RV camping near Gray Mountain, Arizona offers several options between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Located at approximately 6,000 feet elevation in the high desert of northern Arizona, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with summer highs in the 90s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Winter camping requires preparation for snow conditions, particularly from November through March when overnight temperatures regularly drop below 20°F.
What to do
Hiking access from camp: Flagstaff RV Park provides direct trail access from the property. "I love walking out the back gate right onto a wonderful network of trails, everything from easy walking to a run on the AZT to a solid hike up Elden Mountain," notes one camper at Flagstaff RV Park.
Grand Canyon day trips: Many travelers use Valle as a base camp for Grand Canyon exploration. "Kids loved it, great halfway point to the Grand Canyon to spend the day, bed rock city and raptor tour was great," writes a visitor to Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground, which is approximately 30 minutes from the South Rim.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The national park campsites offer excellent wildlife observation. "Female elk roamed all around the campsites, and one even wandered up while we cooked dinner to snack on the bush next to our truck," reports a camper at Trailer Village RV Park.
What campers like
Direct forest access: Many campers appreciate sites with immediate access to natural surroundings. "Lots of hiking trails behind the park," reports a reviewer at Flagstaff RV Park. Another notes that they "prefer this place over the adjacent KOA" specifically because of the "great access to trail system."
Convenient amenities: On-site food options receive praise at some locations. "The restaurant had amazing food. My breakfast burrito with chorizo was one of the best I've ever had. If we lived in Flagstaff we'd come here just for food," shares a visitor at Woody Mountain Campground.
Quieter alternatives: Some campers prefer locations away from train noise. Flagstaff RV Park gets mentioned specifically for this benefit: "#1 reason we came here first when looking for an RV park in Flagstaff = distance from the railroad tracks. Train noise is not an issue."
What you should know
Limited services at remote locations: Services decrease significantly outside Flagstaff. At Cameron Trading Post RV Park, a reviewer notes: "No bathroom, no WiFi, no 30 amp electricity. It's more of a stay-hitched-then-skedaddle quick overnight."
Temperature variations: High elevation means significant temperature swings. "Evening temperatures were low 20s and expected to get lower as the night grew," reports a winter visitor to Flagstaff KOA.
Availability challenges: Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for Grand Canyon locations. "Recommended to book beforehand. We stayed at a place with only water + picnic table ($30), instead of a place with everything ($79-89)," advises a Trailer Village RV Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several Flagstaff campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "Plenty of room for slides on each side. Quiet campground with terrific neighbors," notes a visitor to Woody Mountain, which has a "community grill area, laundry, clean bathrooms, dog park and newer playground."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds feature learning experiences. "The Ranch also does demonstrations of Birds of Prey three times a day. Another educational opportunity," shares a Raptor Ranch visitor.
Shuttle convenience: Within Grand Canyon National Park, transportation simplifies family visits. "Free shuttle buses every 15 mins to the rim and various visitors centers," points out a Trailer Village RV Park guest, making it easier to explore with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Layout varies significantly between parks. A Black Bart's RV Park visitor appreciates that "Full hookups. Separate 'long term' and 'transient' areas. Super clean. Nice bathrooms, showers, and laundry."
Winter hookup availability: Freezing temperatures require specialized infrastructure. "Water spigots are heated," reports a winter visitor to Flagstaff RV Park, an important feature for RVers staying during colder months.
Uneven terrain challenges: Many forested sites require leveling. "Our particular site is at an angle to the ones next to us, which seems odd at first but it turns out that we don't feel as much 'stacked up' and aren't looking directly into each others' windows," explains a Flagstaff RV Park reviewer.
