We are going to Grand Canyon in August for one night. So far I have been able to book Yavapai Lodge but I'm still trying to get either Thunderbird or El Tovar. I keep hearing that it is difficult to park if you are staying at one of the places near the rim in the summer. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I stayed at Bright Angel last June.

Before I checked in I drove around quite a bit before finding parking. Then they told me to drive between the cabins and there was a fair amount of parking near the cabins. I had no problem.

There is a smallish lot near Bright Angel cabins and lodge. Across the railroad tracks towards Yavapai is a huge lot that when we were there in the middle of the summer always had spaces. It is about a 2 minute walk.

If at all possible, arrive at the park early (by 10 am latest) and you should be able to find parking. We were there in August 2004 and that seemed to work for us. We didn't check in until much later in the day, but worked from our car to get snacks, drinks and sunscreen between rides on the shuttles and a great deal of walking. We stayed at Kachina but parked near El Tovar. We could have sold that parking spot around 2:00 or so. People just looked desperate to find a places to park.

We stayed at Thunderbird in March but it was a busy time, with all accomodations booked within park. We found it easiest to find parking near Thunderbird before 9 AM and after 6 PM, when day crowds leave.

You know what, there are a ton of camp grounds. You might want to look into some of those places. As you can stay the night there. Or leave your car there.

However being that you've already found a place, my vote is for Thunderbird.

Have fun