Grand canyon, AZ camping in a 38' coach. Places to camp?

[glamisorbust]

Hi guys and gals. We are making a spontaneous trip to the grand canyon tomorrow and plan on staying at least a few nights. I am searching for a place to camp with my 38' class A. Doesn't have to be a camp ground, but the closer to the grand canyon the better. The few I have found have a 30' length limit. Any ideas?

[glamisorbust]

We spent the entire day up at the south rim. Went to several of the bus stops and view sites. Wow, this place just takes my breath away. I feel so small. We caught the sunset over at pima point. It was incredible. Cooled right down after the sun disappeared. Not that it was hot today, it was a high of about 65 degrees.

[MrWizard]

That's great..
BTW...sunset in the canyon is not too be missed, is a must see, especially if there are any clouds on the horizon, take your camera

[glamisorbust]

Thanks for all the great replies. After calling around and doing some research, we chose to boondock near tusayan. I called the forest service and told them I had a large coach, looking for a spot to boondock.

They directed us to a really cool road with lots of spots off to the side to park and camp. We pulled in lastnight around 8pm. Easy to park and we're less than a mile from hwy 180. Awesome spot.

We can hear the choppers running every 20 minutes or so for the grand canyon helicopter tours. We pulled our CRV up here so we have a way to get up there. This is an awesome spot!!! Campfire friendly and there's plenty of dead wood around to choose from.

The best part-It's completely free and no permits are required for anything.

[LewBob]

It is also possible to boondock (dispersed/dry camping) on the Kaibab National Forest adjacent to the South Rim portion of the Grand Canyon. For details call the Tusayan Ranger District at (928) 638-2443. Unless you have a toad, you will have to break camp to drive into the park daily.

[2gypsies1]

rr2254545 wrote:

Rollnhome wrote:
Moose???

Trailer Village is a nice sport to visit the Canyon.

Yep but only has 80 spaces and has been booked for months - I made my reservation for next week in late January

I really wish folks wouldn't state that certain parks are booked. That is misleading to others. I just checked Trailer Village and there are sites available all summer and from August on it's almost completely open.

[DSDP_Don]

In the tow of Tusayan, the gateway to the south entrance, is a campground called Camper Village. It's inexpensive, not real luxurious, but clean and in a great spot. You can either drive into the park, about 1 mile up the road or walk out the front gate and board the shuttle.

Tusayan is a nice little town with restaurants, fuel and IMAX 3D theater.

Camper Village

[richarfg]

You are in a better place geographically to determine where to dry camp; but several weeks ago I attempted to make reservations inside Grand Canyon National Park for May 21st, and found it booked. I ended up making reservations in Williams at a private campground.

[rr2254545]

Rollnhome wrote:
Moose???

Trailer Village is a nice sport to visit the Canyon.

Yep but only has 80 spaces and has been booked for months - I made my reservation for next week in late January

[Dick_B]

Stay in Williams and take the train up and back. and search this Forum for Grand Canyon in the RV Parks section. Lots of discussion.

[harold1946]

The closest place to dry camp would be the ten-x campground just north of tusayan.

[MrWizard]

yes there is a Nat Forest, campground, outside the park, about 3 miles before town, sorry i can't remember the name at this moment
we are 34ft plus 3ft of motorcycle rack..37ft total

we stayed there in may of 2012

[glamisorbust]

Thanks for the reply Dennis. What about dry camping outside the canyon? I would be perfectly happy just camping in the forest and driving my own car in(toad). Does not have to be right outside the gate...ideas on that?

[Rollnhome]

Moose???

Trailer Village is a nice sport to visit the Canyon.

[Executive45]

Over 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year, so there are only a limited number of camping opportunities. As a result of this huge number, the campsites are somewhat crowded. Most people see this venue as a viewing experience and not a typical "camping" experience. As a result, the campsites are closer together and facilities are limited.

That said, I believe your best bet, given your time constraints, is to try to book into Trailer Village. Once settled, you will not need any transportation. There is a very efficient bus system that is provided FREE for getting around the village and outlying areas. Please refer to the link provided below. While the spaces are not spacious by any means, they will provide you with adequate spacing to enjoy your stay. Be prepared, though, they provide you with a camping space, not a camping experience with big trees, fire pits etc. You will, however, enjoy your stay. Two caveats: The elk/moose will visit the campground so don't be alarmed. They're friendly. Secondly, do NOT put out your sewer hose unless you are using it. The ravens/crows will peck holes in it if you leave it out. If you use your imagination, you can get a picture of what happens when you pull the handle on the black tank...

Staying at Trailer Village will provide you with the most satisfying experience when visiting the GC. You're already within that park so the hassle of arriving at the gate each day is eliminated. The shuttle system is one of the most efficient we've experienced. Plan on taking sufficient water with you each day. Buying it from the concessionaire is expensive. Also, pack a lunch when you go. Nothing is more enjoyable than having a picnic while sitting on the rim overlooking the canyon...Hope this helps...Dennis