Camp near the Grand Canyon in Arizona United States
Grand Canyon View From South Rim
Camping the Grand Canyon
Camping the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, is one option that will be an unforgettable experience. To get as much camping in as possible during the busy camping season, make sure to reserve your spot early in the year.
Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is spectacular and unforgettable.
Native American Tribes of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon National Park is located in the state of Arizona, United States.
The park is managed by National Park Services (NPS), the Hualapai Tribal Nation, and the Havasupai Tribe. The canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide.
The depth of Grand Canyon in an astonishing 6,000 feet. Standing on the Skywalk and looking down takes courage, but the view is stunning.
The Grand Canyon has some of the cleanest air in the United States, so, visibility is astounding.
The colors of the rock walls change throughout the day. During sunrise or sunset, the colors are breathtaking.
The Hualapai people's traditional territory stretches for 108 miles along the southern side of the Canyon and the Colorado River, where the very large Ponderosa pine trees are numerous. The name Hualapai means "people of the tall pines.
The Havasupai live on their ancestral lands on 185,000 acres known as Cataract Canyon. Their people have been there for over 800 years.
The Havasupai have turned to the tourism business in order to survive and are doing quite well at it.
They attract thousands of tourists to their beautiful streams and waterfalls each year. Two huge goblins (natural rock formations), called The Watchers, stand proud and high to overlook the city of Supai.
The Skywalk
Skywalk
The Skywalk is in the Grand Canyon west of the main canyon. It is owned by the Hualapai Tribe and was opened to the public on March 28, 2007. It looms out over the canyon at an elevation of 4,770 feet (that is almost a mile and a half up in the air).
Foggy, Foggy Canyon
City of Supai
Supai is the capital city of the Havasupai Indian Reservation. This is one of the most remote cities in the contiguous United States, located at the bottom of Grand Canyon. The only access to the town is by U.S. Route 66 traveling 60 miles in via the BIA Road 18, which takes travelers to the trail-head, then there is an eight mile hike into the town -- yet people do go there often, about 20,000 annually. Visitors are charged to enter the Havasupai land and reservations (lodge or campground) are required before entering.
Rather than hiking in to the town, some visitors opt to go by horseback with a mule train for luggage, which the Havasupai charge for and guides visitors in. It really is a memorable experience -- the traditional culture of the people, their history and the beautiful waterfalls and streams make it worth the trip.
Once in the town, tourists will find a cafe, general store, tourist office, the lodge, a post office, a school, an LDS chapel and a Christian Church.
Frequent thunderstorms (the monsoons) in these areas close to the Canyon can build up quickly in July and August, so be prepared. It can be exciting and amazing if you have appropriate clothing, shelter, supplies and equipment (camp stoves under a tarp, etc.), and a venturous spirit.
Mather Campground, Arizona
Mather Campground is in the Grand Canyon village at a 7,000 foot elevation. Summer temperatures are very pleasant, in the 70s and 80s. Thunderstorms are frequent in the afternoons. Weather varies, so be prepared with appropriate clothing and shelter.
Campsites are surrounded by the beautiful Ponderosa pines, so most sites are pleasantly shaded. It is just a short distance to spectacular overlooks on the South Rim via a paved trail for walking or biking. The wildlife abounds on the South Rim, so remember your cameras.
Ten-X Campground, Arizona
The Ten-X is part of the Kaibab National Forest, which is quiet, peaceful and just four miles south of the entrance to South Rim in the grand Canyon. They have open campsites, a nature trail meandering through the Ponderosa pine and Gambel oak forest. Elevation is 6,600 feet. They can accommodate individuals, families, and groups of up to 75 people. The 70 single units are available on a first-come basis.
North Rim Campground, Arizona
The North Rim Campground is in the rustic and less populated area. It is at an elevation of 8,200 feet and has spectacular views of the Canyon. Ponderosa pines the lovely aspens shades the campgrounds.
Wildlife and numerous species of birds can be seen when out hiking and enjoying the views. Each campsite has picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and drinking water spigots are throughout the grounds.
Jacob Lake Recreation Area, Arizona
Jacob Lake Recreation Area is in Jacob Lake, the gateway to the North Rim. Summer temperatures are very pleasant and the nights are cool, which is good for sleeping. It is located in the North Kaibab National Forest -- and yes, that means the beautiful Ponderosa pines offer shade and quiet whispering when a breeze comes up.
The campgrounds have single units as well as two group units for up to 100 people each. The campground closes each year at the end of October.
Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas, Arizona
Located in the Kaibab at a 6,800 feet elevation, campers will find peace, solitude and the chance to explore the wonders of nature. Fishing in the lake is a popular spot for anglers. RVs, motor-homes, and tent campers love the area.
Group picnic areas are available. Drinking water is also available. Firewood bundles, ice, bait and ice cream can be purchased on the site.
Dogtown Lake Campground and Group, Arizona ~
Dogtown Lake is not too far from the cities of Flagstaff and Williams. Sitting in the forest on the shore of a scenic lake it is a lovely place to hike, bike, fish and just kick back to relax. The name Dogtown received its name due to the extensive prairie dog towns that once populated the shore area. The lake is surrounded by trees.
Temperatures in the summer are 80 to 90 degrees and drop to around 50 at night. The elevation is 7,050 feet. Canoes, kayaks and electric motor boats.
They have 50 individual camp sites, four double sites, and one group site for up to 80 people. The camp is located in Kaibab National Forest.
White Horse Lake Campground, Arizona
Kick back at your site and watch the deer and elk that love to visit along the shoreline. The lake is very popular for fishing. It is only one hour from the camp to South Rim. Elevation is 6,600 feet. They have 90 single unit sites with tables, campfire rings, grills and tent pads. A large group site, several double sites, tent only sites and sites for trailers and motor-homes. They have a dump station -- yeah ! A lot of activities and amenities are available for your enjoyment.
Pinegrove Campground, Arizona
Pinegrove Campground in in Coconino National Forest, in a lush, stunningly beautiful area. The several nearby lakes are stocked with trout, bass and channel catfish -- that would make for a good fry up along about supper time (yummy !). They have 46 large individual sites, a plethora of activities, and great amenities.
Geography of the Grand Canyon
The geography of the Grand Canyon is an amazing study that goes back to the Proterozoic Eon and Paleozoic periods. The Colorado River and its tributaries carved out this huge fissure as the Colorado Plateau was uplifted.
About 17 million years ago (according to a recent study by geologists), the Colorado River found its way through the canyon and continues to erode and widen Grand Canyon even today.
It is not the deepest canyon in the world, but the Grand Canyon's size and colorful landscape of exposed ancient rocks are famous for the natural beauty. The exposed stratigraphy has recorded a visual history of the North American continent.
Rock Units of the Grand Canyon
South Rim Visitor Center open year round.
Mather Campground - Open through Sun Feb 28 2016 - Phone Number: Information: (928)638-7851
Ten X Campground, Kaibab National Forest - Closed through Thu Apr 30 2015 - Phone Number: Information: (928)638-2443
North Rim Campground - Closed through Thu May 14 2015 - Phone Number: Information: (928)638-7888
Jacob Lake Recreation Area - Closed through Wed May 13 2015 - Phone Number: Information: (928)569-2333
Kaibab Lake Campground - Closed through Sat May 02 2015 - Phone Number: Information: (928)699-1239
Dogtown Lake Campground - Closed through Thu Apr 30 2015 - Phone Number: Information: (928)699-1239
White Horse Lake Campground - Closed through Thu Apr 30 2015 - Phone Number: Information: (928)699-1239
Pinegrove Campground - Closed through Thu Apr 30 2015 - Phone Number: Project Office: (928)226-0493
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Grand Canyon became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It covers 1,217,262 acres in Coconino and Mohave counties of Arizona. In 1919, it was designated an official National Park. President Theodore Roosevelt created the Grand Canyon Game Preserve by proclamation in 1906 and Grand Canyon National Monument in 1908.
Roosevelt was a strong proponent for the preservation of the Grand Canyon and loved to visit and hunt there. In 1903, when visiting the site, he said:
The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world... Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see.
— Teddy RooseveltThe Beauty of the Grand Canyon
Note From Author
I have received no compensation of any kind from the campgrounds I mention in this article.
Thank you for reading my article. Your opinions are important to me and let me know your interests. This helps me to offer more of your favorite subjects to read about. Your time and interest are very much appreciated. I hope to hear from you in the comments section below.
Blessings and may you always walk in peace and harmony, softly upon Mother Earth.
© 2014 Phyllis Doyle Burns