rachael_obar

We would like to take a trip to the Grand Canyon in our RV, but the North Rim campsites are closed until May 1. Would you recommend we skip a Spring Break trip and wait until summer, or try a South Rim trip in March? Also looking for route ideas. Thanks!

mamabearUK

Can only talk about North Rim but it is beautiful....much quieter and less developed than the South Rim. We stayed at the Grand Canyon Lodge, surrounded by trees, lovely restaurants, bar and deli and you can sit with a drink looking into the canyon itself....easy access to trails into the canyon itself.

DebitNM

Is this your own RV [so you are experienced drivers] or a rental?

If the latter, you might want to wait for better weather - those roads aren't fun in bad weather for a novice RVer

rachael_obar

MamabearUK - is the North Rim still as nice in the early Spring?

DebitNM, it is our RV, and we do have experience, but I really dread the drive in potentially winter/spring weather. Was hoping to avoid the summer heat and crowds, but sounds like the travel might be tricky.

DebitNM

North Rim facilities etc closed til May 15th

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...CP_JUMP_362351

utahtea

I'd wait until late April or early May and go to the South Rim. I always recommend the South Rim to first timers to the Grand Canyon. IMHO it has much grandeur views! I don't know what size RV you have but the roads at the North Rim are pretty winding going out to some of the other overlooks will be slow going unless you have a tow vehicle. We were at the N. Rim two years ago and it seemed pretty crowded to me. It doesn't take much to get away from the crowds at the S. Rim. Just start walking along the rim.

There is dry camping at Mathers Campground at the South Rim which is in a pretty wooded setting and you can catch the free shuttle buses at the entrance to the campground so you won't have to drive your RV around. If you want full hook ups there is also the Trailer Village campground but it's not one of the nicer private campgrounds unless they've improved since 2003. You can also catch the free shuttle buses from the Trailer Village too. Just avoid holidays like Easter and Memorial Day!

While you are out this way you should also check out Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks!

Utahtea

rachael_obar

Thank you for the advice! Based on your recommendations we will hold out till summer and take in a few extra sights along the way.

RVvagabond

If your Toad is a 4-WD, definitely start making camping/permit reservation (now) for the White Rim Trail that is part of Canyonlands below Island in the Sky near Moab

Vaga