Best Grand Canyon Campgrounds

Within the national park, camping is permitted only in designated campsites. Some campgrounds charge nightly camping fees in addition to park entrance fees, and some accept reservations up to six months in advance (877/444–6777 www.recreation.gov). Others are first-come first-served.

In-park camping outside a developed rim campground requires a permit from the Backcountry Information Center, which also serves as your reservation. Permits can be requested by mail or fax only; applying well in advance is recommended. Call 928/638–7875 between 1 pm and 5 pm weekdays for information.

Outside the park boundaries, there are campgrounds near the South and North rims and in Havasu Canyon and the Kaibab National Forest. There’s no camping on the West Rim, but you can pitch a tent at Diamond Creek near the Colorado River.

South Rim

Bright Angel Campground. This backcountry campground is near Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. There are toilet facilities and running water, but no showers. Intersection of South and North Kaibab trails, South Rim 928/638–7875.

Desert View Campground. Popular for spectacular views of the canyon from the nearby watchtower, this campground doesn’t take reservations; show up before noon, as it fills up fast in summer. Open May through mid-October, these sites have no hookups. Desert View Dr., 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village off Hwy. 64, South Rim.

Indian Garden. Halfway down the canyon is this backcountry campground, en route to Phantom Ranch on the Bright Angel Trail. Running water and toilet facilities are available but not showers. Bright Angel Trail, South Rim 928/638–7875.

North Rim

North Rim Campground. The only designated campground at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park sits 3 miles north of the rim, and has 84 RV and tent sites (no hookups). Hwy. 67, North Rim 928/638–7888 www.recreation.gov.

Outside the Park

Diamond Creek. You can camp on the banks of the Colorado River, although this beach is a noisy launch point for river runners. You'll also need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get here. The Hualapai permit camping on their tribal lands here, with an overnight camping permit of $27 per person per night, which can be purchased at the Hualapai Lodge. 928/769–2210, 888/255–9550 www.grandcanyonwest.com

Havasu Canyon. You can stay in the primitive campgrounds in Havasu Canyon for $25 per person per night (in addition to the $50-per-person entry fee and the $10 environmental fee). 928/448–2121, 928/448–2174 www.havasupaitribe.com.

Kaibab National Forest. Both developed and undeveloped campsites are available either by reservation or, space permitting, on a first-come first-served basis May through September at this forest that surrounds Williams and extends to the Grand Canyon. 928/699–1239, 928/638–2443 www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.