Tuweep Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

Tuweep Campground is an extremely primitive campground located 3,000 feet below the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. As with all backcountry areas in Grand Canyon National Park, advance reservations are required. You must obtain a backcountry permit through Recreation.gov to camp overnight. Access is limited to seasonal 4x4 trails which require high clearance and can be adversely affected by wet weather. Be sure to bring full spares and repair equipment as a tow from this area can cost over $1000.

The attraction of Tuweep is its proximity to the unique and stunning Toroweap Canyon. Visitors to this area will appreciate views unlike those of any other overlook in the park. Volcanic activity has left this deep side canyon full of black lava flows and scattered cinder cone formations. Tuckup Trail and Saddlehorse Loop Trail both leave from the campground. These are short (less than 5k) trails that offer even more expansive vistas, overlooking both the canyon and the largest rapids on the Colorado River. Neither trail has shade or water. The trails were first established through this inhospitable area by prospectors, and an antique road grader, Adam’s Leaning Wheel Grader is visible along the approach, abandoned in 1921.

There are nine sites in Tuweep Campground with picnic tables and composting toilets. No fires or charcoal grills are allowed, but fossil fuels stoves can be used. There is no water at the campground, so bring at least 1 gallon/person/day if you plan to stay here. Be sure to pack out all trash and store food in your vehicle. No pets or stock animals are allowed due to the sensitive nature of the desert terrain. Please stay on paths and avoid walking through the dark cryptobiotic crust which is an essential part of the ecosystem.