A Family Affair: Vacationing in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Hiking Photo Gallery

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Lodges
The lodges at the South Rim are ideally suited for families. The historic Bright Angel Lodge is located just feet from the rim, has a family-style restaurant, and operates a soda fountain during the summer. Nearby, Kachina, Thunderbird, Maswik, and Yavapai lodges offer comparable experiences. El Tovar, the park’s premier lodging option, has hosted Theodore Roosevelt and Albert Einstein.

At the North Rim, the Grand Canyon Lodge offers the only in-park accommodations.

Phantom Ranch, the only lodging below the rim, is accessible only by foot, mule, or raft.

Camping
With over 300 sites, Mather Campground is your best bet for tent and RV camping at the South Rim. For those with larger RVs and trailers, Trailer Village offers pull-through, paved sites with full hookups. Desert View Campground, 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, is more rustic and doesn’t accept reservations. At the North Rim Campground, expect a more primitive experience.

Outside the Park
As an alternative, you can opt to stay in Tusayan, the gateway community located seven miles south of Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim. The park provides free shuttle service between Tusayan and the village from mid-May through mid-September.