Camping in Grand Canyon National Park

 

 

This page has information about developed campgrounds — where vehicles are permitted.

If you would like to backpack and camp inside Grand Canyon, you will need a backcountry permit. Details >

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National Park Service Campgrounds

• All campgrounds within the park are booked well in advance.

• Campground reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.

• Make reservations online through recreation.gov

• or call Recreation.gov at [phone].

Note: National Park Service campgrounds in the park do not have RV hook-ups

 

South Rim Campgrounds - Open All Year

 

 

South Rim Campgrounds - Seasonal

 

 

North Rim Campgrounds: CLOSED

• The North Rim has closed for the remainder of the 2025 season because of losses resulting from the Dragon Bravo Wildfire. Details >

 

 

How Do I Decide Which Rim to Visit ?

 

The mile-deep Colorado River creates a barrier that splits the park into north and south Rims. In this illustration, the North Rim is shown in yellow and the South Rim is shown in blue.

Why South and North Rims?

A 277 mile long (446 km) canyon separates the park into South and North Rims. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep, (1.6 km) and creates a barrier that bisects the park. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, be aware that it is a five-hour drive of 215 miles/ 346 km between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.

Scenery, climate and vegetation are noticably different between north and south rims because of differences in elevation. It is almost like having two parks in one and it takes time, planning and effort to be able to visit both sides of the Canyon in one trip.

 

Sunset from Mather Point

Most People Visit Grand Canyon's South Rim

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open all year and is located on the "Arizona" side of the Canyon. The South Rim is close to Interstate 40 and the transportation centers of Williams, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona. The South Rim also has a local airport and rail service. 90% of travelers visit the South Rim.

Since it is easier to get to, the South Rim is very busy, and during the summer season, campgrounds hustle and bustle and are often filled to capacity. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Detailed information about camping on the South Rim (including Desert View)
Along with the closest campgrounds that are outside of the park.

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Grand Canyon Lodge veranda view.

The North Rim is Harder to Get to, and is More Wild and Secluded

• NOTE: The North Rim has closed for the remainder of the 2025 season because of losses resulting from the Dragon Bravo Wildfire. Details >

Because of its 8,000 ft/ 2,438 m elevation and likelihood of early snowfall, most visitor services on the North Rim are only available during a short season. The lodge and the campground are open for the 2024 season May 15 through October 15. Only 10% of travelers visit the North Rim. Details

The North Rim is located on the "Utah" side of the Canyon. The nearest towns to the park's North Rim village are Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. There is no airport or rail service to the park, so it may only be reached by road. Campground Reservations are required.

Detailed information about camping on the North Rim (including Tuweep)
Along with the closest campgrounds that are outside of the park.

 

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View from Maricopa Point on the South Rim, along scenic Hermit Road.

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