Best Grand Canyon RV Parks

The Grand Canyon is the only Natural Wonder of the World located in the United States. Visit this impressive rock formation and you'll understand why it earned this celebrated title. The Grand Canyon National Park spans more than 1.2 million acres, so loading up your RV is one of the best ways to see it. Staying near the Grand Canyon is a convenient option for visitors. Check out the best Grand Canyon RV parks for your next vacation.

Trailer Village RV Park, Grand Canyon National Park

Image via Flickr by runarut

There are three campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park Campgrounds, part of Grand Canyon National Park, but Trailer Village RV Park is the only one with RV hookups. It's centrally located within walking distance of the Grand Canyon's South Rim and Market Plaza, which has a bank, post office, grocery store, and restaurant. While it feels more like a large parking lot than an RV park, it's perfect for anyone wanting to get a jump on the canyon crowds.

If you want to save your legs, you'll appreciate the buses which ferry campers and RV owners around the national park. You can also rent a bike from Bright Angel Bicycles, near the Visitor's Center. Miles of paved bike paths make exploring the area on two wheels easier. If you'd prefer an insider's insight on the area, join one of the free ranger programs. Despite the modern amenities, don't get surprised at the sight of local elk, bighorn sheep, or mule deer walking past your RV.

Desert View Campground, Grand Canyon Village

Image via Flickr by Grand Canyon NPS

Desert View Campground is the ideal option for anyone who wants to be near the Grand Canyon without being close to its main tourist area. Situated on the eastern edge of the Grand Canyon, it takes you away from the crowds without removing you from the area's beauty. In fact, many visitors rave about the views of the canyon and Colorado River. The campground has 50 sites large enough to accommodate tents and small RVs. The sites don't have hookups, but they do have their own picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grills for dining al fresco.

While Desert View Campground helps you connect with nature better than Trailer Village RV Park does, it's not without its modern conveniences. A general store, gas station, and other essential outlets help you make sure your RV stays well-stocked. Make sure you spend some time exploring Desert View's fascinating sites including a prehistoric Tusayan Pueblo and the Watchtower, a 1932 stone tower inspired by the Pueblo people.

Mather Campground, Grand Canyon Village

Image via Flickr by Grand Canyon NPS

Mather Campground, on the Grand Canyon's South Rim, is another back-to-basics campground with space for RVs in Grand Canyon Village. While the sites don't have hookups, they're much larger than the ones at Desert View Campground. If you have a large RV, a trailer, or you simply love spreading out while you're away from home, you'll appreciate the extra room. Each site also has its own picnic table and campfire ring. There's also flushing toilets and drinking fountains through the campground.

Mather Campground's forest setting helps you really connect with the natural world. It also puts you close to deer and other wildlife, who roam confidently through the grounds. Hiking and biking trails help you stay active while you're away from home. While it's not right on the Grand Canyon's doorstep like Trailer Village RV Park is, a free shuttle bus system takes you to the Grand Canyon and back to your RV.

North Rim Campground, North Rim

Image via Flickr by exit78

If you really want to escape the crowds, North Rim Campground is the perfect choice. This 78-site campground puts you as far from the touristy South Rim as you can get while staying close to the canyon. It's a back-to-basics campground, without hookups or amenities beyond the campsite grills. However, the pull-through spaces accommodate RVs up to 40 feet.

What it lacks in luxury it makes up for in natural charm. It's a beautiful spot, with hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, including mule deer, porcupines, and raccoons. The North Rim is also home to around 100 mountain lions. They tend to keep their distance from visitors, but if you're very quiet you might just get lucky!

Ten-X Campground, Kaibab National Forest

Image via Flickr by Kaibab National Forest Photography

Ten-X Campground is another convenient option for nature lovers. While its lush pine and oak forest surroundings feel a world away from the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon, it's only 4 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park's southern entrance. There are 70 campsites here, including several pull-through sites for RVs up to 35 feet. It's a simple campground without hookups, showers, or laundry facilities. An easy nature trail through the park introduces you to the park's flora and fauna.

While the campground is beautiful, there's a lot more to see and do in Kaibab National Forest. The Great Western Trail is a multi-use trail network with sections for off-road vehicles. Fire up your powersport audio system and hit the trails in your ATV or UTV. For fun on the water, head to Cataract, Dogtown, and White Horse Lakes, some of the forest's most popular fishing and boating spots.

Grand Canyon Camper Village, Tusayan

Grand Canyon Camper Village isn't a particularly pretty RV park. However, it's got two big things going for it: full hookups and an enviable location. Full hookups are such a rarity in Grand Canyon Village, this single factor is enough to convince many RV owners to give it a try.

Being able to walk to the IMAX theater, retail outlets, restaurants, and the National Park shuttle stop is another real perk. If you're not ready to give up modern conveniences, Grand Canyon Camper Village may be the best choice for you. Grand Canyon is also just a mile south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, and only 7 miles from the South Rim.

The Grand Canyon attracts around 5 million visitors every year, so there's big demand for the best Grand Canyon RV parks, especially during peak tourist periods. While some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, you're much better booking ahead to avoid disappointment. Lock your dates in and look forward to the Grand Canyon adventure that awaits.