Well, we spent so much time deciding on our route that we can not get into Grand Canyon Trailer Village for all of the dates that we want. We are traveling in May, from Indiana, with 9 kids and a dog. We put in a reservation request for Grand Canyon Camper Village but it doesn't get very good reviews. My usual perspective on this is that we live in our camper...full hook-up...so I don't need to use their facilities at all. But I don't want to be stuck some place really awful.Truth is, there are not a lot of options, or any. Unless we go an hour away. Thoughts?Thanks.

We had a great time there. Take a look at my signature PHOTOLINK and you'll find a lot of pictures of the Grand Canyon and the campground.

There are several campgrounds right outside the main entrance. We were lucky and got into Trailer Village, and it is the best place, as you can get to everywhere via bus, and it is really close if you want to drive around. Outside the entrance is the next best choice. If you can be fully self-contained, there is another nice campground right next to Trailer Village, but no hookups at all. Before giving up completely, walk-ins at Trailer village are a possibility, but you have to be there and ask. We called the campground direct, and were able to get in one day later than we had planned, but were able to stay a week!

It appears that, other than Camper Village, all of the other campgrounds within an hour of the park do not have hook up. The ONLY way I can survive in a camper with 9 kids and a dog is to have full hook up. Okay...we could survive with just electric but the facilities at the campground would have to be really nice!

Trlrboy wrote:We had a great time there. Take a look at my signature PHOTOLINK and you'll find a lot of pictures of the Grand Canyon and the campground.When did you stay there? I will look at your pictures.

Jesshopes wrote:Trlrboy wrote:We had a great time there. Take a look at my signature PHOTOLINK and you'll find a lot of pictures of the Grand Canyon and the campground.When did you stay there? I will look at your pictures.We were there a out 18 months ago.

Grand Canyon Camper Village | Good Sam Community

kellertx5er
Explorer
Feb 13, 2014
Yeah, right at an hour (58 mi.) per Google maps. It was a fast hour for us, no kids!
Janss
Explorer II
Feb 13, 2014
Don't think you have much choice. You may have to go with GC Camper Village even with the not so good reviews. Another place closer than Williams is The Flintstone Bedrock City in Valle, AZ. They have an RV park attached which has electric and water hookups and a dump station.
doughere
Explorer
Feb 13, 2014
We've stayed at Mather Campground a couple of times, no hook-ups. Its not much more than a big lot with few trees here and there. It is VERY convenient to everything. There is a free bus within walking distance that will get you anywhere from the campground.

There is a pay shower, laundry, and big camp store all within walking distance.

Its not high end, but its where you want to be.

Doug
southernsky
Explorer
Feb 13, 2014
We stayed at the Circle Pine/KOA. It was pretty nice and right off the interstate. Highway noise wasn't too bad. Spots were close together but they would space you out. Try to get your fuel before you get to Williams because it's very expensive. We went to Flagstaff for supplies and fuel. We took the train ride out of Williams to the
Grand Canyon which saved on driving time for us. Got any more questions feel free to ask.:B
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Feb 13, 2014
Grand Canyon Trailer Village is IN the park near the rim of the canyon. The shuttle bus stops just outside the campground entrance - very convenient.

Grand Canyon Camper Village is outside the park so you'd have to drive in every day.

There are always cancellations. Perhaps you could reserve at 'Camper Village' and keep calling 'Trailer Village' to see if there are any openings. Good Luck!
Lauren
Explorer
Feb 13, 2014
Too bad you cannot get in at the Park. I am a huge advocate of Trailer Village and making arrangements anyplace that will be crowded.

Williams is an hour to the gate of the Park; simple as that. How long you wait in line there and then go to the Rim, get parked and actually GET to the Rim is additional time.
Two_Hands
Explorer
Feb 14, 2014
We really have enjoyed staying at Trailer Village, but if it were full we would suck it up and stay at Mather Campground. You are camping in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. It is worth being without hookups for two or three days. Have a great trip.
4runnerguy
Explorer
Feb 14, 2014
Two Hands wrote:
We really have enjoyed staying at Trailer Village, but if it were full we would suck it up and stay at Mather Campground. You are camping in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. It is worth being without hookups for two or three days. Have a great trip.

x2

Maybe you can get a day or two at Trailer Village and the rest of the time at Mather. The convenience to the rim and the availability of the shuttle outweigh the need for hookups. You won't need a/c in May, so just plan your cooking so you don't need your electric appliances during your visit there.
mosseater
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2014
I guess I don't see the big deal about Trailer Village. True, it's not the Ritz, but you're there to see the Canyon, right? Walking distance to the shuttle that will take you everywhere you need to go and full hookups. What's not to love? Just don't let your hose lay out for the ravens to peck holes in. We had a great time there.
Johno02
Explorer
Feb 14, 2014
The good thing about staying in the park, either TV or Mahler is being able to see the sunrise and/or sunset over the canyon. Without having to drive a hour to get there. Those are two of the highlights of the trip. The sunrise is Awesome, but get there very early and find a good seat. The flashlights down in the bottom of the canyon are weird. So are the people down there with the flashlights.

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