Grand Canyon Camping

Grand Canyon camping sites are enveloped by the endless ocean of pine trees with the magnificent Colorado River wading its way through its heart.

The rugged, drop-dead views is a treat for the eyes that only someone who has enjoyed the Grand Canyon, can describe. To experience the pleasures of Grand Canyon Camping, you will need a lot of planning and preparations.

Don't underestimate the importance of using a good guide book such as Frommer's Grand Canyon National Park to help in your planning.

Grand Canyon Campgrounds

There are several designated campgrounds for Grand Canyon Camping. The backcountry inside the canyon is divided into more than 90 use zones, all of them are highly regulated in terms of the kind of camping, and the number of campers allowed within that zone.

There are zones not permitting night stays in the camping area; some will allow dispersed camping; while at other sites, you will be bound to camp in the designated campsite only.

Almost all Camping sites are located in its backcountry amidst the breathtakingly beautiful pine forests. In case you are not able to find a place inside the park, you can camp in the Kaibab National Forest. Click here for the Kaibab National Forest Visitors Guide.

To avoid disappointment, it is better to make reservations and obtain a backcountry permit from the Backcountry Information Center after paying the required fee. Indian Garden (15 sites), Bright Angel (33 sites), and Cottonwood (12 sites) are the backcountry Grand Canyon Camping sites open throughout the year.

All of them have drinking water facility, but only Bright Angel provides the ultimate luxury in the wilderness, flushing toilets. Fires are not permitted at all.

Grand Canyon Camping sites have camping options to suit all budgets, tastes and temperaments. But the nearer you want to stay to the majestic Canyon, the more you have to pay.

Following are a few of the finest options:

Mather Campground: In this most popular camping site in the center of the Grand Canyon Village, there are 319 tents and RV sites. The tents have flush toilets, showers, and drinking water, fire grates, a disposal station, and a ranger station.
Ten X Campground: nine miles south of the park, the Forest Service manages it. This site has 70 family and one group site for about 100 people with water and pit toilets for $10 per day. Reservations are allowed for the group site only.
Indian Garden: Situated halfway down the canyon, there are 15 sites on this free campground on the way to Phantom Ranch. There are running water and toilets, but no showers. Backcountry permit is required to visit.

Now, pick up a copy of Frommer's Grand Canyon National Park , make the necessary preparations and get ready to spend some blissful moments in the wilderness, far away from the nuisances of the civilization.

Go to Top of Grand Canyon Camping Page