Are you planning a tent camping trip to Tuba City? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp in Arizona with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Arizona camping adventure.
The area is characterized by the river delta where Bright Angel Creek meets the Colorado River. There is a ranger station, emergency phone, pay phones, year-round potable water, and toilets. To reach this campground you can travel the South Kaibab Trail (and cross the black bridge) or the Bright Angel Trail (and cross the silver bridge) from the South Rim, or travel the North Kaibab Trail from the North Rim. Cottonwood trees shade Bright Angel Campground and the creek is a wonderful place to cool off. Deer, ringtail cats, gray foxes, and squirrels are often seen. Popular activities include relaxing, wading in Bright Angel Creek, stargazing, fishing (license required), and day hiking. Day hike destinations include the River Trail and Phantom Overlook. Seasonal ranger programs are offered. Snack items and meals are available for purchase at Phantom Ranch Lodge (meals must be reserved in advance 303-297-2757).
Cottonwood Campground is a small campground 6.8 miles below the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on the North Kaibab Trail. Bright Angel Creek runs nearby. Seasonally (mid-May to mid-Oct) potable drinking water is available, but at other times of the year campers must be prepared to filter/treat water obtained from the creek. Cottonwood has an emergency phone and toilets. From the campground, day hikes may be made to Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, and Manzanita Canyon.
Phantom Ranch is a historic oasis nestled at the bottom of Grand Canyon. It is on the north side of the Colorado River tucked in beside Bright Angel Creek. Make sure to put in your Phantom Ranch reservations, as its the only lodging below the canyon rim, and can only be reached by mule, on foot or by rafting the Colorado River.
The rustic cabins and main lodge are built of wood and native stone blending with the natural beauty of the setting.
Our cabins and dorms do not have phones or televisions, but a pay phone is available at Phantom Ranch (credit card or phone card ONLY).
The Phantom Ranch Canteen serves breakfast and dinner, which must be reserved in advance. If you have special dietary needs, such as glucose intolerance or food allergies, please advise the reservation agent at the time of booking. Phantom Ranch will do their best to accommodate all special requests.
You must hike out your own trash.
$52 - $253 / night
$10 - $40 / night
Ranger
Grand Canyon is a professional setup. They know how to do things, while this is the most popular park in the US, they are very organized. Yes, we had to make reservations and we were camping in a tent 3 nights and had to change campsites each night. Plenty of bathrooms with running water/flush toilets, showers are in a central location close to the check in site, and showers were $2.00 for 8 minutes. Shuttles arrive frequently to take you where you need to go, or the marketplace is a short walk. We got our water refilled at the marketplace for free. Mather is a tent campground, RVs are at a separate site.
TravelerThis is an awesome campground within a short walk to the south rim of Grand Canyon. RVs and tents are allowed. There’s no electrical hook-up at tent sites, but you have fresh dirt, a picnic table and a small charcoal pit with grill rack. Bathrooms are centralized and showers cost $2. Dog friendly, and fun! Just be advised it’s monsoon season in the summer if you plan to tent camp. Also, when we went no campfires were allowed.
Guide
This is a great place to camp on the south rim! Walk to Navajo point snack bar/camp store and watchtower! Tent camp sites have shade and a picnic table. Go catch sunset at the tower! But get there before 6! Very quiet campground off tourist path just far enough out of high traffic areas. Highly recommend!
Ranger
Most amazing experience we’ve ever had tent camping. Right on the edge of the Canyon, watching the Arizona sunrises every morning. It was truly heaven on earth.
Traveler
Just spent one night tent camping, but it was a wonderful experience.
GuideBecause it's a large, park, multipurpose campground, it can be crowded and noisy. Especially if you are tent camping. Easy access to all amenities and rim of canyon.
GuideThe tent sites are very nice, with lovely trees for shade. This is an amazing park, I can't wait to go back!
GuideAnyone interested in National Parks has the Grand Canyon on their list. But, I’ll admit, that it wasn’t one I prioritized.
It far exceeded my expectations, especially the North Rim and the campground associated with it. It’s a must see for anyone with a love for the outdoors. It’s stunning.
The campground itself was the best campground I’ve ever been to, at least for what it is trying to be.
This isn’t a rough-it campground. It has immaculate bathrooms with flush toilets, dish cleaning stations, a general store just a few hundred feet from campsites with virtually anything you would need from groceries to camping supplies, the sites are decently dispersed, and the staff is attentive and caring. The setting is beautiful. You are surrounded by pine tree forest at 8,000+ elevation. You can tent camp or RV camp. We tent camped.
For a camping experience that still feels like camping but has amenities too, this spot can’t be beat.
RangerLong drive over some rough gravel road, but what a view at the end. Big enough site for shorter off-road trailer. No toilets. Pack-in, pack-out.
Trailhead at the end of the road. Great for tent camping, car camping, campervans, short trailer.
30 degree difference in temperatures hi-lo.
Wonderful sunset.
ScoutReally enjoyed this place. As our first time tent camping (as apposed to RV-ing) we had an awesome time here. Loved how spacious the sites were. Far enough from neighbours so there wasn’t too much noise. Bathrooms were clean and staff was friendly. Not too far of a drive from viewpoints. Would absolutely stay here again.
Traveler
Very conveniently located just outside of the Grand Canyon’s southern rim. Stayed here due to Kaibab Nat. Forest being closed with forest fire. Easy after hours site reservation. Had to wait until the morning to buy shower tokens, but that was okay as they opened at 8am. Had an elk stroll right up to our tent site. Obviously very comfortable with people.
GuideTent camp in an officially recognized International Dark Sky Park!
Bathrooms and drinking water are located through out each loop. Shower and laundry a little walk at the entrance to the campgrounds.
By day there is plenty of shade and trees. The National Park shuttle system has a stop a the front of the campsite to get you anywhere you need to go.
Nights are cool and the starts are incredible, one the the best star gazing locations in the nation.
TravelerMy partner and I parked our van in one of the tent sites and were surprised at how spacious and private they were! The location is close to the Visitor Center and some shopping. We got in pretty late so we didn’t get to enjoy the scenery too much, but we made some s’mores around the fire ring and did some stargazing. Perfect spot to situate yourself for an early morning hike into the canyon!
LegendIt's quite amazing to wake up in the morning with the Grand Canyon within a stones throw of your tent! Campsites are more secluded than I expected, but you can still see other campers. It is a great experience to sleep next to this fabulous part of creation, even if only for a night! I highly recommend seeing the Grand Canyon from the North Rim and camping if possible.
TravelerThe tent sites are big, and the sites in general are well spaced. The campground was pretty quiet, even though it was fully booked. The bathrooms are clean, but spare - typical NPS bathrooms. We enjoyed the birdwatching in the campground, and the elk that came to graze. There are tons of trees in the sites, great for hammocks! Each site has a big concrete picnic table, and a fire ring with a grill. Showers are available for a fee at the entrance to the campground. We spent some time sitting amongst the trees in our site, and escaping the crowds on the South Rim.
LegendStayed at site 142. Absolutely wonderful campground - largest in the Grand Canyon NP. When we arrived, the campground was technically full with “No Vacancy” signs posted. We actually pulled in thinking that we could ask them where else to stay for the night, but one of the park admins was kind enough to check for cancellations and told us that there was an administrative site available - wonderful! My dad was able to use his National Park senior citizen pass, so we paid a whopping $9 for the site. Very nice, private gravel tent sites with a great picnic table fire ring - all the standard stuff. Really appreciated the quiet and respectful nature of the campground as well. Right in the park, so obviously very close to everything that you want to do. Amazing!
GuideAmazing place to camp! If you've seen the south rim it's time to venture to the less crowded forested North Rim! The camp grounds were well spread out, quiet, amazing staff, and clean restrooms, showers, and coin laundry. 1 mile hike to the lodge (you can also drive) - I've added a picture to the map. We were in 10, but I would reccomend any of the T (tent) sites - they were on their own peak with wonderful views - but the park has strict generator rules so it won't be loud even if you're next to an RV. Be prepared for a long drive in and a long touring drive to see all the views, it is amazing but a little harder to navigate. The staff at the visitors center is wonderful though and they'll help you see what you want to see.
LegendThis campground is right next to the Rim walk and village so it is the perfect basecamp for heading into the canyon.
There are bathrooms, firewood, separated sites, multiple loops, and large sites. We were able to do a group camp here multiple times. Feb, May, and October.
Be prepared for wildlife and crazy weather though. It snowed in May and was 80 degrees in October. There is always a constant flow of people coming in and out of the park so it was nice to have a bit of quiet in the campground just knowing what was on the other side of the trees.
The bathrooms are well taken care of and if you are missing anything you can hit up the general store to grab it...including ice cream after a long hike. This campground is perfect for the new camper. It has EVERYTHING you may need.
The Grand Canyon shuttle is really helpful for traveling to Hermit's gulch quickly bit otherwise they designed this campground great for getting around easily.
I would advise booking as far in advance as you can get! During Winter months the hiker/biker sites aren't available but normally they are $15. During the Winter months the tent sites are only $18 and are usually available last minute. Summer costs jump up to about $50 per night.
Legend
If you win the lottery, this is the place to stay!
Let me clarify. This place is amazing, but the only way to get here it by winning a random lottery for a room (link is HERE). It's such a popular location (for incredibly good reason), that you have to enter a lottery, pick some dates, and cross your fingers. All 3 adults in our group entered, and one of us was picked. Hip hip hooray!
It's located on Bright Angel Creek, just a little bit from the Colorado River. In order to get to Phantom Ranch, you have to be insane enough to want to travel down inside the earth about a mile (most people call this the Grand Canyon), in the sun, covered in red dirt, with your backpack, and enough salty snacks and water to feed an elephant (or you can rent a ride on the mules) That said, if you have the drive and insanity and muscles to get you there, the reward is awesome lemonade, night time ranger talks, conversations with mules (because you might just be that tired at the end of the night), unbelievable experiences meeting other fellow hikers, and delicious comfort food.
Okay, now you can't possibly expect the Ritz when you get here. It's not about that. It's not even close, but it's 5 star in a totally different way. Keep in mind, that this Ranch has been here since the early 1920's. And supplies were either local to the area at the bottom, or brought by mule. So it's not fancy.
What to expect: There are a few ways to stay at Phantom Ranch. First are dorms. There are about 10 bunks per dorm, and it's women and men. Women in one, men in the other. Each dorm has a toilet with a door (modern plumbing) and a shower with hot water. There is also a sink. Each person claims a bunk and that's theirs for their stay. The other way is to rent a cabin. More expensive, but more private. If you rent the cabin, you and yours are the only ones sharing it. Because it's "out of the way", not all the modern conveniences work all the time. So expect it to be a little rustic, but it's all part of the experience. The cabins and dorms have air and heat, so it's a more comfortable experience than camping in a tent.
There is potable water scattered around, a few composting toilets if you are away from your cabin, picnic tables, two outdoor amphitheaters (normally a daytime ranger program at one, and a night program at the other). Inside the canteen you can purchase drinks (alcoholic and non), hiking essentials (toothbrush, sunscreen, salve, etc) and a selection of souvenirs. They even have a little library of books to read, and games that you can borrow and play.
There are some meals available, but you need to order them in advance (or check with them each day to see if they have enough for you to order it). The two evening meals are beef stew and steak. Not cheap, but so worth it! They come with fixings like cornbread, veggies and such, and always dessert. You can also order a veggie option. Breakfast is family style (as is dinner) and was pancakes, bacon, eggs etc when we were there. Coffee and juice too. There aren't many options, but think about it...all the groceries have to be delivered by mule. Make sense? Breakfast is offered at 2 different times (your choice) so you can get hiking early, if you want. Dinner is at different times, too, depending on what you order.
While you are there, you can buy a postcard and have it mailed from the Ranch, by mule! Cool little way to tell your loved ones "look what I did!".
So much to say about this "little piece of wonderful"! You really just have to see it for yourself!
NOTE: please read up on traveling to the bottom of the canyon before you go. Make wise choices about what time of year you want to travel. It was April when we went, and although it was about 50 degrees at the South Rim, it was close to 90 degrees at the bottom. In the summer, they said it can get to about 120 degrees in the shade. So please plan accordingly for snacks, water, travel, clothing choices and temperature
LegendCamping at the Grand Canyon is a must do for any traveler seeking the views of a lifetime. When I called to inquire reservations were highly suggested. When we arrived we understood exactly why, the campground at Mathers was at capacity.
When we pulled in there was a line assembled to check in during the late afternoon. Though long it went quickly and by the time I had made it to the front with my reservation the park ranger was quick to give me a map and directions.
Our site for the next two nights was 109, a primitive tent site on the third loop. When we arrived it was clearly marked and easy to navigate into with our small car. The only confusion came when attempting to identify where our tent was supposed to be positioned. There was no clear cut tent pad designated so we found the best area and set up for the stay.
The ground here was hard and rocky, much more difficult to drive in tent stakes. The grounds themselves contained nice tree coverage and a picnic table and fire ring.
Despite the harsh feeling of the rocky ground, when it was time to sleep we slept very well. The wind had been very aggressive when we first arrived but had died down since our arrival. I do recommend a bed roll or bed pas for sleeping which gives a little cushion. Our set up was perfect with some of the heavier blankets lining the floor for cushion.
Bathrooms were only about 75 yards from our campsite and were accommodating for both flushing toilets and pay showers. I do recommend bringing quarters if you plan on using the facilities for showers.
There is also an onsite laundry facility at the check in station.
The camping ground is positioned on the blue loop shuttle which will take you pretty much anywhere else you would like to go once you get into the park. I strongly advise using this system rather than driving to each lookout because parking can become difficult at lookouts.
Don't expect a ton of cell service in the mountain region. Cell service was hit or miss depending on what area of the camp or trails we were in, but that can be expected with the remote nature.
🐰🐰🐰🐰🐰
All in all we give this a 5 of 5 Bunnies for the well maintained roads, site spacing, clean facilities and helpful staff.
For more information about the campground and also the Grand Canyon adventure we took check out these videos:
Travelerwe lost our tent due to wind, blew over and was completly destroyed. tons of crows in the area.. cannot leave any food even a loaf of bread out. and the shower house is on the other side of the canyon, bring quarters its not free.... other than that beautiful views and would love to do again with a better tent or rv.
GuideReserve your site early!!! We camped over spring break in March 2018 & reserved our nights in October 2017. The primitive site itself is nothing all that special, but it’s everything you need. Despite the heavy traffic the Grand Canyon sees, the campsites are not crammed together. They are spacious & well-kept. There are lots of big rocks embedded in the ground, so be mindful when you set up your tent—particularly if it’s a big tent—so that you can sleep well. The bathrooms at the campground are nice & clean & the showers are worth the quarters if you’re camping multiple nights. I heard footsteps one morning & looked out to see elk outside our tent! They roam the campground pretty consistently so you can hope to see some during your visit.
GuideAmenities include shower and laundry. Quick access to little trails. Clean bathrooms. Nice tent pad. Spacious sites.
GuideFound a shady spot for the tent. Near the bathroom. Secluded and mostly quiet. Not very full. Helpful rangers.
TravelerCampground was nicely kept and comfortably fit 3 tents, but also very crowded and could hear our neighbors on either size all night.
TravelerI was lucki to take the last first come first serve spot It's a good one, own eating table and firepit Enough room for 3 tents
GuideDrive in spots for tents and RV camping. Restrooms available with water access. Perfect place for a quick walk to the canyon for sunrise or sunset. Very family friendly!
Tent camping near Tuba City, Arizona, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon National Park while enjoying well-equipped sites and a variety of outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tuba City, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tuba City, AZ is Bright Angel Campground — Grand Canyon National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Tuba City, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Tuba City, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
