If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the beginning stages of planning your epic trip to the Grand Canyon. We don’t blame you! It’s a must-see on any traveler’s list. Whether you are a full-time vanner or a weekend warrior, we’re sure that the Grand Canyon will make its way to the tip top of your “Best Places Ever Traveled” list. These are some of the best campsites to stay at near and inside the Grand Canyon. Pick up your campervan in Phoenix and get ready to make unforgettable memories.
In this post, we’re going to go through the ins and outs of camping at the Grand Canyon. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know where the best-dispersed camping sites and campgrounds are, and what to bring to make your trip top-notch.
It really depends on what you’re looking for! The South Rim receives a majority of the visitors year-round, so you can expect it to be more popular and crowded than the North Rim. The North Rim, however, is 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, requiring extra preparation and the right vehicle to get around the North Rim in the winter months.
Because the South Rim receives more visitors, there are more services around, like transportation, food options, and activities. There are so many campsites to choose from at the Grand Canyon. Why not try out both?
DeMotte is only 7 miles from the entrance to the North Rim. While it shares similar opening times to North Rim Campground, the DeMotte Campground may close earlier or later than the North Rim Campground, depending on the weather.
DeMotte is half first come, first serve, and half reservations. It’s up to you if you want to take a chance that a spot will be open when you pull up to the entrance. The DeMote campground is more of a no-frills campground, though drinking water is available!
The best thing about staying at the DeMotte Campground is that it’s close to hiking trails and wildlife watching as it’s settled on the edge of an open meadow park.
Kaibab Camper Village
The Kaibab Camper Village is a unique campsite just 45 miles away on the North Rim Campground. There are hiking trails, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures around the Kaibab Camper Village.
This campground has a ton of amenities such as toilets, water, outside sinks, coin-operated showers and laundry, and a camp store for any forgotten items. Not to mention, this campsite is pet friendly! You can bring your furry friend with you.
Mather Campground is a large campground on the South Rim with 327 sites. Each site features campfire rings, cooking grates, and picnic tables. Portable water, flush toilets, and showers are a feature of this campground as well.
It’s important to note that this campground is reserved only from March 1 – November 30, but there are 10 first come, first serve sites that our campervan friends can try to score.
The best part of this campground is that it’s located near the free bus line that runs around the south rim. You’ll be able to access great hiking trails and attractions like the South Kabib Trail, Rim Trail, and Hopi Point.
Another great option on the South Rim is the Desert View Campground. This campground is a lot smaller than Mather Campground, with 49 campsites. Because this campsite is much smaller than the Mather Campground, you should probably make reservations in advance. The reservation books open 6 months in advance!
Desert View features running water and flush toilets and is within walking distance of the Desert View lookout! This campground is just like camping in a dispersed spot! You’ll feel miles away from other campers and enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding you. You may even see some wildlife too!
The Ten-X Campground is just 10 miles from the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. From this dispersed spot, you can access a short nature trail that takes you through ponderosa pines and really lets you experience the unique nature of the Grand Canyon area.
This campground features picnic tables, drinking water, toilets, trash, and beautiful scenery! You may even see some big horn elk nearby!
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Dispersed campsites often give you more space and give beautiful views of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim Dispersed spot is right off the road and can be accessed from any of the highway 67 roads just south of De Motte campground. This campground is spectacularly close to the North Rim; it’s only a few hundred meters away from the campsite!
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Indian Hollow Campground is a great option in the North Kaibab Ranger District. This site is small and intimate, with three first-come, first-serve campsites. Make sure you pack in some water because no water is available at this campground. You’ll enjoy a quiet, secluded, and off-the-beaten-path camping experience!
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Many Indian tribes surround the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and offer wonderful, dispersed camping sites for van travelers. The Havasupai Indian Reservation offers tons of dispersed camping. Some of the best spots are located just off 64 north of Tusayan. It gets chilly in this region in the winter, make sure to pack appropriately! It’s absolutely primitive out here, so you’ll need to make sure to pack everything in your van!
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Long Jim Loop is located just north of Tusayanto and east of Highway 64, just before the South Rim Entrance. The Forest Land is available for camping and boondocking to anyone who can find a spot! The Tusayan Ranger District is part of the Kaibab National Forest. It’s perfect for secluded nights and Grand Canyon exploring days!
We’ve put together some of the best campsites in the Grand Canyon on the North and South Rim, including dispersed and regular camp spots. Tag us (@nativecampervans), so we can see what you got up to! If you discover a spot that we didn’t list here, we’d love to hear about it! Get out there and get exploring!
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