The Grand Canyon draws nearly 5 million visitors each year, and it’s no surprise why. Located in northern Arizona, this natural attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site–formed over six million years ago.
Tourists from across the globe travel to the canyon to witness its unique rock formations, colorful sandstone cliffs, and breathtaking views.
Experience the Grand Canyon in style by RV camping in the surrounding area. While there is only one RV-friendly campground inside the park, there are plenty of parks only a short drive from the Grand Canyon.
Here’s our roundup of the six best RV parks near the Grand Canyon.
#6: Trailer Village RV Park
Trailer Village RV Park is the only RV-friendly campground within the Grand Canyon. It is located near the South Rim and offers full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric connections.
For Class A owners, pull-through sites can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet long, and amenities include a picnic table and a grill at all sites. Note that there is no wifi here, and that wood fires are prohibited.
One of the key highlights of Trailer Village is the complimentary shuttle bus service. This connects campers directly to South Rim trails and viewpoints, providing a convenient way to explore the park’s attractions without the hassle of driving.
There is also a camp store where campers can buy ice and other essentials.
The campground also fills up quickly, and guests should reserve their spots a year in advance during the busy season (between May and October).
Here is some more information about the campground:
- Cost Per Night: Between $61 and $71
- Distance from the Grand Canyon: 15 minutes
- RV Size Restrictions: Can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet long
- Top Amenities: Full hookups, complimentary shuttle, camp store, & kitchen amenities
#5: Mather Campground
Mather Campground is only minutes from Grand Canyon Village. Although the campground is primarily for tent camping, there are a couple of RV sites. Note that Mather Campground can only accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long–so confirm your RV falls within these measurements before booking.
As for what to expect, this campground provides a more rustic camping experience, as there are no hookups.
The campsites at Mather Campground are situated within a Ponderosa pine forest, providing plenty of shade. Amenities include a dump station, flush toilets, picnic tables, and grills. A shuttle takes campers to the Grand Canyon, and hiking and biking trails lead to viewpoints and the visitor center.
- Cost Per Night: $18
- Distance from the Campground: 11 minutes
- RV Size Restrictions: Maximum RV size is 30 feet
- Top Amenities: A dump station, flush toilets, picnic tables and grills
#4: Desert View Campground
Tucked away along Desert View Drive, Desert View Campground offers basic amenities. From cell phone service to drinking water, flush toilets, grills, and picnic tables, you’ll have everything you need here.
Note that there are no showers and no utility, water, or sewer hook-ups. Campers can find showers and a dump station at the nearby Mather Campground.
Much like Mather Campground, Desert View Campground can only accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long.
- Cost Per Night: $18
- Distance from the Campground: 23 minutes
- RV Size Restrictions: Maximum RV size is 30 feet
- Top Amenities: Cell phone service, drinking water, flush toilets, grills, and picnic tables.
#3: Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
Campers can enjoy a comfortable stay at Grand Canyon Railway RV Park. This campground offers full hookups, and amenities such as laundry facilities, an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a convenience store, a picnic area, free wifi, and extra-wide spaces.
There are three types of RV spaces available: pull-throughs, buddy spaces, and back-ins. All spaces are 50-amp and come with a high-definition TV.
Although the campground is about an hour from the Grand Canyon, campers can walk to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot and hop on a historic train. The train drops passengers off at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
- Cost Per Night: Between $50 to $80, depending on length of stay and season
- Distance from the Grand Canyon: Approximately an hour’s drive
- RV Size Restrictions: None specified
- Top Amenities: Full hookups, laundry facilities, a pool/hot tub, proximity to Grand Canyon Railway
#2: Ten-X Campground
Ten-X Campground offers a rustic camping experience near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Of the 142 sites available, 30 are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, the rest are reservable.
The campground sits in a Ponderosa pine forest, and there is a 3-mile hiking trail as well as several shorter hikes that campers can explore.
Note that there are no hookups or shower facilities available at the campground.
- Cost Per Night: $20 for single campsites, $40 for double sites
- Distance from the Grand Canyon: 8 minutes
- RV size Restrictions: None specified
- Top Amenities: Hiking trails, picnic tables and grills
#1: Williams Circle Pines KOA
At Williams Circle Pines KOA (in Williams, Arizona), you’ll find everything you need and more This campground offers a range of camping options, including RV sites, tent sites, glamping tents, wooden cabins, and even covered wagons and teepees.
When campers aren’t out and about, they can enjoy seasonal amenities such as a heated pool, hot tubs, horseback riding, mini golf, hayrides, and go-karting.
The campground provides full hookups, an on-site restaurant, a camp store, and laundry facilities.
- Cost per night: Between $50 and $80
- Distance from the Grand Canyon: 50 minutes
- RV size restrictions: Can accommodate vehicles up to 51 feet long
- Top amenities: Full hookups, a restaurant, a camps store, and lots of family-friendly amenities.
RV Camping Considerations
Camping in an RV may sound simple, but there’s a lot to keep in mind. Whether you’re a newbie or an RV veteran, here are a couple of key factors you’ll need to consider before hitting the road:
- Familiarize yourself with your vehicle: Before you start driving, take your RV out for a test drive and make sure everything runs smoothly. If you’re renting the RV, or it’s a new vehicle, make sure you understand how to operate systems such as the water, electrical, and sewage hookups.
- Planning ahead: The Grand Canyon attracts millions of visitors each year, so planning ahead is crucial, especially during peak seasons. Play it safe by reserving your spot 6 months to a year in advance.
- Environmental respect: When RV camping, it’s essential to be mindful of your impact on the environment. Practice Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of trash and waste, and avoiding damage to vegetation and wildlife habitats.
- Storing your RV after the trip: Unless you’re renting an RV, you’ll need to consider where you’ll store the vehicle after your trip. You could store the RV in your driveway, but you’ll risk both exterior damage and HOA violations. Your vehicle will be safer in a self-storage unit or at an RV-friendly space available through a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, like Neighbor.
Helpful RV Camping Links
Here are some other helpful RV camping links:
- Where Can I Park My RV Long Term? How to Find the Best Long-Term RV Parking
- How to Tow a Car Behind an RV: The Complete Guide
- Master How to Level a Camper: Simple Steps for a Perfectly Flat RV Experience
- A Complete RV Setup Checklist
- Top 10 Best RV Apps to Enhance Your Road Trip Adventures
- 5 Best RV Shelter Ideas To Protect Your Motorhome
Let the Adventure Begin
Your journey to the Grand Canyon is undoubtedly just a small part of your RV camping adventure. As you set out to explore this natural wonder, see if you can also budget time to see Sedona’s stunning red rock formations, the majestic landscapes of Monument Valley, or the enchanting beauty of Antelope Canyon. You could even venture further to see national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Arches.
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