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Finding where to stay in the Grand Canyon can be a real nightmare if you don’t book well in advance. Since it’s one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, more than 5 million people visit this spectacular place every year.
When we planned our West Coast 10-day road trip, we decided to try one of the Grand Canyon Campgrounds, so we had to book 3 months in advance.
If you prefer to stay in one of the hotels in the Grand Canyon, you need to book even further in advance, since most of the hotels sell out quickly.
But don’t worry – on the outskirts of this National Park, there are many accommodations in the Grand Canyon at very low prices. So, if you haven’t booked in advance, we’ll tell you exactly where to sleep in the Grand Canyon.
In this article you’ll find:
- Where to sleep inside the Grand Canyon National Park
- Tusayan, the best option to stay near the Grand Canyon South Rim
- Williams, cheap accommodation in the Grand Canyon South Rim
- Grand Canyon West Rim, best accommodations
- Tuba City, ideal if you come to the Grand Canyon from the east
- Kanab, hotels in the Grand Canyon North Rim
- Best campsites in the Grand Canyon
If If you haven’t read it yet, here’s our guide to visiting the Grand Canyon.
Hotels inside Grand Canyon National Park
There are not many hotels in the Grand Canyon. They aren’t bad, but there isn’t much variety. If you want to stay inside Grand Canyon National Park, we recommend you book well in advance (at least 6 months). However, if you book late, I advise you to go directly to the following options.
In case you’re planning well in advance, in this section we’ll tell you a little about where to stay in the Grand Canyon, and, later on in the article, we’ll talk about the campsites within the park.
Grand Canyon Village, the best place to stay in the Grand Canyon
Everyone usually wants to stay at the Grand Canyon South Rim, as it’s generally the most popular area. In particular, Grand Canyon Village is the best place to stay in the Grand Canyon because it has the most impressive viewpoints and the best hiking trails. Although it’s open throughout the year, it is impossible to stay there without booking accommodation in the Grand Canyon many months in advance (10 months approx.).
There, the prices of accommodation in the Grand Canyon are quite high, so some people look for accommodation near the Grand Canyon instead to save some money. If you still prefer to stay inside the park, reservations can be made through Delaware North and Xanterra Parks & Resorts websites.
Hotels in Grand Canyon South Rim
These are the hotels in the Grand Canyon South Rim:
Phantom Ranch, sleeping at the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Phantom Ranch is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and is a favorite for hikers. However, the only way to reach it is by walking. The trail is 8 miles down, but remember that the next day you’ll have to walk another 8 miles up. It’s certainly not the easiest option.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Grand Canyon and you travel in summer, think carefully, since you can experience heat stroke due to the high temperatures. Also, keep in mind that reservations must be made 15 months in advance, and if you don’t want to carry food with you, you’ll need to book meals as well. This is only an option for those who plan their trip well in advance.
North Rim, another option to stay in the Grand Canyon
If you’re visiting Grand Canyon North Rim, there’s a single hotel there, the Grand Canyon Lodge, managed by the Forever Resorts company.
This complex is only open when the North Rim is not covered in snow, that is, from May to October. If you want to stay there and enjoy its breathtaking views, try to book six months before.
Tusayan, the best option to stay in Grand Canyon (6 miles from South Rim)
If you don’tplan your trip many months in advance and you’re having trouble finding a place to sleep in the Grand Canyon, Tusayan is the first place to start looking. For me, it’s undoubtedly the best option to stay in the Grand Canyon, for many reasons that we’ll discuss now.
You won’t find cheap hotels in the Grand Canyon here, but you’ll be only 10 minutes by car from the park entrance. This area also has a wide variety of restaurants that tend to have lower prices than those within the park, and sometimes you can even get good deals to stay in the Grand Canyon.
If you find an available room at one of the following hotels, don’t think twice before booking:
- The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
- Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
- Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
In Tusayan, there’s an airport from which you can take a Grand Canyon helicoper tour; it’s undoubtedly the best way to photograph and enjoy this natural wonder.
Williams, cheap accommodation in Grand Canyon (62 miles from South Rim)
If, instead of luxury, you prefer the cheapest hotels in the Grand Canyon or an affordable accommodation in the Grand Canyon, you can definitely get one in this town. In addition, Route 66 passes through here, so it can be your base camp to make a small detour to the Grand Canyon.
Although it’s one hour from the Visitor Center, it’s a good option for a stay in the Grand Canyon because it’s on the way to Las Vegas, and you can still find available rooms only a month in advance. These are the best accommodations in Williams:
- La Quinta by Wyndham Williams-Grand Canyon Area
- Quality Inn Near Grand Canyon
- Ramada by Wyndham Williams/Grand Canyon Area
- Comfort Inn Near Grand Canyon
- Motel 6 – Williams West – Grand Canyon
If you plan to visit Sin City, here we mention where to stay in Las Vegas so you can enjoy some of its amazing themed hotels.
Besides, you may be interested in our article on how to book a hotel cheap.
Grand Canyon West Rim, best accommodations
However, if, instead of going to Las Vegas, you’re coming from there, staying in the West Rim is a good option for sleep in the Grand Canyon because it’s closer to Vegas than the previous places.
This place is not considered part of the National Park, as this area is managed by the Hualapai Indians. In addition to offering accommodation in the Grand Canyon, it has beautiful landscapes and is the best option if you’re in Las Vegas, don’t have much time, and don’t want to miss a quick visit to the Grand Canyon.
It is two and a half hours from Las Vegas, which means many tourists come to see the Skywalk Grand Canyon West or even fly over the Grand Canyon.
If you’re going to spend a night in this area, I suggest the following accommodations:
Tuba City, Grand Canyon East Rim accommodation
If, after visiting Monument Valley or Page, you go to the Grand Canyon South Rim and want to stay near the entrance, Tuba City is a good alternative to sleep in the Grand Canyon.
This is a small town, inhabited by the Navajo Indians, that has different attractions. Being a small area, it only has two hotels with little availability, so we recommend you book in advance:
Don’t forget to visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend if you come from the northeast.
Kanab, hotels in the Grand Canyon North Rim
In case you visit the North Rim, Kanab is another option to stay in the Grand Canyon. This area is ideal, as it’s close to many interesting places – it’s right in the center of the cross formed by Zion National Park, Page, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon North Rim and, therefore, a strategic point for any West Coast trip.
It’s also a good option if you’re looking for cheap accommodation in the Grand Canyon. These are the best hotels in Kanab:
- La Quinta by Wyndham Kanab
- Comfort Suites Kanab
- Canyons Lodge
- The Flagstone Boutique Inn & Suites
- Canyons Boutique Hotel
Campgrounds in the Grand Canyon
Camping in the Grand Canyon is an excellent option to experience the great American outdoors. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, when we went camping, we booked well in advance.
There are four official campsites within Grand Canyon National Park: one in the North Rim and three in the South Rim. For all of them, you must bring your own camping gear. Additionally, there’s always glamping for those who want to camp but don’t have the necessary equipment. I recommend you book Arizona Luxury Expeditions if you have never camped before and want to try it in the best place you could imagine, Grand Canyon Village.
Next, we’ll talk a little more about the official campsites.
Mather Campground
This was my accommodation in the Grand Canyon, and the experience was amazing.
Located in the South Rim, it’s one of the most popular camps. That’s why it’s necessary to book a stay there six months in advance. However, we managed to book it thanks to a cancellation two months before.
It’s open from March to November and has sites for both tents and caravans.
In addition, they have laundry facilities, bathrooms and showers, picnic tables, and fire pits. The prices are quite cheap; they’re between $18 and $50 a night. If you want to be close to everything and in touch with nature, this is a good place to stay in the Grand Canyon.
North Rim Campground
This is one of the most popular campsites in the Grand Canyon, so you should make reservations well in advance of your trip.
Located on the North Rim, their rates are cheaper and allow a maximum of two cars per site, with a price between $18 and $25 per night.
The camp is open from May to November (in winter, it’s covered with snow).
Trailer Village
Known for being a RV park, it’s located in South Rim and is one of the best places to stay in the Grand Canyon if you travel by motorhome.
Although it’s advisable to book, with a little luck, you can find an available site the same day you arrive. However, I recommend not to risk it during the summer.
Desert View Campground
Finally, Desert View Campground is the best option if you arrive at the Grand Canyon through the east entrance (Desert View). It’s also a good option for those who don’t like to book because it’s first come, first served. This option is suitable for both tents and RVs. Keep in mind that the campsite is only open during the summer months and its price is approximately $12.
This is everything you need to know about lodging in the Grand Canyon. We hope that after reading our article, you know the best place to stay in the Grand Canyon for you. We know it can be a bit difficult to choose, but once you book your accommodation in the Grand Canyon, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your adventure.
Have a nice trip!
