Are you looking for a rewarding and unforgettable road trip experience? Visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim by RV has everything you need to satisfy your thirst for adventure and sightseeing. This breathtaking landmark in Arizona is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and travel enthusiasts alike. There’s no better way to take in the magic of the Grand Canyon than by exploring the park by RV.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into what to expect when you arrive, the scenic routes you should take, and hotel and dining options to help you better prepare for your trip. As a side note, we flew into Mesa, Arizona, and got a Cruise America RV for the journey.
You could take only a few steps in either direction from where you were standing, and the look of the Grand Canyon may be totally different. I was mesmerized by the beauty of it all, yet my mind kept returning to the iconic Brady Bunch episode.
Arriving at the South Rim
Arriving at the Grand Canyon South Rim by RV can be an experience. Upon reaching the park entrance, visitors pay a fee of $35 per private vehicle, a small price for what’s to come. Or, you can use your annual pass. I buy the America the Beautiful one for $80 for a whole year.
Hot Tip: Do you have a fourth grader? You can get in free! During the 4th grade school year and the following summer (September through August), you can visit 2000+ Federally managed recreation areas for students and accompanying passengers. The program is called Every Kid Outdoors, and you will find more about it in this link.
Check out the scenic viewpoints along Desert View Drive, including the famous Lipan Point and Navajo Point, which has the highest elevation. From here, you can take in the awe-inspiring panoramic views and get a sense of the park’s beauty and vastness.
The Grand Canyon’s Stunning Scenery
Speaking of scenery, the Grand Canyon isn’t called “grand” for nothing. The canyon is over 277 miles long and offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. The park has many iconic places like Bright Angel Trail, Hermit Road, and the historic El Tovar Hotel. Here, you can learn about the history of Fred Harvey, a pioneer remembered for his influence on railroad dining and hospitality. I’m obsessed with him.
The size of the Grand Canyon is mind-boggling, with its multiple colors and intricate layering. Fortunately, there are different trails for hikers of all levels to follow, allowing you to explore the park as much as you want. Rim Trail, 12.8 miles total, is a popular one.
The Grand Canyon has several lodges and restaurants to enjoy during your visit. El Tovar, built and opened in 1905, is one of the most famous chains of hotels owned and operated by the Fred Harvey Corporation (of Harvey Girl fame). It is beautiful inside, decorated with Oregon pine and local limestone with a rustic feel. This is the crown jewel of National Park lodges and is shown in the original Chevy Chase Vacation movie.
Maswik Lodge (originally a motor lodge) is another Fred Harvey property. He certainly made his mark on the Grand Canyon, evident with the style and grandeur.
There are also other must-see attractions like the Hopi House, which showcases Native American artwork and jewelry, as well as the Desert View Watchtower, where you can go up to the observation deck and be wowed by the stunning canyon views.
Fun Facts About the Natural Wonder
Did you know that the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the United States? Whether you want to learn about geological history, observe wildlife, or unwind with nature, there’s something for everyone here. I live closer to the North Rim, which is even better scenery, but 90% of the visitors come to this southern end.
My friend Sara and I were there during freezing weather, so we chose to take more pictures and enjoy what we could, as opposed to planned hikes. We could see the Colorado River nearly a mile below us in some parts. The sporadic juniper and ponderosa pine trees were stately and majestic, while the layered colors of rock were sheer beauty.
That being said, preparing adequately before starting any hike is essential. Bring enough food, water, and sunscreen, weather permitting, and wear proper hiking shoes. My brand of choice is Pedroc. Also, be aware of your physical limits.
Sunglasses are a must! Again, my brand of choice is Costa.
Grand Canyon Dining Options
Some fantastic dining options within the park cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Some popular restaurants in the park include El Tovar Dining Room (many exotic choices here), Bright Angel Restaurant, and the Maswik Lodge, which has a food court and pizza. We chose Maswik Food Court, where I had a delicious, made-to-order burrito and refried beans. The price was under $10.
These restaurants offer everything from quick bites to fine dining, and there’s plenty of local cuisine to try.
Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty on each menu to entice their taste buds, and there are even gluten-free options. The food here is pretty affordable, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
Pro Tip: Grab a quick breakfast at Desert View Market & Deli or Canyon Village Market & Deli, where they also make a mean burrito.
If you’re passing through Winslow, here are our suggestions for cool things to see.
RV Options
Finally, let’s talk about RV camping options within the park. My friend and I flew into Mesa, Arizona, and got a Cruise America RV for our journey. We enjoyed seeing all the sights, namely Route 66 and other National Park-affiliated places along the way.
Multiple onsite camping options are available at Grand Canyon National Park, including the Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and North Rim Campground. Be sure to book a reservation beforehand, as camping sites will most definitely fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Each RV campground has its own unique charm and location, and you’re guaranteed an unforgettable and authentic Grand Canyon experience. You can enjoy amenities such as comfortable restrooms, shower facilities, and easy-to-access trekking routes, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the park’s natural beauty.
Our Personal RV Campground Experience
During our visit to the Grand Canyon, we overnighted at Mather Campground, conveniently located within the park. Mather Campground offers 327 campsites, each with a campfire ring, cooking grate, picnic table, and parking. However, if you’re traveling with a larger RV, Trailer Village provides spacious pull-through spaces tailored to your needs.
After obtaining our permit and completing the necessary paperwork, we settled our Cruise America RV into the designated space and braved the cold weather again to make the required connections. Inside the comfort and warmth of our motor home, my companion and I prepared a delicious dinner. We focused on tasks that didn’t need internet access since WiFi was unavailable at the campground.
My Tips
I’m a National Park girl, so I love checking off my bucket list and getting my National Park Passport stamped at each location. You can do this at the Visitor Center, as well as pick up your souvenir unigrid (map for most people) for your keepsakes. I found the best souvenirs at the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Park Store.
Another thing to remember is that here, and Zion in Utah, you actually park your vehicle and ride a free shuttle bus to a long list of stops, saving time in traffic. The South Rim shuttle buses come around about every ten minutes, so the wait is minimal. You can also walk between the stops, which we found to be about a mile between most.
There are easy-to-follow maps at the bus stops and the Visitor Center, but I suggest that you spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the national park before arriving.
Bicycling is another popular method of travel, weather permitting, of course. Look for wildlife, including foxes, deer, elk, big-horn sheep, and coyotes.
With popular national parks such as the Grand Canyon, the best time to enter is before 10 AM or after 2 PM. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Want to catch a stellar sunrise or sunset? Check out Yaki or Mather Points.
Making Memories of a Lifetime
Visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim by RV is the perfect way to experience the grandeur of this iconic national park. From exploring the vast canyon landscapes to learning about Fred Harvey’s legacy’s rich history, there is something for everyone in this natural wonder. Remember to take your time and prepare adequately for your trip, stay safe and hydrated while on the trails, and enjoy every moment of your adventure.
I hope this blog post has given you valuable insights into what to expect when visiting the Grand Canyon by RV. Happy travels!
Read more of our “Out West” adventures at: