Arizona

11 Magical Glamping Sites Near the Grand Canyon South Rim

Posted by
Emily Pennington
March 13, 2022
Updated February 05, 2024

best glamping grand canyon
Photo: Under Canvas Grand Canyon

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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 South Rim 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

under canvas grand canyon
Photo: Under Canvas

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.

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Related Read: Best Stops on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

2. King Tent at Wander Camp

wander camp grand canyon glamping
Photo: HipCamp

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.

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Related Read: 10 Unforgettable Destinations for Glamping in Arizona

3. Grand Canyon Tiny Home

grand canyon glamping tiny home
Photo: VRBO

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.

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Related Read: 10 Best Backpacking Trips in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

4. Navajo Hogan

grand canyon glamping hogan
Photo: Airbnb

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.

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Related Read: 7 Secluded Cabin Rentals in Arizona for a Remote Getaway

5. The Hubble Hideout

grand canyon glamping cabin
Photo: Hipcamp

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.

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Related Read: These Scenic Train Rides in Arizona Will Blow Your Mind

6. Grand Canyon Geodome Glamping

geodome glamping grand canyon
Photo: Hipcamp

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.

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Related Read: 12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra

 

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