Grand Canyon River Rafting

Camping in the Grand Canyon

Camping

Learn all about Grand Canyon. River Rafting – staff, trips, history, mission and more!

Camping in the Grand Canyon while on a rafting trip is not your average camping experience. You’ll be happy to know that you’ll be sleeping on a sandy beach, with very few insects compared to a usual campsite in a wooded area that’s flooded by mosquitoes and wet, muddy terrain. As the rafts pull up to your campsite, a duffel line is formed to assist in removing items from the rafts. Dry bags are among the first items removed. In these dry bags will be your sleeping gear (sleeping bags/sheets/tarp) as well as your clothing/hygiene items in the second dry bag, and finally a third smaller dry bag which is near you all day and carries items such as sandals, sunscreen etc.

Please note that non-motor rafts have limited storage space which is why sleeping pads are provided when compared to most motor raft trips where cots are provided. Many people choose to sleep under the stars rather than in a tent, granted the skies are clear. There are few insects, and with a cool breeze, sleeping outdoors while watching the moon make it’s way across the river is an experience everyone should try once!

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Kitchen

While you are setting up camp, the guides take care of the kitchen and toilet facilities. Meals are prepped on a dedicated table and cooked using propane burners or a charcoal grill. A three-bucket dishwashing system is set up for cleaning utensils and cookware. Drinking water is always available, specially filtered, and treated with chlorine bleach drops to meet National Park Service regulations.

Toilet Facility

Known as the Groover, this portable toilet system is set up upon arrival and broken down last in the morning. It is strategically placed for privacy, downwind from the kitchen, and near the river for peeing. The Groover consists of a toilet seat attached to a metal or plastic container for pooping, with a separate designated area or bucket for peeing. Peeing in the Groover is strictly prohibited.

Hand Wash Stations

Hand washing stations are set up in the kitchen and outside the toilet facility. Each station includes soap and a foot pump that pushes fresh water through a spigot for easy and sanitary handwashing. Proper hand hygiene is essential for preventing illness and maintaining a clean campsite. Always wash your hands before meals, after using the toilet, and whenever necessary.

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Why You Should Go Grand Canyon Camping

The Grand Canyon’s vast beauty makes it a top camping destination, attracting adventurers worldwide. As a sacred and protected area, camping is strictly regulated, with designated sites approved by Native American councils. Stunning views and excellent hiking opportunities await, but reservations are essential due to high demand. Book early to secure your spot!

Get A Permit For Your Grand Canyon Camping Trip

Camping Grand Canyon is managed through a permit system. This means that when you make a reservation to go camping in the Canyon, you are essentially reserving for yourself a permit to go and be able to stay at the specific camping ground of your choice. The cost of a permit is usually a lot more expensive than other camping grounds and includes lots of extra fees.

However, camping in, perhaps the best camping area in the world, is well worth the price you have to pay. Therefore, you should see why it is absolutely essential for anyone interested in going camping in the Grand Canyon. The area is truly the greatest place to go camping. It gives you a whole new perspective on just how amazing the Canyon is. While you’re camping, you can also book an exciting rafting trip with one of our 15 outfitters!

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Last minute deals

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Trip Name	Routes	Dates	Cost
4 Day Upper Canyon Motor Trip	Upper Canyon – 88 River Miles (Motor)	Friday April 18 – 21, 2025	$1785	BOOK TODAY
5 Day Lower Canyon Motor Trip	Lower Canyon – 100 River Miles	Monday April 21 – 25, 2025	$2295	BOOK TODAY
6 Day Upper Canyon Oar Raft Trip	Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch	Friday April 25 – 30, 2025	$2550	BOOK TODAY
3 Day Western Canyon Motor Trip	Whitmore Wash to Lake	Monday April 21 – 23, 2025	$1955	BOOK TODAY
12 Day Full Canyon Motor Trip	Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash	Sunday April 27 – May 08, 2025	$5183	BOOK TODAY