CAMP IN SURROUNDING REGIONS

Camping enthusiasts will have a ball on their Grand Canyon vacation. There are phenomenal campgrounds throughout the greater Grand Canyon region.

Following is an overview of some of our favorite camping locations and/or campgrounds that are within a day or two of Grand Canyon National Park.

COCONINO NATIONAL FOREST
With great towns like Flagstaff and Sedona to integrate you’re your Grand Canyon vacation, visitors who want to camp will find more than their fill in the Coconino National Forest. Manzanita, Bootlegger, Cave Springs, Pine Flat, Chavez Crossing Group Camp, Beaver Creek, Clear Creek campgrounds are all in the Coconino National Forest and provide wonderful and beautiful camping opportunities. Click here (link to http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/rec_redrock.shtml) for more information.

DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK
Also in the Coconino National Forest, Dead Horse Ranch State Park has a terrific campground. Situated at 3,300 feet elevation, visitor to the Grand Canyon can escape the arid climate and enjoy this region's alpine characteristics, including canoeing and fishing the Verde River. Access this state park via Cottonwood, AZ. Camping opportunities are good. There are over 100 large RV sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most of the pull through sites can accommodate 40-foot motor homes and truck & trailer rigs up to 65 feet, and include potable water and 30/50-amp service. All campsites may be used as non-electric sites simply by not plugging into power. Generators are prohibited. All loops include modern, ADA accessible restroom facilities providing hot water & showers and are free to registered campers. There is a stay limit of 14 nights in a 30-day period. We can be full in the spring and fall so call 1-2 days in advance to check availability.
Fees are per vehicle, $19 per night with electric and $12 per night without electric (no extra fees for tow vehicle).

KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK
Camping is available at Kartchner Caverns State Park, in southeastern Arizona. This is an intriguing state park that features a“live” cave, discovered in 1974, that is host to a variety of unique minerals and formations. Water percolates from the surface and calcite formations continue to grow, including stalactites dripping down like icicles and giant stalagmites reaching up from the ground. Tour guides will unveil this fascinating underground landscape during a memorable 1-1/2 hour tour.

A two loop Campground is located off of the main road past the Discovery Center on the southwest end of the park. Campers must arrive prior to 6 pm before the park closes. Camping fees are $22.00 per night, payable with cash, Visa or Mastercard at the Contact Station or in cash at the self pay station located at the Campground entrance. Fees must be paid daily or in advance and there is a 14 day stay limit. All permits are sold on a “first come, first served” basis, reserving sites is not permitted. Access cards are available for paid campers that will allow after hours access. Cards must be requested at the Contact Station from 7 am – 4 pm. Request an access card when purchasing camp permit.

All sites are developed as electric hook up sites. No sites have been developed or designated for basic “dry camping”. Non-electrical and tent campers are welcome use these sites but the full fee will be required. A paid camping permit entitles the holder to use of the shower/restroom, water, electrical and dump station facilities. All sites have a table, hose bib and power post. Each site has a 20 amp and a 110 electrical outlet, some pull through sites have 50 amp service. Sites vary in length from 35’ in the shortest, ”back in” sites to 60’ in the pull through sites, all sites are single width. Sites have ample room on the side areas for pull out units.

UTAH:

MONUMENT VALLEY
Visitors to Grand Canyon often include time in Monument Valley, which is just north of the Arizona's north boundary in the southern most reaches of Utah. Here, campers will like the rustic-but-unbelievably-scenic Goosenecks State Park. Here the San Juan River winds and carves its way through the desert. Campers can enjoy views of the river 1,000 feet below. The camping at Goosenecks State Park is considered " primitive" and offers picnic areas, vault toilets, and an observation shelter. No drinking water is available.

CORAL PINK SAND DUNES STATE PARK
This state park campground is located about 22 miles northwest of Kanab, UT, northwest of Grand Canyon's North Rim. This state park protects the only major sand dune field in the Colorado Plateau. Campers will enjoy views of rippling arcs of rust-colored sand, junipers and red cliffs. There are campsites for tents or RVs, complete with fire pits, restrooms, showers, drinking water, picnic tables and sewage disposal.