The Grand Canyon is truly the trip of a lifetime, for both you and your family. There is so much to see and do, and it is something that you should definitely make time in your life to see. Located in Arizona, the desert landscape of the Canyon is highly unique, and absolutely breathtaking. No wonder it receives thousands of visitors every year!

The Grand Canyon offers a lot of different activities and sights to see that everyone in your party will enjoy. You can take plenty of incredible hikes, take a donkey ride down into the canyon, go out on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, and so much more!

There are also plenty of educational opportunities in the canyon area. There are three Indian reservations near the canyon- the Navajo, the Hualapai, and the Havasupai. These reservations are an easy, educational, and unique day trips to take during your time in the park.

Of course, one of the most popular activities in the Grand Canyon is hiking. There are miles of hiking trails, so there is something for everyone depending on your experience level, whether you have kids with you, and what sights you want to see.

You may be tempted to try backcountry hiking, but if you are not an experienced backcountry hiker, this is probably not the place to try it for the first time. The desert climate makes this a challenge for even experienced backcountry hikers. The heat is extreme, there is no water, and there is a chance that you could get lost or injured. A good alternative is to take a guided day hike.

To enter the park, you will have to pay $25 per vehicle, and there are additional camping fees if you plan to stay in the park overnight. There are two main campgrounds in the park’s bounds, one on the North Rim and one on the South Rim. These campgrounds are open year round, and can be reserved from $18-$20 a night.

They have water and electricity hookup, showers, laundry, and bathrooms. There are also sites with fewer amenities for $12 a night, if you don’t mind a more primitive experience. With so much to do and see in the Grand Canyon, you will definitely want to be close to the action! With these campgrounds open year round, you can also visit during the off season, when temperatures are still mild, and the area is less crowded.

Here is a bit about each campground that is available, so you can see which campground is the best for you and your family.

Mather Campground:

Mather Campground is located on the South Rim, in Grand Canyon Village. It is open year round, and offers both tent and RV camping. The max RV length allowed is 30 feet. They have accessible campsites available, and pets are allowed, though pets must be leashed and not left unattended. Laundry and shower facilities are both provided at this campground. Rates go between $18 and $25, depending on the number of people in your party. Reservations are strongly encouraged during March through November, as the campground fills up quickly during these months, so be sure to reserve your spot.

North Rim Campground:

The North Rim campground offers both tent and RV camping, and offers accessible campsites and facilities. Like Mather, there are shower and laundry facilities at this campsite, and leashed pets are allowed. Rates go between $18 and $25, depending on the number of people in your party. Reservations are recommended for this campground, as it usually fills up quickly.

Backcountry Camping:

For the more rugged campers, backcountry camping in the Grand Canyon may be a dream come true- and it’s a dream you can achieve at Grand Canyon National Park. Permits must be obtained for anyone who wants to stay outside of the two main campsites overnight. Backcountry camping in the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience.

Whether you are looking for a comfortable RV camping experience, a traditional tent camping experience, or a rugged backcountry camping experience, camping in the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable time that will bring you closer to the natural beauty of the park. Figure out what kind of camping is best for you and your family, and make the arrangements ahead of time, to ensure a smooth national parks experience.