RV Camping at the Grand Canyon

The park encompasses over a million acres of land with few RV camp areas spread out miles apart. What is a benefit for active travelers--miles of hiking trails and whitewater rafting routes--makes for weary road warriors if you haven't preplanned your trip. The mile-deep chasm separates the park into North and South Rims and the 277-mile long Grand Canyon runs almost east and west. Many people want to visit the "Grand Canyon Skywalk," which is on the far western end of the canyon. Others are attracted to mountain biking or hiking opportunities in the mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ to the east. RV campgrounds are available outside the park at both areas.

Active campers will find three types of RV camping near the Grand Canyon. RV camping sites administered by the National Park Service (NPS) are the first type. These sites are typically closer to the rim of the canyon, but have fewer amenities than sites run by concessionaires or commercially-operated campgrounds. Upgraded RV sites run by concessionaire Xanterra offer more amenities inside the park and are priced accordingly. Commercial RV campgrounds outside of the park offer a wide range of prices and values, so research online before you make reservations.

Dump stations but no hook ups are offered at NPS-operated Mather Campground and North Rim Campground. Restrooms and showers are located nearby. The more rustic Desert View Campground has 30-foot RV maximums but is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Paved, pull-through sites with full hookups for RVs up to 50 feet long are found at Trailer Village operated by Xanterra. Picnic tables, barbecue grills and cable TV are available at each site. Coin-operated showers, laundry facilities and year-round reservations make this a camper favorite. RV campgrounds outside the park offer everything from Big Rig access, pools, free cable TV and WiFi.

Day hikes into the Grand Canyon provide vigorous work outs for fit RV campers. But summertime is not the season to partake in outdoor activities. Summertime temperatures reach over 100 degrees at the bottom of the canyon, making safety a concern for all, no matter what your fitness level. March, April, October and November are optimal months for inner canyon activities. The North Rim is open to RV camping from mid-May and closes at the first heavy snowfall in November.

RV camping offers benefits for those dedicated to the active lifestyle. First, you can situate yourself conveniently to your next activity. RV camping is available near Rainbow Trail mountain bike route on the North Rim, mule rides to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, or hiking trails along the rim or into the inner canyon. Second, unlike tent camping, RV camping gets you off the ground and into comfortable beds. Finally, RV camping provides a low cost alternative to hotel rooms and restaurants.