5-Day Grand Canyon RV Itinerary: South and North Rim

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, but most visitors see it from the South Rim, which is open year-round with the most services. The North Rim is higher, cooler, and far less crowded, but open only mid-May to mid-October and a five-hour drive away. Five days lets you do the South Rim well and add the North Rim if you want the longer loop. Reservations inside the park are through Recreation.gov six months out and sell out fast.

Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash

Day 1: Arrive at the South Rim

• Camp: Mather Campground (in Grand Canyon Village, no hookups, books 6 months out) or Trailer Village (full hookups, pricier, also books early). Private parks in Tusayan, 7 miles south, have hookups but fill up too.
• Afternoon: the Rim Trail between Mather Point and Yavapai Point for the classic first views.
• Evening: catch the sunset at Hopi Point on Hermit Road (shuttle-only in season — no private vehicles).

Day 2: South Rim East — Desert View

• Drive: the 25-mile Desert View Drive east to the Watchtower, with pullouts at Grandview Point and Lipan Point.
• Do: walk a short section of the Rim Trail or, if permits allow, hike partway down the Bright Angel Trail (turn around at the 1.5-mile resthouse in summer heat).
• Evening: ranger program at the amphitheater (summer).

Day 3: South Rim West — Hermit Road

• Take the free shuttle along Hermit Road to Pima, Mohave, and Hopi Points.
• Optional: rent a bike on the greenway path, or visit the visitor center and museum.
• Rest — the South Rim is about altitude (7,000 ft); hydrate.

Day 4: Drive to the North Rim (or Rest Day)

• Option A (North Rim): a 215-mile drive (4–5 hours) via US-89 and AZ-67. Camp at North Rim Campground (open mid-May–mid-Oct, no hookups, books 6 months out). Cooler, quieter, with the Bright Angel Point trail.
• Option B (rest day): a second South Rim day, or a trip to nearby Williams or Sedona.

Day 5: North Rim or Departure

• If at the North Rim: walk the Transept Trail or drive to Cape Royal for canyon views, then head out via Kanab or back to the South Rim.
• If based at the South Rim: exit south to Flagstaff or Williams to drop the RV; both have fuel and services.

RV Notes

• No hookups at Mather and North Rim; Trailer Village (South Rim) and Tusayan private parks have them.
• Length limits: most in-park sites fit rigs up to 30–35 feet; check the listing. The park roads are fine for big rigs, but pullouts are tight.
• Fuel and water: fill both before entering; in-park services are limited and pricey.
• Altitude: the South Rim is at 7,000 feet; take it easy the first day.

See the national park RV camping guide and the RV Trip Budget Calculator.