best grand canyon campgrounds

This NPS campground and RV Park is one of the most highly rated RV parks in all of Arizona, and its right at the doorstep of the Grand Canyon. What is the best campground in the Grand Canyon? Thus, the best season to visit greatly depends on what your top adventure priorities are. Here are some of the best campgrounds near the Grand Canyon outside of the main spots near the national park. Camp Here. The parks pool and spa make it the perfect place to relax under the desert sun. Don your favoritetraction devices atop the canyon to crunch through seasonal ice and book abackcountry permit for late fall, winter, or early spring. Camp Here. Grand Canyon National Park Hotels Information. Yes, there are campgrounds inside Grand Canyon National Park, including Mather Campground, Trailer Village, and Desert View. That being said, the views and privacy make them well worth the effort. From the South Rim, you can expect to hike roughly 9.9 miles. Awarded "Best Hipcamp in Arizona" by Outside Magazine! Americans are increasingly taking road trips that are about the skies as much as the land. Lace up your boots for a three-mile round-trip stroll to the shade structure at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse or, if youre an experienced hiker looking to sweat, start early for an all-day 12-mile journey to jaw-dropping views of Plateau Point. Theres always something going on in this desert retreat. Its all about what kind of experience youre after, specifically. Hiking trails from the North Rim take campers to thevisitor center, along the edge of the canyon, or through the sprawling desert forest. Its also first-come, first-served only, so you cant make reservations. These campgrounds offer access to a once in a lifetime magical getaway that allows you to fully take advantage of the beauty and splendor within. When it comes to the ultimate travel bucket list destinations, nothings quite as classic as the Grand Canyon. You should keep in mind that campers are only allowed to spend two nights here (similar to Cottonwood or Indian Garden). For a more off-the-beaten path experience, check out one of the campgrounds or dispersed camping areas outside and nearby the park. Visitors to the Valley of the Sun will not be disappointed with this clean, environmentally-friendly, urban RV park in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. I mean, it even has a cameo in National LampoonsVacation. If you're looking to camp somewhere that's easy to reach and open year-round, you'll want to plan your trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you're mainly looking for a place to sleep at night and serve as your base camp for Grand Canyon adventures, then Tex-X is a great choice for you. The park did an amazing job making this area a camping trip to remember. Lorena Sims, Google Review. Yes. This high-elevation outpost (over 8,000 feet) andlog cabin-style lodge have a shorter visitation season than the South Rim (youll have to travel there between May 15 and October 15 most years), but adventurous drivers desperate to escape the crowds should make a beeline for the pinyon and ponderosa pine-studded views of crumbling crimson sandstone alongCape Royal Road. Hoping to hike to the bottom and camp at Bright Angel? Youll also find a courtyard, a BBQ area, a camp store, and immaculate restroom and laundry facilities. Just because you're visiting Grand Canyon National Park doesn't mean you have to camp within the park's boundaries. And it doesn't matter if you're a tent camper or prefer a full RV hookup, as there's something for everyone within the park's 1,904 square miles. Photo of Grand Canyon Campground Indian Garden by Mara F. Grand Canyon campers head to the back country for any number of reasons. Just outside the East entrance to the park, Dineh-ownedBig Hogan Enterprises offers guided tours with Indigenous storytelling and history on the far western end of Navajo Nation (make sure to stop by theirLikaan Grill for hiking fuel in the form of Navajo tacos and blue corn cupcakes). Bright Angel also boast other amenities such as payphones, a ranger station, fishing (with a grand canyon fishing license) stargazing, and day hikes as well. Theres no better way to experience its majesty than on an RV trip with the whole family through Northern Arizona. Whichever Grand Canyon RV park you end up choosing, your trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon is bound to be one the family will never forget. Smith Rock State Park: The Complete Guide, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: The Complete Guide, The 10 Best Places to Go Camping in Washington State, The Best Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park, Great Basin National Park: The Complete Guide, The Best Places to Go Camping in Colorado, North Cascades National Park: The Complete Guide. While there are no utility hookups, rigs up to 42 feet in length are welcome, as are well-behaved, leashed pets. Located in beautiful northern Arizona, The Canyons is just a few minutes away from spectacular outdoor attractions including; Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This was, perhaps, the nicest National Park Campground I've ever stayed at. Aside from being perfectly located for a trip to the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona, Meteor Crater RV Park also has an astounding number of amenities. Looking for something retro? And, of course, its totally free of charge. Notably, Grand Canyon National Park is a stones throw away from one of the most iconic road trips the U.S. has to offerhistoricRoute 66. However, you can camp year-round at the park at Mather Campground or by requesting a backcountry permit for winter camping. Staff is very friendly and accommodating! They have buses that run to the RV camping area and take you just about everywhere in the park. Located right off I-17, Distant Drums RV Resort is a straight shot up to the Grand Canyon. The town of Jacob Lake is considered the gateway to the northern rim of the Canyon, and this campground is conveniently located close to both the natural wonder and the town itself. Also, keep in mind that Desert View is only open from mid-May to mid-October each year, so make your plans accordingly. This is a 'must stop' if you are in AZ. The grounds are near the eastern edge of the Grand Canyon along Desert View Drive, a scenic highway that connects the area with Grand Canyon Village. Friendly staff, awesome clubhouse with clean showers and laundry room, hot tub, quiet park with so many off-road trails right from the park. A site at North Rim costs between $18 and $50 per night, and while there are no RV hookups, there is a dump station. But, due to midday heat and the extremely strenuous nature of these hikes, the National Park Service does not recommend aiming to complete such a journey in a single day. The sheer variety of lodging options near the Grand Canyon is enough to make anyones head spin. All campsites are located north or upstream of the ranger station. Angie is still the best park manager and groundskeepers, David and Mark, are some of the nicest people I've met. 1 Mather Campground Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA Web Visit website Located along the South Rim, Mather Campground has more than 300 campsites. This park is located in a mountainous desert shaded by palm trees and citrus trees. Plus, when you're sleeping in the park, it's easier to beat the crowds to the trails and canyon overlooks. If you're new to camping (or just don't like the cold), this is the best option. The north rim offers great trails, beautiful views, awesome dining, laundry room, showers, country store and less crowded then the south rim. Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, 10 Best Grand Canyon Hotels: Where to Stay Near Grand Canyon National Park, 10 Grand Canyon Hikes That Promise Incredible Views, These Amtrak Train Routes Make Stops at Some of America's Most Scenic National Parks, 13 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to Plan a Rocky Mountain National Park Camping Trip, High Country Motor Lodge - Flagstaff Hotel, A Stargazing Road Trip Across the American Southwest. Once settled at this campsite, easily-accessible trails connect to the nearby visitor center and scenic overlooks to the national park. Im from Vermont but Ive been camping at Florida State Parks since I was a kid, and, In an arid expanse of Southern California lies a state park that is truly stunning in both sparseness and variety. The Dyrt Campers recommend the following developed campgrounds if youll be visiting the South Rim: Mather Campground is by far the most popular campground in Grand Canyon National Park. The campsite's proximity to the park and frequent shuttles make it an efficient place to stay too, offering unfettered access to the park all year long. For amenity-rich car camping (think showers, campfire rings, and laundry machines) and easy access to the South Rims most selfie-worthy viewpoints, head toMather Campground. Want a little more bang for your buck? Read on! Auto tourists who want to explore the canyons south rim by car can travel in virtually any seasonjust be prepared for crowds in summer months and occasional snow closures at the height of winter. Water is available, but because its a limited resource, filling RV tanks is not allowed. Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Bisbee is a charming, unique artists compound foundedin what used to be a 19th-century mining town. To help you plan the ultimate trip, we've outlined everything you need to know for camping near the Grand Canyon. To witness the breathtaking show of our solar syst, When you take kids camping, you get to teach your, Let us know in the comments! With that being said Iwas surprised by the spacious site lots, we had plenty of room for two tents on the site, even having two vehicles. The Dyrt CamperAmanda M. Its the perfect basecamp for exploring Northern Arizona, and the Flagstaff KOA is easily one of Flagstaffs nicest, most highly reviewed campgrounds. We had a very enjoyable three-night stay. With mature trees and a good layout, the campground doesnt feel crowded, despite the large number of users. If youre into hiking past dramatic vermillion outcroppings, secret waterfalls, and hanging gardens, youre in the right place. Further east, in a less-developed area, the NPS has another on-site campground called Desert View. Although its not right outside the Grand Canyon National Park, its still an easy day trip away. On the North Rim, you'll be at around 8,000-feet elevation in a section that only 10 percent of the park's visitors make the effort to experience. The site operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, which often leads to it filling up rather quickly each day. She can be reached at www.roaringforkwriter.com, Full disclosure here: Im weirdly obsessed with Florida. It tends to be the path less traveled, attracting just 10% of park campers. After an exhausting day of hiking, or dealing with a ton of tourists, Ten-X Campground is heaven sent. Its all up to your individual desires and preferences. If you want to stay inside Grand Canyon National Park, waking up to brilliant sunrises over the canyon and relaxing with sunset views each day, the South Rim is the place to do it. All rights reserved. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Trailer Village, within Grand Canyon Village, is the only campground inside the national park on the south rim that offers RV hookups. Despite its close proximity however, the site is amongst the more quiet places to set up camp in the entire region. The southern rim of the Grand Canyon may be the most famous portion its where many of those sweeping photographs of the National Park youre familiar with are shot. Access roads to commonly used camping areas can be found while coming and going from the park itself. But when youre trying to figure out your Grand Canyon vacation, one of the most challenging aspects is figuring out where to park your vehicle. It's right in the park proper, the layout resembles the typical sardine can setup found in private parks, you get full hookups, and it's as close to the rim as you can get on the southern end of Grand Canyon National Park. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, spirits, wine, food, and culture. The drive is only open to private vehicles in December, January, and February; all other months, travelers must utilize the parksfree shuttle system, hopping on and off at popular sites. It might sound too good to be true, but its actually possible at the Long Jim Loop campground just south of the Canyon. Each of these parks offers something unique, but all are great options for people who want to be close to the Grand Canyon. From luxury, resort-style accommodations with full hookups and swimming pools to dispersed camping on public lands, theres a campsite in the Grand Canyon area that will suit your needs! But theres so much more to do in and around the Grand Canyon than simply look at it. Friendly and very helpful staff., Beautiful campground. The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks in the U.S. BLM Camping and Recreation: The Complete Guide, Yellowstone National Park: The Complete Guide. This place is great. Some are situated right within the park for people who want to get the most out of their time at the Grand Canyon. Plan the ultimate Grand Canyon camping trip with this helpful guide, which includes the best campgrounds, RV sites, regulations to know, and more. Those who are looking for unique, scenic campgrounds will find themselves highly satisfied with Point of Rocks Campground. There are many excellent campgrounds and backcountry camping opportunities to choose from. Outside of. As a result, this Grand Canyon campground also gets fewer visitors. Leslie Pariseau charts a course through the Southwest. View our post for more information. Expect to see wildlife like elk and very inquisitive ravens throughout the campground. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Located along the South Rim, Mather Campground has more than 300 campsites. Heading for the quieter North Rim? Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Roads in these areas often require high clearance 44 vehicles and cell service is extremely spotty. From there, Flagstaff is just under two hours away, and the Grand Canyon National Park is barely over two hours away, making it easy to do a day trip. Ad Choices. Montezuma's Castle is 3 miles away & Out of Africa animal preserve is 5 miles away. Winter campers will want to pack along some extra gear and layers, and make sure they're well versed in cold-weather camping. Kraig Becker is a writer based out of Roanoke, Virgina who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since 2013. The free campsite off Forest Road 302 is a popular one and for good reason. Just 30 minutes east of Flagstaff, Meteor Crater RV Park is also only two hours from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and one hour and 30 minutes from Sedona. Read on for our expert tips on where to stay and what to see, for a standout Grand Canyon National Park visit. Places likeToroweap Overlookoffer spectacular panoramic experiences which are only available to those willing to drive or hike the distance. Convenience store on-site and gas station. There are three lodging options within the park two in the busy Grand Canyon Village, and one more remote campground, Desert View Campground, 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. Meanwhile, the historic town of Prescott offers art shows, festivals, parades, museums, and world-class whiskey. The Ten-X Campground has two very important aspects that make it a great choice for campers. In fact, most national forests will let visitors pitch their tent just about anywhere, allowing experienced campers to choose their location. Continue down to Skeleton Point for a sweeping panorama of the Colorado River (six miles round-trip). Spanning 23 breathtaking miles between Grand Canyon Village and the Desert View area,Desert View Drive is the only scenic byway in the park thats open year-round to private vehicles, and its an excellent way to escape the village throngs and strike out in search of amazing red rock vistas at its six developed pullouts. Between Route 66 and the country's most beloved canyon, you've got two very prominent cultural monuments in American history in this one state. While these involve a little more preparation, they are worth it for people who want to immerse themselves in nature. Hiking into the Grand Canyon ravine is like traveling back in time for geology-loving visitors. Just be sure you pack in all the water and food that you need and pack out all your trash! Discount to the Meteor Crater park for staying at the campground., Great RV Park, beautiful scenery right in the Granite Dells! Of experience youre after, specifically stay and what to see wildlife like elk and inquisitive! 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