Campsites near Parks, Arizona provide RV accommodations at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, offering cooler summer temperatures than lower desert regions. The proximity to Kaibab National Forest creates abundant shade at many campgrounds, particularly those in Williams and Flagstaff. Winter camping remains available at several parks, though water connections may require special considerations during freezing conditions.
What to do
Visit Bedrock City: Located at Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground, this unique attraction features Flintstones-themed structures and activities. "Kids loved it, great halfway point to the Grand Canyon to spend the day, bed rock city and raptor tour was great, even Fred's diner has good quality food," notes one camper. The park also offers bird of prey demonstrations three times daily.
Ride the Grand Canyon Railway: Book tickets for the historic train journey to Grand Canyon National Park. "We came to ride the Grand Canyon Railroad, the RV check-in was liking Clarity on how we completed our check-in for the train to the Grand Canyon," reports one visitor. The train departs at 9:35 AM and returns at 5:45 PM, creating a full day excursion from Williams.
Explore hiking trails: Access extensive trail networks directly from select campgrounds. At Flagstaff RV Park, campers can "walk 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." Forest Service trails connect to various difficulty levels suitable for different hiking abilities.
What campers like
Shade coverage: The abundance of pine trees provides natural cooling at many RV sites. "Really nice people and fun amenities at the park. We'll be staying there again this summer," mentions one visitor to Grand Canyon Railway RV Park. Sites with tree coverage help moderate summer temperatures, which can reach 90°F during peak season.
Creek access: Some campgrounds offer water features for cooling off. At Rancho Sedona RV Park, "You can walk down along the creek and find some peaceful rocks for sitting on to read or contemplate. There are also a couple of hikes accessible 1/4-1/2 mile from the RV park." The creek provides natural swimming options during hot months.
Pet accommodations: Many campgrounds provide designated pet areas. "There is a nice dog park that is along the Grand Canyon railroad track," notes one reviewer about Railside RV Ranch. Some parks like The Canyon Motel & RV Park also offer convenient dog kenneling services for visitors taking train excursions.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds in Williams experience regular train activity. "There is a train that goes last about twice every night and blows the horn (so that wakes you up at about 3am and 5am)," warns one camper. The BNSF freight line operates throughout the night in addition to the scheduled Grand Canyon Railway.
Varying WiFi quality: Internet connectivity fluctuates significantly between parks. "WiFi is sketchy," reports one visitor to Canyon Gateway RV Park. Many parks advertise WiFi service, but connection strength often diminishes with distance from office buildings.
Water issues: Some parks experience water quality concerns or seasonal restrictions. "The water when it first came out was rusty. Let it run before hooking up," advises one camper about Railside RV Ranch. During winter months, freezing temperatures may require water connections to be shut off at several parks, with some providing heated spigots as a solution.
Tips for camping with families
Book railway packages: Combine RV stays with train excursions for simplified planning. "Very nice package RV camping and train to the Grand Canyon 60 Mi train ride," mentions one visitor. Some parks offer combination deals that include camping fees plus train tickets.
Pool access: Several hotels associated with RV parks extend amenities to campers. "We rode the train, visited the hotel pool, used the dryer, and enjoyed the town immensely," notes one family staying at Canyon Motel & RV Park. Check with park offices about specific access agreements with nearby hotels.
Playground availability: Limited play structures exist at select campgrounds. "It has a small playground and mini golf, and the Grand Canyon train goes by a few times a day which our toddler enjoyed," shares one parent about Railside RV Ranch. During summer months, structured recreational areas provide alternatives to hiking.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Level sites vary significantly between parks. "The pavement on which the RV was leveled was pretty much level so we didn't need to make any adjustments," notes one RVer about Grand Canyon Railway RV Park. Request sites away from main roads for reduced traffic noise.
Propane availability: Winter camping requires heating fuel planning. "With temperatures below 15 degrees, we are happy to have hookups to run our space heater!" mentions one winter camper. Some parks offer propane delivery on scheduled days, while others require visitors to refill at offsite locations.
Laundry facility access: Service quality varies significantly between parks. "Clean and taken care of. We ended up taking full advantage of the bathrooms, laundry, and creek access," reports one camper at Rancho Sedona RV Park. Laundry costs range from $4-10 per load combined washing and drying, with some facilities closed seasonally.
