Where Should I Camp If I Hike Down From The South Rim?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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From the South Rim,

Bright Angel Campground

is reached via the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail. From the North Rim, Bright Angel Campground is reached via the North Kaibab Trail. Bright Angel Campground is open year-round.

Where can you camp outside of the Grand Canyon?

  • Kaibab Camper Village. Jacob Lake. …
  • DeMotte Campground. Forest Rd 616A. …
  • Duncan's Family Campground. 5381 Sands Rd. …
  • Ten-X Campground. Grand Canyon Village. …
  • Grand Canyon Camper Village. …
  • Grand Canyon/Williams KOA. …
  • Williams/Circle Pines KOA. …
  • Flintstones Bedrock City.

How long does it take to hike down the Grand Canyon South Rim?

Q: How long will it take to get to the bottom from the South Rim? A: The South Kaibab Trail is 6.8 miles to Bright Angel Campground and the Bright Angel Trail is 9.3 miles. It will take most hikers

between 4 and 5 hours

to get to the campground on either trail.

Where to camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?


Bright Angel Campground

is at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, so accessing the campground requires descending more than 5,000 feet via one of the park's three corridor trails. Choose between the North Kaibab Trail, which begins on the North Rim, or the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails on the South Rim.

Which side of the Grand Canyon is prettier?

Grand Canyon

South Rim

is most frequently chosen by first-time visitors to the area not only for its beautiful views, but for its abundance of visitor services and family-oriented activities. The South Rim is open year-round. At 7,000′ above sea level, the South Rim has four distinct seasons.

Which rim is closest to Las Vegas?

The

West Rim

is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Both the North Rim and South Rim (the two rims of Grand Canyon National Park) are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.

What campgrounds are at South Rim?

  • South Rim Campgrounds.
  • Mather Campground.
  • Trailer Village RV Park.
  • Desert View Campground.
  • North Rim Campgrounds.

Can you Boondock in Grand Canyon?


You can boondock just about anywhere in Grand Canyon National Park, as long as you have obtained a “ permit”

. Unfortunately, backcountry camping is largely restricted to hikers who carry their camping gear deep into the Park. It's not intended for campers with vehicles.

Can I sleep in my car at the Grand Canyon?


Not allowed

. Sleeping in your car constitutes “camping” and the only camping allowed at the South Rim is in the developed campgrounds, i.e. Mather and Desert View. There are also National Forest campgrounds outside of the park. Dispersed camping is also permitted in the Kaibab National Forest.

How fit do you need to be to hike the Grand Canyon?

On your Grand Canyon hike, you'll constantly be climbing stairs and walking over rocks, so you'll need to condition your joints and muscles to handle them.

The trails you choose should have an elevation gain of at least 1,000 feet

.

What is the easiest hike in the Grand Canyon?

  • Rim Trail. This is the Big Kahuna of easy walking. …
  • Trail of Time. …
  • Shoshone Point. …
  • South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. …
  • Cape Royal Trail. …
  • Uncle Jim Trail. …
  • Widforss Trail. …
  • North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook.

How far is the Grand Canyon bottom hike?

Knowing that the canyon is 6,000 feet deep (the average depth of the Grand Canyon is 5,280 feet) – a journey to the bottom of it requires training and planning for months in advance. Moreover, hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon takes around

10 miles

in total, with a big elevation change.

Can you camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon South Rim?

Staying Overnight

Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is a popular destination for both hikers and mule riders.

Overnight hiker dormitories and cabins can be reserved and meals are available for purchase

. Advance reservations for meals and lodging at Phantom Ranch are required.

How much does it cost to stay at Phantom Ranch?

Room Type / Service Rate
Dorm, per person


$62
Group Cabin, Flat Rate $332 Breakfast, per person $26.37 Sack Lunch, per person $21.88

How much does it cost to camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

Operated by the National Park Service, campground is open from mid-May to mid-October. Campsites are

$15

, no hook-ups, dump station available. Stays are limited to 7 days per season. Reservations through Biospherics, 1-800-365-2267.

Is West Rim or South Rim better?

The West Rim is an up-and-coming tourist destination. Annually, 1 million visitors travel to the West Rim. The South Rim sees upwards of 6 million annual visitors.

When you visit the West Rim, you'll find less congestion so you can enjoy the canyon with fewer people.

What is the best month to visit Grand Canyon?

Weather in the Grand Canyon is at its best between

April and June

, when rainfall averages are low and temperatures have not yet reached their scorching summer highs. The park becomes extremely crowded when school lets out in June, so plan your visit before then, if possible.

Is the Skywalk worth it?

Worth it?

Absolutely

. However, to make a visit to the South Rim worthwhile, you need to plan to spend at least a few hours here. It can be done as a day trip from Las Vegas, but you will spend most of the day in your car (it takes 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon).

How long is Guano Point trail?

Head out on this

0.8-mile

loop trail near Peach Springs, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 23 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking.

Is the Grand Canyon worth it?

It is one of the number one tourist destinations worldwide, and it's an experience that will create lifelong memories for you and your family.

If you're planning to stay in Las Vegas, taking a day trip to the canyon is well worth it

and can get you out of the city to indulge in a truly unique outdoor experience.

Where is Horseshoe Bend?

HORSESHOE BEND is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River, located in the town of

Page, Arizona, United States

.

Is Grand Canyon Village free?


Grand Canyon Village is the most popular entryway into the park

and, as such, often suffers from heavy crowds during peak times in the spring, summer and fall. But there's a reason the area is so appealing: It's home to Yavapai Point, one of the best places to view the canyon.

Are showers open at Mather Campground?


Laundry and Showers Now Open

!

Services available at Camper Services located near the Mather Campground entrance, a short drive from Trailer Village, include laundry facilities and hot showers.

Is Grand Canyon Village inside the park?

Grand Canyon Village,

located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

in Northern Arizona, holds some of the best scenic overlooks in the park, including Yavapai Point. Begin your Grand Canyon tour at the visitor center.

Can you camp anywhere in Sedona?

The area off Highway 89A west of Sedona runs through Coconino National Forest land, and

camping is allowed pretty much anywhere

.

Is dispersed camping free in Grand Canyon?


We always boondock for free in the national forest just outside the park's boundaries

. If you prefer a campground your options will be limited by the size of your RV and whether you have made reservations. Most visitors end up in Grand Canyon Village in the south rim section of the park.

Can you camp at Point Sublime?

The views from Point Sublime are amazing, and you will not encounter many other folks out there.

If you get there early and have a permit to camp, choose the left-hand side campsite for the views

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.