Granite Rapids Area Campsites are located within Grand Canyon National Park, featuring rugged terrain with rocky landscapes and the Colorado River nearby. Temperatures can range from 40°F to 100°F, depending on the season. Campers can explore the nearby Bright Angel Trail and enjoy views of the canyon's vast expanse.

Granite Rapids Area Campsites — Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Grand Canyon. Discover great camping spots near Grand Canyon, reviewed by campers like you.

Grand Canyon

The Best Camping Near Grand Canyon, Arizona

This is a common area for rafters to run the river and take a break. It's also a good place to witness the power of the Colorado River. There are only two ways to get to the Granite Rapids Primitive Campsite- ride a raft or hike a trail. We hiked from the Grand Canyon South Rim starting at the Hermit Trail trailhead, down the Hermit Trail, to the Granite Rapids campsite. The descent down the Hermit Trail requires hiking down a rocky trail with some rough dirt or stone steps. There are segments of the trail with exposure and steep drops.

Along the way, you'll see dramatic views of the Grand Canyon and a variety of rock formations and geological features. In the spring there were some beautiful flowers budding on the cacti. There are no real facilities at this site, the beauty of this site is that it is rustic with great views and there will likely be no one else around. There is no water available along the trail until you reach the bottom of the canyon and the Colorado River. It is possible to take a detour to collect water near the Monument Creek campsite. 

The NPS recommends that people do not try to day hike (in one day) to this location from the South Rim trailhead. The hike down is simple enough, but the hike up is steep, rocky, has no water and is not often traveled by other hikers or the rangers. The water and rapids are fast, so exercise caution if you enter the river.The site is a primitive campsite so you simply find a clear area and pitch your tent. Leave No Trace principles should be applied.

Photos of Granite Rapids Area Campsites — Grand Canyon National Park

Real photos from real campers