The Grand Canyon as it was called by John Wesley Powell in the 1870’s has become a very popular destination. The Paiutes call it Mountain Lying Down, which is quite fitting. However you view it this place is magical, with wonderful views of nature.
Being up close to the Grand Canyon is a remarkable experience that you will never forget. There are many ways you can take in the experience, from hiking, camping and flight seeing tours. If you are up to it a hike down to the bottom is a very unique experience. It is one of the places you really need to visit in your life.
While at the Grand Canyon you have a couple of options for camping. But first off you will need to plan ahead. You can make reservation up to 6 months in advance and especially in the summer months this is a must if you want to have a place to camp. In order to really enjoy your camping experience you will want to have a quality tent.
First off you will need to pay a reservation fee to get into the National Park; the fee is $25 per vehicle or $12 per individual. Next you need to do some research and decide which rim you plan on visiting. The south rim is more crowded and the north rim is less crowded.
There are two campgrounds that are part of the National Park. Mather Campground is on the South Rim and is part of Grand Canyon Village while on the North Rim is North Grim Campground. Mather is open all year and runs $18 per night and allows up to two vehicles with 6 people and three tents. There are group sites that cost $50 per night. In the offseason the cost is $15 and $30 per night. There is another campground 26 miles east which provides you with another option if needed.
If you are after a more relaxed and less crowed Grand Canyon experience then the North Rim Campground will help you achieve this. Sites cost between $18 and $25 per night with the same occupancy restrictions as listed above for Mather Campground. During the winter this campground is closed although if you have a Backcountry Permit you may use the group sites.
You can obtain Backcountry permits that allow you to camp below the rim in the canyon. These permits cost $10 plus $5 for each person per night.