Travel Guides
RV Camping Near Grand Canyon National Park: Gateway Campgrounds in Arizona
Arizona is home to an impressive range of privately owned RV campgrounds that offer full hookups, resort-style amenities, and a convenient location for exploring the Grand Canyon and other iconic southwestern landscapes.
Overview
Planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park can be an unforgettable experience, but snagging a campsite inside the park—especially during peak season—is often easier said than done. Fortunately, Arizona is home to an impressive range of privately owned RV campgrounds that offer full hookups, resort-style amenities, and a convenient location for exploring the Grand Canyon and other iconic southwestern landscapes.
Whether you’re visiting the remote North Rim or the more accessible and popular South Rim, these gateway parks provide a comfortable and scenic home base.
Grand Canyon National Park: The Crown Jewel of Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth. Stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over 6,000 feet deep in some places, it offers breathtaking panoramic views, geologic formations that span billions of years, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, rafting, and sightseeing.
Visiting the South Rim
The South Rim is open year-round and is the most visited area of the park, offering iconic viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View Drive. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center, shuttle bus system, and wide variety of overlooks make it especially beginner-friendly.
Visiting the North Rim
Less developed and more remote, the North Rim offers a quieter (and cooler) experience—ideal for hikers and those seeking solitude. It's only open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October and sits at a higher elevation, providing stunning views and lush pine forests.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park (Williams, AZ): Located just a block from downtown Williams and adjacent to the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, this RV park lets you board a vintage train directly into the Grand Canyon. It offers full-hookup sites, a fitness center, indoor pool access, and even pet boarding. The scenic train ride is complete with musicians and Wild West-style “train robbers”—a fun family-friendly option that eliminates the need to drive into the park.
Williams / Circle Pines KOA Holiday (Williams, AZ): This year-round KOA is just an hour from Mather Point. It offers RV sites, tent camping, and cabins. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, bike rentals, a snack bar, and a game room. It’s an excellent spot for families who want full resort-style amenities close to the park.
Village Camp Flagstaff (Bellemont, AZ): This upscale RV resort features large, modern sites as well as luxury cabins. Open year-round, it’s located just west of Flagstaff and serves as a perfect basecamp for visiting the South Rim as well as other northern Arizona landmarks like Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments.
Kaibab Camper Village (Jacob Lake, AZ): Just 45 miles from the North Rim, this is the only campground with full hookups in close proximity. It offers spacious RV sites, tent camping, and rustic cabins. Set in the Kaibab National Forest, it’s a great base for hiking, birding, and star-gazing far from city lights.
Other Arizona National Park Sites Near Flagstaff
If you’re basing your trip in Flagstaff, you’re perfectly positioned not only for the Grand Canyon but also for exploring a network of lesser-known parks and historic sites. Options include:
1) Wupatki National Monument: Ancient Puebloan dwellings and blowholes.
2) Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: A striking volcanic landscape and lava trails.
3) Walnut Canyon National Monument: Cliff dwellings and panoramic canyon hikes.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Flagstaff KOA Holiday (Flagstaff, AZ): Located near Route 66, this KOA offers family-friendly activities including banana bike rentals and train rides. It’s a convenient basecamp for Grand Canyon day trips and local hikes. The campground has RV and tent sites as well as furnished cabins.
J & H RV Resort (Doney Park, AZ): This age-restricted, smoke-free campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere and cleanliness. A perfect option for adult travelers who prefer quiet evenings, it also offers pet-sitting services.
Why Stay at a Gateway Campground?
Staying just outside Grand Canyon National Park comes with plenty of perks. These private campgrounds offer:
Full Hookups: Enjoy reliable water, sewer, and 30/50 amp electric service.
Luxury Amenities: Many parks feature hot tubs, pools, camp stores, restaurants, and Wi-Fi.
More Availability: While in-park campgrounds fill up fast, nearby parks often have availability—even on shorter notice.
Flexibility: Explore not just the park but nearby towns and attractions like Sedona, Flagstaff, and Route 66 destinations.
More Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
Make Timed Entry Reservations: While the South Rim does not currently require timed entry, this can change, so always check the NPS website for the latest.
Arrive Early: Especially during peak season (spring through fall), parking lots and shuttle routes fill up quickly.
Download the NPS App: It includes maps, shuttle schedules, alerts, and more.
