Best Campgrounds near Supai, AZ
Camping near Supai is dominated by the Havasupai Reservation Campground, renowned for its proximity to spectacular waterfalls and turquoise waters. Located deep within the Grand Canyon, this established campground requires a 10-mile hike to access and offers tent camping along Havasu Creek. The surrounding area includes several Grand Canyon National Park campgrounds such as Mather Campground and North Rim Campground, along with dispersed camping options on Forest Service Road 328. Most sites cater primarily to tent campers, though some areas accommodate RVs with limited amenities.
Access to the Havasupai area requires significant advance planning and physical preparation. The reservation campground permits must be secured months ahead, with bookings opening February 1st and typically selling out the same day. The challenging terrain demands proper hiking equipment for the strenuous 10-mile trek into the canyon. Many camping areas near Supai have seasonal limitations, with North Rim facilities closing during winter months. The more remote dispersed camping options like Tuweep Campground (also known as Toroweap) require high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate rough dirt roads. A camper noted, "The 10 mile hike in is well worth it. Unbelievable scenery, many waterfalls, very relaxing listening to the moving water."
Several visitors emphasized the extraordinary natural setting as worth the effort required to reach these camping areas. The Havasupai Campground receives consistently high ratings despite its remoteness and basic facilities, which include vault toilets and spring water sources. Campers report that sites near the water are preferred but note they can get windy and cold compared to those against canyon walls. Wildlife encounters are common, with multiple reviews mentioning raccoons and squirrels that aggressively seek food. The campground area spans about a mile along Havasu Creek, offering varying degrees of shade and proximity to water. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors should come prepared for potential weather changes and pack strategically, as one reviewer emphasized: "Take a tarp. The weather can change in a split second in the canyon."
