Each year, more than five million people flock to Grand Canyon National Park. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, an average of 10 miles wide, and a mile deep. Gazing across its vastness, perfect layers of red, orange, purple, and pink reveal millions of years of geological history. A landmark that truly lives up to its name, the Grand Canyon is an essential inclusion in any Southwest National Parks Road Trip Itinerary.
This guide is meant to serve as the only resource you’ll need when planning your stay in Grand Canyon National Park. It includes every Grand Canyon lodging option above the rim, as well as top-rated accommodation on the park border. We’ve even included an interactive map that makes it easy to visualize where different areas are in relation to others and answered some common FAQs.
Here are the best lodging options in one of America’s most loved national parks.
Ultimate Grand Canyon Lodging Guide
Table of Contents
- Where is the Grand Canyon?
- North Rim vs South Rim?
- Best Time to Visit
- Grand Canyon Lodging Map
- Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon
- South Rim Lodging – Most Popular Lodging Area
- South Rim Campgrounds – Campgrounds, RV Parks, and In-Park Glamping
- South Rim Lodging Outside the Park – Lodging in Tusayan and Grand Canyon Junction
- North Rim Lodging – Lodging on the North Rim
- North Rim Lodging Outside the Park – Lodging in Kaibab National Forest and Jacob Lake
Where Is The Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon is located in northwestern Arizona near the Utah border. Most choose to visit the South Rim, 60 minutes north of Williams and 90 minutes north of Flagstaff via Hwy 64. The South Rim can also be reached via train or bus, with regular service from Williams and Flagstaff.
Alternatively, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is 30 miles south of Jacob Lake via Hwy 67. It’s 124 miles from Page, 270 miles from Las Vegas, and 392 miles from Salt Lake City.
North Rim vs South Rim?
If it’s your first time visiting the Grand Canyon, you may not know that the park is made up of two sides – the South Rim and the North Rim. As the crow flies, the rims are just 10 miles apart. However, to drive from one side to the other, one needs to circumvent the canyon, and the journey is a whopping 215 miles (or about 5 hours). As such, unless you’re planning on hiking rim-to-rim, most opt to visit just one side of the park.
The South Rim receives the most visitors. Open year-round, you’ll find a variety of Grand Canyon lodging and activities on the South Rim, as well as numerous shops, curios, and restaurants. There are hikes catering to all ages and skill levels, and much of The Rim Trail is wheelchair accessible. If you’re planning a day hike into the canyon, the South Rim is a great place to do it, as Bright Angel Trail has numerous rest houses with toilets and water points.
Alternatively, the North Rim sees only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors. Located at 8,000 feet, it closes during winter and is only accessible between mid-May and mid-October. Shadier and more forested, the North Rim has lovely summer weather and feels more quiet and relaxed. With only one lodge and campground, accommodation is limited, and trails are less developed and accessible. Still, many people prefer the North Rim for this very reason.
If time permits, we recommend visiting both rims, as they offer completely different experiences.
Best time to visit the grand canyon
Most agree that the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in May and June or September and October when the weather is most moderate.
Temperatures are highest in July and August, but given that both rims sit at elevation, the heat is by no means unbearable. However, during summer, temperatures at the bottom of the canyon can exceed 120°F (or 49°C), so if you plan on hiking or backpacking, July and August may not be ideal. The summer season is also prone to unexpected thunderstorms.
Winter is a lovely time to visit the South Rim, as the canyon is blanketed in snow. If you’ve never witnessed snow in the desert – it’s a magical sight to behold. You’ll also encounter the least crowds during winter but can expect that certain amenities and activities may be closed.
If you’re planning to see the North Rim, you’ll have to time your visit between mid-May and mid-October, given that the North Rim closes for the winter season.
Grand Canyon Lodging Map
Explore other national park lodging guides:
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- Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
- Where to Stay in Yosemite
- Where to Stay in Sequoia
Where to Stay At The Grand Canyon
This guide is what we consider to be the most comprehensive Grand Canyon lodging resource on the internet. Lodging options are categorized by area. If you’re planning to visit the South Rim, focus on accommodation on the rim or nearby Tusayan or Grand Canyon Junction. If you’re heading to the North Rim, snag a spot at Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge or North Rim Campground. Alternatively, stay in the bordering Kaibab National Forest.
Grand Canyon South Rim Lodging
Grand Canyon South Rim Lodges, Hotels, and Cabins Inside the Park
El Tovar Hotel
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
This iconic property first opened its doors in 1905 and has since been dubbed a national historic monument. Set right on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, a short walk from Bright Angel Trailhead, El Tovar is the park’s signature property and has hosted guests ranging from Theodore Roosevelt to Albert Einstein and Oprah Winfrey. The lodge is open year-round and includes a restaurant, lounge, and gift shop. If you’re hoping to stay at El Tovar, plan as far in advance as possible – the hotel tends to book out months in advance during peak season.
Rates average $443 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in. Pets are not allowed, but boarding kennels are available. Complimentary self-parking is available.
Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Bright Angel Lodge was built in 1935 to provide guests with a more moderate lodging option than neighboring El Tovar. Comprised of standard rooms with shared bathrooms, standard rooms with private bathrooms, and private stand-alone cabins, Bright Angel Lodge is steps from Bright Angel Trailhead and includes two restaurants (a steakhouse and a burger joint), a coffee house, a gift shop, and western-style saloon. As you might guess, the lodge is extremely popular, and reservations are competitive during high season, especially for units with private bathrooms.
Rates start at $130 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Free cancellation up to 2 days before check-in. Pets are not allowed, but boarding kennels are available. Complimentary self-parking is available.
Thunderbird Lodge
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
From the outside, Thunderbird Lodge looks like the ugly duckling of Grand Canyon lodging, but its interior proves you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover! If you cannot get a reservation at El Tovar or Bright Angel Lodge, this property is a great alternative in a superb location. Set along the Rim Trail within walking distance of Bright Angel Trailhead, many rooms include partial canyon views, and all rooms feature private bathrooms, TVs, and coffeemakers.
Rates average $324 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Free cancellation up to 2 days before check-in. Pets are not allowed, but boarding kennels are available. Complimentary self-parking is available.
Kachina Lodge
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Similar to Thunderbird Lodge, Kachina Lodge looks like a 1960’s office block, but its interior more than makes up for its rough exterior. Set directly on the rim, the lodge is within walking distance of Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Kolb Studio, and Bright Angel Trailhead. All rooms include one king or two queen beds and a private bathroom, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and TV.
Rates average $324 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in. Pets are not allowed, but boarding kennels are available. Complimentary self-parking is available.
Maswik Lodge
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
If you want to be close to all major sights and attractions but still be able to escape the hustle and bustle of the south rim’s historic district, Maswik is a great Grand Canyon lodging option. Originally constructed by Fred Harvey Company and Santa Fe Railroad in 1927, the property is set in a forested area of Ponderosa pines just 0.25 miles from the south rim. The lodge features 280 rooms and a food court, pizza pub, and gift shop. All rooms include a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and A/C.
Rates average $284 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Free cancellation up to 2 days before check-in. Pets are not allowed, but boarding kennels are available. Complimentary self-parking is available.
Yavapai Lodge
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Pet owners rejoice! Yavapai Lodge is the only formal Grand Canyon lodging option that’s pet-friendly. Located near Mather Campground, steps from a market, bank, and post office, the lodge features a restaurant, coffee shop, and tavern. The south rim is a short one mile walk away, but the trail leading to it is scenic and shady. Alternatively, you can drive or take the complimentary shuttle. All rooms at Yavapai Lodge have a private bathroom, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, TV, and A/C.
Rates start at $107 per night.
Compare rates and book: Hotels.com | Expedia | Tripadvisor
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Free cancellation up to 2 days before check-in. Pet-friendly at an additional fee. Complimentary self-parking is available near your room.
Grand Canyon South Rim Campgrounds
South Rim Campgrounds and Glamping Inside the National Park
Mather Campground (Tent & RV)
#1 Traveler-Ranked Grand Canyon Campground Above the Rim
The largest and most central campground on the south rim, Mather Campground is located a mile from the rim near Yavapai Lodge. Campground facilities include a camp store, laundromat, shared toilets, and coin-operated hot showers, and there’s a market, bank, and post office nearby. Each campsite comes with a fire ring, cooking grate, and picnic table, and there are plenty of shaded sites to choose from. For those searching for solitude, Pine Loop has been designated a tent-only area where generators are not allowed.
Reservations: Between March and November, most sites are reservable aside from 10 walk-in sites. Reservations operate on a 6-month rolling basis (i.e., on March 1st, bookings are available through September 1st). Between December and February, camping is first-come, first-served and confined to Pine Loop and Sage Loop.
Rates: $18+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
Download: Mather Campground Map
Trailer Village RV Park (Full HookUps)
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Traveling with an RV or trailer? Trailer Village RV Park is where it’s at. The only campground with hookups in Grand Canyon National Park, Trailer Village offers paved pull-through sites suited to vehicles up to 50 feet long. The South Rim is a short 1-mile walk via the Greenway Trail, or guests can opt to take the free shuttle. Pets are welcome but must be leashed when outside.
As you can imagine, Trailer Village is exceptionally popular, and reservations are competitive. If visiting during peak season, it’s recommended that you book up to a year in advance.
Rates start at $64 per night. Check availability and book.
Fine Print: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in. Pet friendly. Open year-round.
Download: Trailer Village RV Park Map
Grand Canyon Luxury Glamping
Rated 5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
If you’re after the adventure of a lifetime, look no further than Arizona Luxury Expeditions. Seriously – check out the reviews. Specializing in authentic Arizona glamping experiences facilitated by professional guides, rates are all-inclusive and include a spacious tent, gourmet meals, and excursions tailored to your interests. The guides are excellent at choosing the top locations, times, and trails to avoid the crowds the South Rim is known for.
Rates average $1250 per tent per night. Book direct on Tripadvisor.
Fine Print: All-inclusive. 2-night minimum stay. Family-friendly. Pets are not allowed.
Desert View Campground (Tent & RV)
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2023 Season Dates: Open April 15th – October 15th, 2023
Located far from the buzz of the South Rim’s historic district, Desert View Campground is set near the east entrance of the park, about 26 miles from Grand Canyon Village. While it may be a bit of a drive to reach the park’s major attractions, this campground offers a much quieter experience and is located near Desert View Watchtower, Desert View Point, and Tusayan Museum and Ruin. There’s also a market, gas station, and trading post nearby.
Reservations: Required for all 49 sites between mid-April and mid-October. Closed the remainder of the year for the winter season. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
Rates: $18 per site per night. Make a reservation now.
Download: Desert View Campground Map
South Rim Lodging Outside the Park
Lodging Near the South Rim Entrance in Tusayan and Grand Canyon Junction
Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn
Rated 8.0 out of 10 on Hotels.com
Situated just outside the park 7 miles from the South Rim, Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn is the perfect option for families traveling with children. The hotel features two on-site restaurants, a pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a billiards lounge, a bowling alley, and an arcade. If that’s not enough, there are plenty more dining options within walking distance, and the hotel is more than happy to assist with Grand Canyon tours and excursions.
Non-peak rates start at $105 per night || Peak rates average $299 per night
Compare rates and book: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Most reservations allow free cancellation up to 2 days before check-in. Pets are not allowed. Complimentary self-parking.
Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon
Rated 8.1 out of 10 on Booking.com
Highly rated by guests, Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon is set just a mile from the park’s entrance and 6 miles from Grand Canyon Village. Featuring a restaurant (with a complimentary breakfast buffet), a heated indoor pool and hot tub, and free high-speed WiFi, it’s perfect for those in search of guaranteed value. Since cribs are available on request free of charge, it’s also a great option for those traveling with young children.
Non-peak rates start at $126 per night || Peak season rates average $297 per night
Compare rates and book: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Most reservations allow free cancellation up to 3 days before check-in. Pets are not allowed. Complimentary self-parking.
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
Rated 8.2 out of 10 on Booking.com
The only 3-diamond property near the Grand Canyon, this chalet-style hotel is located just 7 miles from Grand Canyon Village. It features a restaurant, saloon, heated indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and gift shop. Rooms come standard with a microwave, bar fridge, and high-speed WiFi, and the hotel is available to assist guests with Grand Canyon tours departing from the hotel daily.
Non-peak rates start at $108 per night || Peak season rates average $306 per night
Compare rates and book: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Fine Print: Travel sustainable property. No minimum stay requirement. Most reservations allow free cancellation up to 3 days before check-in. Pets are not allowed. Complimentary self-parking.
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Rated 8.8 out of 10 on Booking.com
2023 Season Dates: Open April 13th – October 23rd, 2023
Open between mid-April and late October, Under Canvas Grand Canyon has been recognized as one of the top 15 resorts in the U.S. southwest by Condé Nast and was named the “Best Resort Hotel in Arizona” by Travel + Leisure. It’s situated just 25 minutes from the park entrance. Each luxury glamping tent has a king bed or two twins, a private bathroom, an outdoor deck, and a wood-burning stove. There are even family units available with separate adjacent “kid tents.” Certain tents include stargazing windows, and the property features on-site dining and nightly fires with s’mores.
Rates average $254 per night.
Compare rates and book: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Fine Print: Travel sustainable property. No minimum night stay. Most reservations are non-refundable, but check the policy across different booking sites. Pet-friendly at an additional fee.
Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon
Rated 9.1 out of 10 on Booking.com
2023 Season Dates: Open April 27th – November 1st, 2023
Looking for a way to launch yourself to superhero status with your kids? Or just wanting to relish the inner kid in yourself? Look no further. Clear Sky Luxury Sky Domes bring imagination to life in a way we’ve never seen before. Each skydome is uniquely styled according to a different theme, with ‘British Secret Agent,’ ’80s Video Games’, and ‘Space Galaxy’ being just a few. On-site dining is available for breakfast and dinner, and the property is set just 20 minutes from the park entrance.
Rates average $412 per night.
Compare rates and book: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Fine Print: Travel sustainable property. No minimum night stay. Free cancellation up to 30 days before check-in. Pets are not allowed.
Grand Canyon North Rim Lodging
Grand Canyon North Rim Lodges, Cabins, and Campgrounds Inside the Park
Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge
Rated 4.0 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
2023 Season Dates: Open May 15th – October 15th, 2023
Set on the edge of the North Rim with expansive canyon views and a dining room that rivals the Ahwahnee’s, Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge is everything a national park lodge should be. Open seasonally between mid-May and mid-October, the property features motel rooms and traditional wood cabin rentals. It’s the only formal lodging option inside the park on the North Rim. Reservations open a year in advance, and it’s recommended to book as early as possible.
Insider Tip: If you’re lucky enough to snag a booking, make an advance reservation for dinner in the Dining Room around sunset. It’s bound to be a highlight of your trip.
Rates start at $171 per night. Book Direct | Compare rates on Tripadvisor
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before check-in. Pets are not allowed. Complimentary self-parking is available.
North Rim Campground (Tent & RV)
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2023 Season Dates: Open May 15th – October 15th, 2023
The only North Rim campground inside the park, North Rim Campground sits at 8,200 feet and is set about one mile from the Visitor Center. Open seasonally between mid-May and mid-October; there may still be snow on the ground in May and possibly again in October. Campers should arrive prepared for all weather conditions. During winter, North Rim Campground can only be accessed by hikers with backcountry permits or those skiing or snowshoeing 45 miles from Jacobs Lake.
Campground facilities include a camp store, dump station, and flush toilets. Coin-operated showers and laundry facilities can be found between North Rim Service Station and North Rim General Store.
Reservations: Required for all 87 sites between mid-May and October. Closed the remainder of the year (aside from those skiing or snowshoeing in with backcountry permits) for the winter season. Reservations operate on a 6-month rolling basis.
Rates: $18+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
Download: North Rim Campground
North Rim Lodging Outside the Park
Lodging Near the North Rim Entrance in Kaibab National Forest and Jacob Lake
Kaibab Lodge
Rated 3.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2023 Season Dates: Open May 15th – November 5th, 2023
Located five miles from the North Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, Kaibab Lodge is a great option for those unable to secure a booking at Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge. The property comprises numerous rustic cabins sleeping two to eight, with the main lodge featuring a restaurant, lounge, fireplace, and gift shop. The lodge is open seasonally between mid-May and October and is set in the heart of Kaibab National Forest on the edge of a large meadow.
Cabins start at $129 per night. Book Direct
Fine Print: No minimum night stay. Partially refundable cancellation up to 14 days before check-in. Pet-friendly at an additional fee.
Jacob Lake Inn
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
Jacob Lake Inn first opened its doors in 1926 and has been serving as a gateway to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon since its inception. The property aspires to be an “inn” in the traditional sense of the word – offering guests a home away from home during their travels. Comprised of hotel rooms, motel rooms, and historic cabins, the inn has a restaurant, lunch counter, gift shop, and service station. Even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s worth a stop to grab a drink and stretch your legs.
Rates start at $85 per night. Book Direct
Fine Print: No minimum stay requirement. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in, less a $10 service fee. Pet-friendly at an additional fee.
Kaibab Camper Village (Full Hook-ups)
Rated 3.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
2023 Season Dates: Open May 14th – October 15th, 2023
Open seasonally between mid-May and mid-October, Kaibab Camper Village is the only campground near the north rim with full hook-ups. With sites accommodating RVs and trailers of over 40 feet, the Village is located in Kaibab National Forest near Jacob Lake (about 45 miles from the North Rim). Amenities include a camp store, toilets, and coin-operated showers. Campers can choose between pull-through sites, back-in sites, dry sites (no hookups), and tent-only sites.
Tent sites start at $25 per night; RV sites start at $50 per night. Book Direct
Fine Print: No minimum night stay. Cancellations forfeit the cost of the first night’s stay. Pet friendly.
De Motte Campground (Tent & RV)
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Recreation.gov
2023 Season Dates: Open May 15th – October 14th, 2023
Located just 7 miles from the north entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, De Motte Campground comprises 38 sites and is typically open between mid-May and mid-October. Facilities include vault toilets and drinking water, and all sites come with a picnic table, fire pit, and grid. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Reservations: Half of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the other half are available by reservation between May and October. Closed the remainder of the year for the winter season. Reservations operate on a 6-month rolling basis.
Rates: $26 per site per night. Make a reservation now.
Jacob Lake Campground (Tent & RV)
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Recreation.gov
2023 Season Dates: Open May 15th – October 14th, 2023
Set amongst ponderosa pines indigenous to Kaibab National Forest, Jacob Lake Campground is located less than a mile from Jacob Lake Inn and about 45 miles from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Facilities include vault toilets, drinking water, and a day-use picnic area, and all sites come with a picnic table and a fire ring. Campers can access additional amenities at nearby Jacob Lake Inn, including a restaurant, gift shop, and service station. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.
Reservations: 11 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the remaining 40 are reservable between mid-May and October. Closed the remainder of the year for the winter season. Reservations for individual sites operate on a 6-month rolling basis and reservations for group sites operate on a 12-month rolling basis.
Rates: $26+ per site per night. Make a reservation now.
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