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Grand Canyon National Park
Campgrounds
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090507103259im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/templates/images/graphics/spacer.gif) |
This page has information about "developed" campgrounds. (where vehicles are permitted)
For information about backpacking and camping within the canyon, visit this link.
How Can I Make Campground Reservations ?
Campground reservations can be made for two of the campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park: (one on each rim)
Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service
by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov/
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
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How Do I Decide Which Rim to Visit ?
Most people visit Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open all year and is located on the "Arizona" side of the Canyon. The South Rim is closer to Interstate 40 and to the transportation centers of Williams, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona. The South Rim also has a local airport and rail service. Since it is easier to get to, the South Rim is very busy, and during the summer season, campgrounds hustle and bustle and are often filled to capacity. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Detailed information about camping on the South Rim (including Desert View)
The North Rim is harder to get to and is more wild and secluded
Because of it's 8,000 ft/ 2438m elevation, the North Rim of the park is only open from May through October. The North Rim is located on the "Utah" side of the Canyon. The nearest towns to the park's North Rim village are Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. There is no airport or rail service to the park. (that means that the North Rim village may only be reached by road) Because the North Rim has a shorter season, Campground Reservations are strongly Recommended.
Detailed information about camping on the North Rim (including Tuweep)
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![Map showing the Colorado River creating a barrier that splits the park into North and South Rims. Map showing the Colorado River creating a barrier that splits the park into North and South Rims.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090507103259im_/http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/images/n-s.gif) |
The mile-deep Colorado River creates a barrier that splits the park into north and south Rims. In this illustration, the North Rim is shown in yellow and the South Rim is shown in blue. |
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Why is the park separated into South and North Rims?
A 277 mile long (446 km) canyon separates the park into South and North Rims. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep, (1.6 km) and creates a barrier that bisects the park. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, be aware that it is a five-hour drive of 215 miles/ 346 km between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.
Scenery, climate and vegetation are noticably different between north and south rims because of differences in elevation. It is almost like having two parks in one and it takes time, planning and effort to be able to visit both sides of the Canyon in one trip.
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![WHITEWATER RAFTING WHITEWATER RAFTING](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090507103259im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/GRCA_7987b.gif) |
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Did You Know?
There are 3 different river trip opportunities through Grand Canyon National Park, including professionally guided raft trips, available to the public and often reserved a year or two in advance; and self-guided, or "private" river trips, made available to the public through a weighted lottery.
more...
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Last Updated: December 12, 2008 at 12:55 EST |