Top 10 RV Parks When Visiting the Grand Canyon

5 Reasons to Visit Grand Canyon

1. Take a guided bus or helicopter tour to observe one of the seven natural wonders of the world, incl. the diverse wildlife
2. Hike R2R (South Rim to North Rim) or even R2R2R (South Rim to North Rim and back)-ONLY for those who are physically and mentally prepared for this challenging adventure
3. Eat at the historic Phantom Ranch
4. Take a guided tour into the Canyon with burros (Note: reservations long in advance required)
5. Camp and stargaze at one of the Grand Canyon’s parks

List of Top 10 RV Parks in the Grand Canyon, AZ area

(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)

The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.

1. Grand Canyon Camper Village

As the main campground at the South Rim, this park has spots can be reserved months in advance. However, RVs over 33 feet long must use the 50 Amp hookup spots.

What makes this park unique?

The park is about 1 mile south of the Grand Canyon Park entrance, which makes it the ideal spot for avid hikers who want to walk to the Grand Canyon from their site. The stay is more affordable and flexible than staying at any of the lodging alternatives at the Grand Canyon Park.

2. Grand Canyon Trailer Village South Rim

The only “mainstream” park in the Grand Canyon Park, this park is catering to RVers who are looking for the standard RV park experience and convenience despite being out in the wilderness.

What makes this park unique?

This is the only RV park in the Grand Canyon with full hookups, including cable TV! This makes this park conducive to a stress-free longer-term stay with the comforts of warm water, heat, and electricity for one’s home on wheels. The sites are all paved and pull-through and the park is open year-round.

3. Ten-X Campground

This is a great “no hookups” campground about 4 miles before the Grand Canyon Village, located off Hwy 64. There are large pull-through sites and campfire rings, as well as picnic tables. The RV length is restricted to 35 ft. Reservations are recommended, as the system operates on “first-come first-served” basis for half the sites and the sites fill up quickly. Arrive early and check in with the camp host for any last-minute cancellations. Restrooms (vault toilets) are available on site. Generators can be operated from 7 AM-8 PM. RVs are not allowed to fill up at the campsite due to limited water supply.
Note: this campground is currently listed as “closed” for renovations through 2021.

What makes this park unique?

This campground has full access to the great outdoors and is located just outside the Grand Canyon. The Ponderosa pine woods provide ample shade, and the guided educational nature trail is a great family hiking opportunity.

4. Desert View Campground South

This park is suited for tent-camping and RVs with up to 30 ft long. To get to the park, follow these directions:

“Desert View is a small settlement on the South Rim located 23 miles/ 37 km east of Grand Canyon Village, and near the eastern edge of Grand Canyon. Arizona State Route 64, also known as Desert View Drive, is a 23 mile (37 km) scenic road that connects Desert View with Grand Canyon Village. Desert View Drive is open to all vehicles throughout the year. Visitors traveling through the Navajo Nation on US 89, turn west at Cameron, Arizona onto State Route 64, then drive 25 miles (40 km) to the park’s East Entrance. A stop at Desert View provides their first views of Grand Canyon. Some of the finest views of the Colorado River and canyon geology may be seen from here.” (Source: Desert View – Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov))

Reservations are recommended up to 6 months in advance, as the system operates on “first-come first-served” basis.

What makes this park unique?

This park is a destination to several tourist sightseeing points, such as the Desert View Watchtower, the Amphitheater, or the 1956 Aviation Memorial.

5. North Rim Campground

This park is suited for tent-camping and RVs with up to 30 ft long. To get to the park, follow these directions:

“Desert View is a small settlement on the South Rim located 23 miles/ 37 km east of Grand Canyon Village, and near the eastern edge of Grand Canyon. Arizona State Route 64, also known as Desert View Drive, is a 23 mile (37 km) scenic road that connects Desert View with Grand Canyon Village. Desert View Drive is open to all vehicles throughout the year. Visitors traveling through the Navajo Nation on US 89, turn west at Cameron, Arizona onto State Route 64, then drive 25 miles (40 km) to the park’s East Entrance. A stop at Desert View provides their first views of Grand Canyon. Some of the finest views of the Colorado River and canyon geology may be seen from here.” (Source: Desert View – Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov))

As the main North Rim campground location, this campground fills up fast due to the limited space available. This park is at 8,200 ft elevation, which means that the weather can be a bit unpredictable, with pleasant summers and afternoon thunderstorms.

6. FR 307 Dispersed Area Campground

This campground accommodates RVs up to 30 ft long. As it is dispersed area camping, it is “first-come first-served” and one follows common courtesy and space accommodations when staying there.
Note: due to wildlife present in its habitat, always keep an eye on your pets.

What makes this park unique?

The site is close to the Grandview Lookout Tower. It’s a wonderful getaway to connect with nature and to enjoy some solitude away from crowds.

7. Raptor Ranch

Located 24 miles away from the South Rim entrance, this RV park is not as close to the Grand Canyon as the other choices; however, it has its own appeal with several attractions and amenities and is still within close driving distance to the Grand Canyon.

What makes this park unique?

As its name implies, the Raptor Ranch is a great place for bird enthusiasts who appreciate interaction with predatory birds up close. Campers get an opportunity to observe a FREE daily flight demo of the parks bird of prey selection.

8. DeMotte Campground-North Rim

Located in the North Rim area just outside the Grand Canyon National Park in the Kaibab National Forest, this campground is the second good choice for RVers at the North Rim. Direction to the park, as listed on the official website: “The DeMotte Campground is located within the North Kaibab Ranger District just seven miles north of the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim. This is about 25 miles south of the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center on Arizona’s Highway 67.” (Source: Demotte, Kaibab National Forest – Recreation.gov)

What makes this park unique?

The Kaibab National Forest is home to the Kaibab squirrel; there is plenty of wildlife to observe while staying at this park. Trash or food should be secured into a receptacle and hung from a tree due to bears and other wildlife.

9. FR 302 Dispersed Area Campground

The ultimate adventure and freedom experience: there is an area where RVs just boondock, enjoying the views, nature and even solitude. RV travelers who choose this route should make sure they are well-stocked with food and water and that they have a source of electricity for heating and cooking (depending on season). It’s a completely off-grid site and the RV travelers must choose their own discretion regarding location, access and exit in case of emergency. When boondocking, RVers should also review and follow National Park rules, as well as exercise common sense and common courtesy to others around them.

10. Mather Campground South Rim

Since this park is in the Grand Canyon National Park, visitors must pay the park fee to access the campground.

Note: from 3/1-11/1, use www.recreation.gov to make reservations; otherwise, it is a “first-come first-served” park with a self-pay booth.

What makes this park unique?

Even though the spots are close to one another, the park is still very wooded and serene with a nature feel. Because it is located insider the National Park, certain park rules (permanent or seasonal) must be followed, as posted.

Tips to Get to Grand Canyon

Coming from the Phoenix area to spend the weekend

Many Arizona visitors add the Grand Canyon onto their bucket list of things-to-do in this State. Phoenix area locals often take their family and friends who are visiting from out-of-state to the Grand Canyon for the weekend. Anyone who is looking for standard RV park experience around the Grand Canyon and has a 40+ ft rig might have a challenging time finding what they are looking for. The Grand Canyon area is for RVers who have a spirit of adventure and are adaptable to the elements of nature and the situational changes it might cause. The campgrounds in the area are primitive, which means that the hookups are often partial, or the sites are for boondocking only. In addition, the driver should also be comfortable with more rugged, unpaved terrain and narrower/steeper access roads.

Once you arrive in the Grand Canyon vicinity, where should you stay with your RV? The list below should help you make an informed decision.

The Grand Canyon has two main access points: the South Rim and the North Rim area. Both are accessed via a different route and have different choices to amenity access. The South Rim is the more touristy and developed side of the Canyon, with several hotels and restaurants, because it is the route from Phoenix and through Flagstaff. Thus, is also has more campground and RV park choices. However, many campgrounds are limiting the length of the RV to 28 ft due to the terrain and size limitations. When making reservations or considering a campground, make sure you confirm the RV length restrictions. Also, anyone visiting the Grand Canyon should be comfortable with dry-camping or boondocking, should they be unable to access or secure a site, as many campgrounds are booked for months in advance. Finally, the weather at the Canyon is often unpredictable and can change fast, especially when hiking from Rim toward bottom. Temperatures vary greatly and the difference can often be even 50F in a day; because of this, it is important to dress in layers, to wear proper footwear and always carry water.