The Grand Canyon is a sight to be seen. If you’ve never laid eyes on this Natural Wonder, you’re missing out. Located in northern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park should be at the top of your traveling bucket list. Furthermore, it’s the perfect place to vancamp! Whether you prefer dispersed camping in a remote location or parking at a campground with incredible canyon views, this area has it all. Keep reading to learn more about why this area is a vancamping paradise!
About Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon became a national park in 1919. Since then, hundreds of millions of people have visited this incredible area. The canyon was formed by the Colorado River, which still flows at the bottom of the massive rock walls and formations. When visiting the park, the North and South Rims are the two public areas to check out. The South Rim is the most accessible, offering several areas to pull off for a breathtaking view. With plenty of outdoor activities, this place is a nature lover’s dream!
Where to Stop Along the Way
As you’re traveling to Grand Canyon National Park in your campervan, there are numerous destinations to check out on the drive over. Be sure to stop at the following areas:
Driving North
Aside from the Grand Canyon, Arizona offers plenty of outdoor adventure. If you’re driving north towards the park, you have to stop in Sedona. This area is packed full of stunning hiking trails, offering some of the best views in the Southwest. Sedona is also known for the cool waters of Oak Creek, which is the perfect place to relax on a warm day. Other fun places to see in Arizona include Tucson and Phoenix.
Headed West
Are you driving west towards Grand Canyon National Park? If so, you’re in for a road trip like no other. If you have the time, make a stop in southwestern Colorado. Here you’ll find Telluride, which is arguably the best mountain town in the country. Nestled between the mountains, this area offers majestic hiking, skiing, and camping.
If you find yourself passing through northern New Mexico, this is also a top outdoor recreation destination. You can find multiple ski resorts, epic mountain views, fishing, and more!
Driving South
As Grand Canyon National Park is located just a few hours south of the Utah border, several awesome destinations are close by. If you’re making a southern drive towards the canyon, be sure to stop at Zion or Bryce Canyon National Park. Zion is especially beautiful, with heart-pounding hikes and breathtaking scenery.
Headed East
Are you driving from Southern or Central California to the Grand Canyon? If so, there’s a long list of awesome stopping points. First, you can’t pass up Yosemite National Park. Here you’ll find dramatic rock formations, stunning waterfalls, and one-of-a-kind campgrounds. Just hours south of Yosemite is Sequoia National Park, featuring massive trees your eyes won’t believe! Also, if you want a taste of Sin City, Las Vegas is just four hours west of the Grand Canyon.
Outdoor Adventures at Grand Canyon National Park
Bringing your adventure van to Grand Canyon National Park couldn’t be a better idea. While gazing at the rock walls can leave you speechless for hours, several other activities can also take your breath away.
Below you’ll find our favorite things to do in the area:
Hiking
If you want to see the canyon and get your blood flowing in the process, go for a hike! Luckily, the area is known for being a top hiking destination.
If you’re traveling to the South Rim, here are some popular hikes to consider:
- Rim Trail
- Bright Angel Trail
- South Kaibab Trail
- Hermit Trail
- Grandview Trail
Aside from the Rim Trail, these routes go down the canyon, so the hike back is steep. As going down is simple, make sure you can make it back up!
If you find yourself on the North Rim, consider checking out Transept Trail, Bridle Trail, or North Kaibab Trail.
Biking
Biking around the park is an excellent way to experience the scenery—and you can also get a solid workout! In addition, you can take an e-bike for a calm, peaceful ride. However, it’s important to note you can’t ride your bike anywhere within the park. Check out the Grand Canyon Bicycling and E-Bike Information page for more information on where you can ride.
Sightseeing
Experiencing the views at the Grand Canyon is an experience you can’t miss. Luckily, there are several viewpoints to see it all! Also, many of these spots are right off the road. If you’re searching for scenery unlike any other place on the planet, check out the following viewpoints within the park:
- Redwall Bridge, North Rim
- Mather Point, South Rim
- Shoshone Point, South Rim
- Angel’s Window, North Rim
- Toroweap/Tuweep Overlook
- Desert View
Just one look at the Grand Canyon and you won’t believe your eyes! It’s truly a place you have to see in person.
River Rafting
Looking for an exhilarating ride on a raft? If so, Grand Canyon National Park is the place to be! In fact, some people consider this area a rafting paradise. Whether you’re an experienced rafter or a first-timer, you can have the time of your life on the Colorado River. There are several rafting companies that would be happy to take you on a rafting trip you’ll never forget.
Camping
Camping in Grand Canyon National Park can make your trip that much more special. While the park has four developed campgrounds, you can also backpack and camp in remote locations within the canyon.
If you’re looking to vancamp on the South Rim, your options include Mather Campground and Desert View Campground. Keep in mind Mather Campground is the only option that’s open year-round. For a camping experience on the other side of the canyon, check out North Rim Campground. If you’re searching for an RV park with all the hookups, Trailer Village is the only option within the park.
Travel Tips
Keep the following travel tips in mind to make the most of your trip to the Grand Canyon:
– Prepare for the Crowds. As the Grand Canyon is a treasure unlike anywhere else, the area can get very crowded. That said, consider visiting during off-peak times.
– Reserve Lodging Early. With so many people traveling to the area, it’s important to make travel arrangements months ahead of time—especially when it comes to hotel or campground reservations.
– Prepare for the Elevation. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level. If you’re not used to this elevation, you could experience elevation sickness. That said, be sure to take it easy when you first arrive in the area, and be cautious when hiking.
Map
Check out more details about the area’s top activities:
Hiking Trails
- Rim Trail: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
- Bright Angel Trail: Located just west of Bright Angel Lodge
- South Kaibab Trail: Begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road
- Hermit Trail: Starts just west of Hermits Rest
Sightseeing
- Redwall Bridge, North Rim: Found along the North Kaibab Trail
- Mather Point, South Rim: Rim Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
- Shoshone Point, South Rim: Desert View Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Campgrounds
- Mather Campground: 1 Mather Campground Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
- Desert View Campground: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
- North Rim Campground: North Rim, AZ 86052
- Trailer Village RV Park: 100 Trailer Village Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Hidden Gems
Looking to escape the crowds for some peace and quiet? Here are some off-the-beaten-path destinations to check out in the area:
- Pipe Spring national monument
- Roosevelt Point, North Rim
- Lees Ferry
- Little Colorado River Navajo tribal park
- Coal Mine Canyon
Did you know about 6 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year? With so many people, many visitors like to sneak away for some calm relaxation. Luckily, there are several spots to escape all the chaos.
Get a New Adventure Ride at Rec Van!
Rec Van is happy to provide a wide variety of campervans for your next adventure to Grand Canyon National Park. Whether you’re looking for an affordable used model or something brand new with all the bells and whistles, we have the van for you. Check out our available adventure vans today, and contact us with any questions!
