My wife and I are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon in mid-September of this year.We were going to make Williams our base and then just drive into the park. It was suggested that we stay inside the park on the South Rim.I would like to know what the more expressed travelers would suggest.If we stay in Williams we are looking at either the ‘Grand Canyon Railway RV Park’ or the ‘Canyon Motel & RV Park’. Any comments on these two RV parks would be appreciated. If we stay inside the park on the South Rim. What campground would you suggest? And is there a shuttle from the campground to the Visitor Center.We have a 37’ Pace Arrow motorhome.Thanks for any and all advice and suggestions,William & Belinda Moore

The only campground we have used at the south rim is Trailer Village inside the Park. Full hookups and the shuttle stops at the campground entrance.

wjmblm wrote:My wife and I are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon in mid-September of this year.We were going to make Williams our base and then just drive into the park. It was suggested that we stay inside the park on the South Rim.I would like to know what the more expressed travelers would suggest.If we stay in Williams we are looking at either the ‘Grand Canyon Railway RV Park’ (Highly recommend - Pros, Convenience and walking distance to train, town, grocery store and offers Good Sam Discount. CONS, Require something underneath stabilizer jacks so they do not damage the asphalt, requires a sewer hose support, a bit noisy as the trains pass thru this area, no shade) or the ‘Canyon Motel & RV Park’ (A bit of upgrading is needed, Same cost as GCRRVPARK no shade, train noise and not in walking distance to town, train, etc.). Any comments on these two RV parks would be appreciated. Keep in mind that if you elect to stay in Williams and take the train to the south rim that it limits the amount of time in the park (approx 4 hours) unless you stay at one of the motel within the park for a day or two.If we stay inside the park on the South Rim. What campground would you suggest? Mather Campground And is there a shuttle from the campground to the Visitor Center. Yes and there are numerous free shuttles within the park to the various visitor centers and lookout points.We have a 37’ Pace Arrow motorhome.Thanks for any and all advice and suggestions,William & Belinda Moore

Depends entirely on what you want from your visit to the canyon. Most folks go to see it for a couple of hours, and then they leave. If you're among them, then staying in Williams or Flagstaff is just fine.Other folks want a much more intensive experience at the canyon, spending several days or a week or more to hike the many trails, visit the outlying sites, do the evening and/or remote talks and demonstrations, take early morning or late evening photography, and so forth. For these people, staying in Williams or Flagstaff would be an enormous waste of time (and money). :)Lynn

We tried staying in Williams, but it is a long drive up to the Canyon and back. If you can get in, Trailer Village is the best choice. If youcan't get a reservation, be sure to check by or call the office when you get there and see if there is a cancellation. There are several RV parks right outside the gate which looked good, but we lucked out and got in Trailer Village.

We were there last month, stayed at the Exit 167/Circle Pine KOA. Nice campground,no train noise but some interstate noise. Took the train out of Williams for the day. Also the bus tour. Was enough time for us.

Grand Canyon stay inside/outside of park? | Good Sam Community

JaBob
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
We stayed at Trailer Village, very nice to have the bus stop. Can't imagine the reasoning for staying in Williams. To each his own.

Bob
RCMAN46
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
Trailer Village inside the Park is a very nice campground. Sunsets and a Sunrise is well worth seeing at the Grand Canyon. If you are driving from Williams it is a long day in order to see them. The Park shuttle service is superb and recommend you use it. We spent three days in the Park and could have done a couple more if we had had the time.
Dick_B
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
The average length of stay at the South Rim is 3 hours. If that's you I'd take the train out of Williams. Very enjoyable trip.
Retired_Phone_M
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
Inside the park is best. On our first trip years ago we stayed at Mather Campground and walked to the visitor center (about a mile)and other locations. The trails from Mather and Trailer Village to the Visitor Center and Rim allow bicycles. Of course there is the shuttle also. Lots of park activity at night and don't have to fight that traffic in and out of the park. Go to the NPS site and look at the maps.

Jim
TexasShadow
Explorer II
Jul 08, 2013
it's a long drive from Williams, over 60 miles.
better to stay inside the park if you can.
better to stay at Trailer Village campground in the park if you can because it has elec. hookups and you might need them if it's still warm.
there are shuttles from the campground to lots of stops in the park, including the visitor center, so you won't have to use your car for anything while you're there.
southernsky
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
We were there last month, stayed at the Exit 167/Circle Pine KOA. Nice campground,no train noise but some interstate noise. Took the train out of Williams for the day. Also the bus tour. Was enough time for us.
Johno02
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
We tried staying in Williams, but it is a long drive up to the Canyon and back. If you can get in, Trailer Village is the best choice. If youcan't get a reservation, be sure to check by or call the office when you get there and see if there is a cancellation. There are several RV parks right outside the gate which looked good, but we lucked out and got in Trailer Village.
eubank
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
Depends entirely on what you want from your visit to the canyon.

Most folks go to see it for a couple of hours, and then they leave. If you're among them, then staying in Williams or Flagstaff is just fine.

Other folks want a much more intensive experience at the canyon, spending several days or a week or more to hike the many trails, visit the outlying sites, do the evening and/or remote talks and demonstrations, take early morning or late evening photography, and so forth. For these people, staying in Williams or Flagstaff would be an enormous waste of time (and money).

:)
Lynn
4aSong
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
wjmblm wrote:
My wife and I are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon in mid-September of this year.
We were going to make Williams our base and then just drive into the park. It was suggested that we stay inside the park on the South Rim.
I would like to know what the more expressed travelers would suggest.
If we stay in Williams we are looking at either the
‘Grand Canyon Railway RV Park’ (Highly recommend - Pros, Convenience and walking distance to train, town, grocery store and offers Good Sam Discount. CONS, Require something underneath stabilizer jacks so they do not damage the asphalt, requires a sewer hose support, a bit noisy as the trains pass thru this area, no shade) or the

‘Canyon Motel & RV Park’ (A bit of upgrading is needed, Same cost as GCRRVPARK no shade, train noise and not in walking distance to town, train, etc.). Any comments on these two RV parks would be appreciated.

Keep in mind that if you elect to stay in Williams and take the train to the south rim that it limits the amount of time in the park (approx 4 hours) unless you stay at one of the motel within the park for a day or two.

If we stay inside the park on the South Rim. What campground would you suggest? Mather Campground And is there a shuttle from the campground to the Visitor Center. Yes and there are numerous free shuttles within the park to the various visitor centers and lookout points.
We have a 37’ Pace Arrow motorhome.

Thanks for any and all advice and suggestions,
William & Belinda Moore
CloudDriver
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013
The only campground we have used at the south rim is Trailer Village inside the Park. Full hookups and the shuttle stops at the campground entrance.

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