variety of visitor services, including the Grand Canyon Village, various viewpoints, and walking trails.
North Rim: Less crowded and more remote than the South Rim, the North Rim offers a more secluded experience with equally stunning views. Key attractions include Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial, and Cape Royal.
Bright Angel Trail: One of the most popular hiking trails in the park, this path offers a challenging but rewarding hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River, with rest stops and water sources along the way.
Rim Trail: This relatively flat trail along the South Rim stretches from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest and offers excellent views of the canyon. You can hike the entire length or choose shorter sections to explore.
Grandview Point: This viewpoint on the South Rim provides sweeping vistas of the canyon and is considered one of the best spots for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Desert View Watchtower: Located on the eastern end of the South Rim, the Desert View Watchtower offers a panoramic view of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. The watchtower itself is an architectural marvel designed by Mary Colter.
Havasu Falls: Located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls is a stunning turquoise waterfall that requires a permit and a challenging hike to reach. The beauty of the falls and the surrounding area makes the effort worthwhile.
Rafting the Colorado River: For the ultimate Grand Canyon adventure, consider embarking on a guided rafting trip down the Colorado River. Trips can range from a single day to multiple days, offering a unique perspective of the canyon’s beauty.
Skywalk at Grand Canyon West: The Grand Canyon Skywalk, located outside the national park boundaries on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, is a glass-bottomed walkway that extends 70 feet over the canyon rim, providing a thrilling view 4,000 feet down to the canyon floor.
Yavapai Point and Geology Museum: This South Rim viewpoint offers spectacular vistas of the Grand Canyon, and the nearby Yavapai Geology Museum provides exhibits and information about the canyon’s geological history and formation.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/grand-canyon-camping-guide

Arizona travel info

thepointsguy.com/guide/grand-canyon-family-camping

Adventure

If you’re seeking excitement, the Grand Canyon has plenty to offer. There are numerous trails that challenge hikers and offer incomparable views of the canyon. More adventurous campers might enjoy exploring some of the 1,000+ caves housed within the park, though access to these is often restricted. Additionally, there are opportunities for water rafting, horseback riding, and wildlife watching, making the Grand Canyon a hotspot for adventure seekers.

Best Seasons

The best time to camp at the Grand Canyon depends on personal preferences, but generally, the most popular seasons are spring (mid-April to mid-June) and fall (September to November). These times offer moderate temperatures, making it comfortable for camping and outdoor activities. During the summer months (June-August), temperatures can soar, especially at the bottom of the canyon, making it less desirable for camping. The North Rim Campground is closed during the winter, but the South Rim Campgrounds remain open for those who are interested in experiencing a snowy Grand Canyon adventure.

Campgrounds

In the Grand Canyon National Park:

Mather Campground (South Rim): This campground is open year-round and offers tent and RV camping (no hookups). It is located within the Grand Canyon Village and provides access to visitor services, such as a general store, showers, and a laundromat. Reservations are recommended during peak season.
Trailer Village RV Park (South Rim): Also located in the Grand Canyon Village, Trailer Village offers full RV hookups and is open year-round. It is within walking distance to many visitor services and viewpoints. Reservations are recommended.
Desert View Campground (South Rim): This campground is located 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village and offers a more remote experience with 50 first-come, first-served campsites. It is generally open from mid-April to mid-October, and there are no hookups available.
North Rim Campground: Open from mid-May to mid-October, this campground offers tent and RV camping (no hookups) on the less-crowded North Rim. Reservations are highly recommended due to its limited season and high demand.

Outside the Grand Canyon National Park:

Kaibab Camper Village (Jacob Lake): Located about 45 miles from the North Rim entrance, Kaibab Camper Village offers RV and tent camping with hookups. It is a good base for exploring both the North Rim and the surrounding Kaibab National Forest.
Ten-X Campground (Tusayan): Situated 2 miles south of the South Rim entrance in the Kaibab National Forest, Ten-X Campground offers 70 first-come, first-served campsites for tents and small RVs (no hookups). It is usually open from mid-May to mid-September.
Grand Canyon-Williams KOA (Williams): This private campground is located about 50 miles south of the South Rim and offers tent and RV camping, as well as cabins. Facilities include full hookups, a swimming pool, playground, and laundry services.
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park (Williams): Adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway, this RV park offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and access to the railway’s indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness room. The railway offers daily train service to the South Rim.