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Often jokingly referred to as “The Big Ditch,” Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is one of the natural wonders of the world, a mile-deep, rust-red ravine carved over millennia by the churning Colorado River.
It’s a bucket list vacation spot for all kinds of travelers, from trail-hardy overnight backpackers, to geologically curious families, to auto tourists who want to check out some sweet views.
Because of the massive difference in elevation between the canyon’s rim and the river below, temperatures can vary wildly within the park, and the general rule of thumb is to expect it to be 20-25 degrees hotter at the base of the canyon than at the top, where all trails start. This makes it an excellent park for shoulder season road trippers in spring and fall. In summer, it’s a family-friendly getaway for hikers and bikers who prefer to stay atop the higher elevation rim trails.
Most visitors to the park stay on the more populated, amenity-rich South Rim, as opposed to the less trafficked North Rim, where the road closes during winter months. As such, we’ve kept our list of the best glamping sites to the South Rim only. With the park routinely hitting the annual list of the top five most-visited (4.53 million travelers came in 2021 alone), finding the perfect base camp for exploring this outdoor mecca can be a challenge.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you and hand-selected our favorite glamping spots for the Grand Canyon. These yurts, tents, tiny homes, and trailers are the perfect way to experience the grit and solitude of wilderness camping, without sacrificing creature comforts entirely.
Related Read: 11 Unforgettable Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
1. Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Why you should stay: Experience the OG luxe glamping experience at this ultra-chic property.
- Sleeps: 2-4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $199/night
Private decks, organic bath products, and Southwest-inspired design greet those lucky enough to nab a reservation at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, one of the most popular of the glamping chain’s properties. Sure, it’s one of the more expensive glamp sites on this list, but given the spot’s added amenities (think locally-sourced on site dining, live music, morning yoga, and complimentary evening s’mores) and quick 25-minute drive to the park’s famous South Rim, it’s a wonderful spot for families looking to tack on twin beds or couples who want to snuggle while stargazing.
The campground is set on 160 private acres and features its own Zen garden and portable charging stations so you can plug in and unwind after a day spent exploring the park. Rinse off under the rain-style showerheads and bundle up as the Milky Way begins to glow.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: Best Stops on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip
2. King Tent at Wander Camp
Why you should stay: Relax in a stylish, canvas bell tent just 16 miles from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $107/night
Wander Camp is glamping in its truest sense — guests get the adventure of pulling down a dusty dirt road and arriving to a fully set-up campground of gorgeous, waterproof bell tents situated along a fragrant plateau of juniper and sagebrush. The tents themselves are rustic, yet comfortable.
Expect plush bedding and private seating areas with off-grid solar lanterns and USB-charged fans — that’s right, the property operates sans-electricity, and guests are encouraged to bring their own battery packs for charging electronics.
Bathroom facilities are shared, with handwashing sinks, showers, and toilets nestled into each of the three designated tents. This ain’t your high-price resort-style glamping, but an excuse to sleep in real nature and sit in awe of the stars.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Unforgettable Destinations for Glamping in Arizona
3. Rustic Glamping
Why you should stay: Enjoy Southwestern bedding and a stunning, four-person bell tent at this Navajo-owned glamp site.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $100/night
The price is definitely right at this adorable canvas bell tent that sleeps up to four guests in two full-sized beds. After a day spent hiking in the park, visitors have a mere 15-minute drive back to camp (from the South Rim entrance station). Relax in a rustic, secluded setting, complete with storage boxes, flashlights, a first aid kit, propane heater, composting toilet, and shower available.
For an additional cost, campers here can learn about the area’s Indigenous history and book a guided tour with Navajo storytelling from the hosts or add-on delicious, home-cooked meals for a full bed and breakfast experience.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Unique Places to Stay in Arizona for an Unforgettable Vacation
4. Grand Canyon Tiny Home
Why you should stay: Skip the canvas walls in favor of this uber cozy tiny house, just 20 minutes from the South Rim.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $249/night
Okay, so this one’s technically not camping, but how could you resist this adorable, family friendly, cabin-style tiny home situated 16 minutes from Grand Canyon National Park? Though the space is a scant 400 square feet, it can sleep up to eight guests, with a queen bed, bunk beds, and three singles up top in the loft area.
When you’re done exploring the park for the day, kick back in front of one of the house’s three 4K flatscreens, enjoy the free high-speed internet, or luxuriate in a steamy shower before bundling up and gazing up at the night sky. This rental is also the perfect getaway for park lovers who like to cook – the space is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Best Backpacking Trips in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
5. Navajo Hogan
Why you should stay: Soak up the rich, cultural history of the greater Grand Canyon area in this traditional, one-room earth home.
- Sleeps: 2-3
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $126/night
Situated on the outskirts of Navajo Nation, this one-room earthen house, called a Hogan, is a minimalist’s dream, an excuse to literally feel the grounding power of nature and commune with the dirt. You’ll find no running water or electricity here; the hosts have instead favored a more rugged approach, complete with two twin beds (a third is available on request) and a basin-style sink.
Guests will have use of a rustic outhouse during their stay, as well as battery-powered flashlights and lanterns to combat the pitch black desert nights. A cast iron wood-burning stove sits in the back of the tiny home, with wood and kindling provided to stay cozy during winter months. Per Navajo Nation law, no drugs or alcohol are allowed on the property.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 7 Secluded Cabin Rentals in Arizona for a Remote Getaway
6. Magnificent Mahal Yurt
Why you should stay: With a full kitchen and bedding for up to twelve, you’ll hardly miss the comforts of home at this well-appointed, secluded yurt.
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $317/night
Ever wanted two have your own four-acre slice of desert paradise? This luxurious, pet-friendly yurt is set on a large parcel of private land, with breathtakingly dark night skies to savor the stars in a way you just can’t in the city. When you’re not gallivanting in the national park (a 40-minute drive away), guests at the palatial Mahal Yurt can chill out surrounded by colorful décor and cheerful accents that add a dash of homey-ness to the space.
Cook a family dinner in the yurt’s large kitchen, complete with stove, sink, mini-fridge, French press coffee maker, and all the pots and pans you’ll need. A full indoor bathroom features hot showers (as long as the nighttime temps stay above 40 degrees), a composting toilet, and a sink for handwashing. When it’s time for bed, four full-sized memory foam mattresses await you, plus one walled-off queen bed for mom and dad to escape to.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Stunning Glamping Spots Near Yosemite National Park, California
7. Ultimate Stargazing Experience
Why you should stay: Enjoy the clouds and the ever-shifting night sky while lounging in bed at this unique stargazer tent.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $180/night
Get ready to hug your cuddle buddy and stay up late in this bubble-shaped tent with a transparent ceiling for the ultimate night sky viewing. The comfy memory foam queen bed comes topped with a heated mattress pad, ensuring that you’ll stay warm, even when nighttime temps dip low. Two plush papasan chairs and small tables adorn the rest of the space, ideal for reading or planning your next hike when you aren’t getting dusty in the Grand Canyon.
A nearby bathroom and shower area is only shared with one other rental on the property, though the host warns that running water service may be halted in October, November, and March if temperatures drop below freezing. When they do, it’s all the more excuse to bundle up and watch sparks fly at the property’s fire pit, enjoying the great outdoors the way it was meant to be done.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 15 Unforgettable Romantic Getaways in Arizona
8. The Hubble Hideout
Why you should stay: Feast your eyes on jaw-dropping sunsets from this tiny desert hideaway that’s dripping with funky décor.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $67/night
Adventurous travelers will fall in love with this glass ceiling desert shack, full of quirky, colorful decorations. It’s more affordable than many properties on this list, and that’s because the host has elected to keep the experience at the Hubble Hideout rustic, meaning you’ll have to bring your own water and bedding, pack out your trash, and tidy the place up a bit when you leave. Hey – it’s a small price to pay for no cleaning fees!
A skylight sits above the bed platform (are you noticing a theme on our list?), so guests can gaze up at the Milky Way as they doze off each night. Out front is a bench seat for two on the property’s private porch, as well as a picnic table and fire pit for evening rendezvous. In spite of the apparent lack of amenities, there is a composting toilet, solar-powered charging station for cell phones, as well as a Mr. Buddy propane heater available for use.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: These Scenic Train Rides in Arizona Will Blow Your Mind
9. Grand Canyon Geodome Glamping
Why you should stay: Bed down in a wood-paneled architectural dome, complete with a seating area and hip décor.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $180/night
When you aren’t nestled into its cushy beanbag chairs or playing one of this site’s included board games, you’re sure to be marveling at the incredible desert sky while tucked into the cozy queen-sized bed with the indoor heater running. Design aficionados in particular will appreciate the hip accent pieces, like a textured rug and tasseled pillows, that fleck this wooden geodome.
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided in the shared shower and bathroom area, and an on-site communal kitchen is available for guests who’s rather sauté some groceries than go out to a restaurant. When it’s warm outside, travelers can relax in the adjoining picnic area and stare out at impeccable views of Red Butte.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra
10. The Love Shack
Why you should stay: Drift into dreamland in this quirky vintage trailer, set 30-minutes from the park’s south entrance.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $120/night
It’s called style, dahling — and this vintage travel trailer has it in spades. Located between Williams, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, this adorable glamp site sleeps two in a double bed, plus features a tiny kitchen and dinette for morning eggs and coffee. A wood-burning stove sits at the edge of the space to keep guests warm on chilly winter nights.
Outside the living quarters are a picnic table, fire pit, and grill so that your group can enjoy the great outdoors when the weather’s nice (there are also board games to keep the little ones at bay). When nature calls, the property’s composting toilet and solar-heated shower bag (sorry, no hot water) should do the trick!
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Arizona Hot Springs Where You Can Soak in the Desert
11. Grand Canyon Yurt
Why you should stay: This traditional-style yurt offers a sky view dome, pellet-burning stove, outdoor grill, and private patio.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $197/night
Warm tones and luscious bedding greet weary park travelers at this comfortable, traditional yurt that’s warmed by a tiny pellet-burning stove. When guests aren’t lounging and chatting about their grand day out, the indoor futon sofa pulls into a two-person bed, perfect for families with children or groups of friends.
Outside the yurt is where the show-stopping amenities are, though. A private deck and fenced yard surround the site, complete with a picnic table, ice box, fire pit, propane grill, solar-powered lights, and chiminea. Though all cooking must be done outside, the hosts provide cooking water, propane, and firewood, creating the perfect blend of rustic glamping vibes and creature comforts.
This campsite also has its own, private composting toilet out back with a foot pedal sink for handwashing. The outdoor shower shuts down from November through March, due to freezing temperatures, but visitors here can rinse off and cool down all summer long after a day of bucket list hikes in the Grand Canyon.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: An Adventurous Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary
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Seen in: Arizona, Glamping, National Parks, Southwest, West, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Arizona
