Is your family wondering where to stay in Grand Canyon National Park? If so, you’re in luck because I’m here to give you the rundown of the 15 best places for families to stay in and around one of America’s most beloved national parks, the Grand Canyon.
With numerous lodges, hotels, campgrounds, and RV sites located in and around Grand Canyon National Park, finding the best option for a family-friendly spot to stay can feel like a full-time job.
The good news is, I’ll make things a little easier by giving you some helpful tips on where to stay in Grand Canyon National Park so your family can have a fantastic trip, taking in the stunning vistas and spending quality time together in one of the most marvelous natural landscapes on the entire planet.
Whether you’d like to rest your head in luxurious accommodations right on the edge of the canyon, a comfy glamping spot just outside the park, or a rustic campground within the park’s limits, there’s somewhere fabulous for your family to stay in Grand Canyon National Park.
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Grand Canyon National Park: An Overview
Officially designated as a national park in 1919, Grand Canyon National Park covers more than 1.2 million acres of pristine wilderness in the northwestern corner of Arizona.
Known for its vast, steep, and colorful canyon walls, which reveal millions of years of geological change, the Grand Canyon was gradually formed by the rushing waters of the Colorado River, a river you can still see crisscrossing its way over the canyon floor to this day.
Thanks to its mesmerizing beauty, epic hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and “magical” vibes, Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited national park in the United States of America.
Situated about 280 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, or “Arizona Side,” welcomes approximately 90% of the park’s visitors, while the remaining 10% visit the canyon’s more remote North Rim, or “Utah Side.”
Is It Better To Visit The North Rim Or South Rim Of The Grand Canyon?
I’d recommend visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, as that’s what many canyon enthusiasts consider to be the “real” Grand Canyon. It’s also where most famous photographs are taken, and most accommodations and modern amenities exist. Plus, it’s open year-round and is easily accessible by car.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is also amazingly gorgeous and may have smaller crowds for a more peaceful and serene experience. However, it’s also far more remote, has far fewer accommodations, and is only open during the “short season” or the warm months.
For our purposes, most of the accommodations discussed here are located at or near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. However, I’ll touch on a few family-friendly places to stay at or near the North Rim, as well.
Grand Canyon National Park: Camping Options
If you’re up for camping, there are several campgrounds and an RV park (for RV owners/renters) maintained by the National Park Services in or near Grand Canyon National Park.
Campgrounds maintained by the NPS include:
- Mather Campground (South Rim – Grand Canyon Village)
- Trailer Village RV Park (South Rim – Grand Canyon Village)
- Ten-X Campground (approx 9 miles south of South Rim – Grand Canyon Village)
- Desert View Campground (near East Entrance to South Rim approx 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village)
- North Rim Campground (North Rim Park Area)
- Demotte Campground (approx 23 miles north of North Rim Park Area)
Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village RV Park, and North Rim Campground are all situated within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park, while the others are a short drive from the park.
Only Mather Campground and Trailer Village RV Campground are open year-round, while the remainder close in the late autumn and reopen in the spring.
If you do plan to camp, make sure you book a spot well in advance, as these lovely campgrounds fill up quickly during the busy season, especially over spring break and most holiday weekends.
Where To Stay In Grand Canyon National Park
Best Places To Stay INSIDE The Park
When my family travels to America’s national parks, I always try to find the best places to stay INSIDE the park. This saves us from having to wake up at the crack of dawn to make the long drive into these vast wilderness areas.
You see, many national parks here in the United States span hundreds and hundreds of miles, and the idyllic main attractions can often be found in some of the most remote areas.
So, in the interest of saving time, my kids, hubby, and I have found it most useful to spend our evenings in great accommodations available inside national parks whenever possible.
Here are my recommended stays within Grand Canyon National Park.
1. El Tovar Hotel
Nearest to: South Rim | Inside Grand Canyon Village
Address: 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Accommodates: 5 guests
Originally opened in the first decade of the twentieth century, El Tovar Hotel was initially a luxurious stopover for weary train passengers and was considered one of the grandest hotels in the western United States.
Located just steps from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this historic 78-room hotel, considered the crown jewel of South Rim lodging, is full of cultural history, having hosted American presidents, including Teddy Roosevelt and Bill Clinton, as well as renowned thinkers like Albert Einstein.
The upscale hotel gives the appearance of a rustic log cabin, albeit a big one, but features all of the modern amenities and comforts you’ll need.
Stay in one of the hotel’s Double Queen Suites, which accommodate up to 5 people, with 2 queen beds and a rollaway bed upon request. The spacious suite also comes with a separate sitting room, a private porch or balcony, a full private bathroom, air-conditioning, a Keurig coffee maker, and more.
When you get hungry, head down to the El Tovar Dining Room to enjoy some of the finest dining in the Grand Canyon area. Reservations are recommended since this top-notch restaurant is quite popular with travelers and locals alike.
The hotel grounds are also a short walk from Verkamp’s Visitor Center, featuring the Grand Canyon Gift Shop and Museum, in addition to some visitor services.
2. Bright Angel Lodge
Nearest to: South Rim | Inside Grand Canyon Village
Address: 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Accommodates: 3 guests (not adequate size for many families)
Step outside, and you’ll be just feet away from some of the Grand Canyon’s most famed hikes, including the Bright Angel Trailhead, which descends down the South Rim to the canyon bottom, making Bright Angel Lodge a great choice for hiking families.
One of the more budget-friendly options among the Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, this spot overlooks the steep canyon rim. It contains excellent amenities with 90 lodging units, including small cabins and traditional hotel rooms.
Inside the lodge, you’ll also find the Bright Angel Bar, a popular watering hole for intrepid canyon hikers, and the Canyon Coffee House, the perfect place to grab breakfast or a cup of organic joe each morning.
Additionally, a full-service restaurant, the Arizona Steakhouse, serves up locally sourced beef on top of other delicious dishes and unique cocktails.
After enjoying your meal, check out the classic ice cream shop for dessert, complete with terrific canyon views and sweet treats. It’s excellent for cooling off during the scorching Arizona summer months.
Families can check into one of the lodge’s cabins, which feature partial canyon views, a queen bed, a rollaway bed upon request, a private bathroom, a gas fireplace, a coffee maker, and more. However, larger families may need to book multiple rooms in this quaint, iconic lodge.
3. Kachina Lodge
Nearest to: South Rim | Inside Grand Canyon Village
Address: 5 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Accommodates: 4 guests
Constructed in the 1960s, Kachina Lodge has been operated for many years by Xanterra Travel Collection, a primary authorized concessioner of the National Park Service.
This contemporary lodge offers a modern style and sits mere feet from the canyon rim, offering some of the best views you can find anywhere on the Grand Canyon South Rim.
The dining options inside Kachina Lodge are limited. Yet, since it’s located in the Historic District of Grand Canyon Village, you’ll be just a short walk from fine dining options at El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge.
Families can opt for a standard lodge room with 2 queen beds, a full private bathroom, a Keurig coffee maker, and a refrigerator.
Be sure to ask for a canyon-side room with stunning panoramic views, or at least partial views, of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River right outside your window.
4. Thunderbird Lodge
Nearest to: South Rim | Inside Grand Canyon Village
Address: 10 Albright Ave, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Accommodates: 4 guests
A great place for a family to stay directly in the Historic District of Grand Canyon Village, Thunderbird Lodge provides convenient access to the Grand Canyon Railway, excellent hiking trails, scenic lookouts, gift shops, restaurants, and more.
Guest rooms come with either a king bed or 2 queen beds, plus a full private bathroom, refrigerator, flat-screen TV with satellite connection, coffee maker, hair dryer, and safe.
Completed in 1968 and upgraded in the years since then, Thunderbird Lodge supplies a more contemporary take on Grand Canyon accommodations than either the historic El Tovar Hotel or the iconic Bright Angel Lodge.
Many guest rooms offer partial canyon views. Just ask for a canyon-side room to make sure you get one. However, the street-side rooms also provide nice views of the surrounding tree-lined plateau and historic hotels just a stone’s throw away.
5. Yavapai Lodge
Nearest to: South Rim | Inside Grand Canyon Village
Address: 11 Yavapai Lodge Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Accommodates: 6 guests
Yavapai Lodge is the largest of the Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, with 358 guest rooms tucked away in the forested hills about a half mile from the canyon rim.
The lodge is split into two sections, Yavapai West and Yavapai East, with the former spread out across 10 single-story buildings and the latter across 6 two-story buildings.
Larger families can opt for the East Queen Family Room, which comprises 2 twin over queen bunk beds, easily accommodating 6 people. Traveling with the dog? Stay in the pet-friendly West Rooms, which contain 2 queen beds.
Feeling hungry? Head up to the Yavapai Lodge Cafeteria, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and pop into the on-site gift shop to grab some Grand Canyon memorabilia on your way out.
At Yavapai Lodge, you’ll also be within walking distance of the Market Plaza, where you’ll find a small grocery store, deli, bank, and U.S. Post Office for your convenience.
6. Maswik Lodge
Nearest to: South Rim | Inside Grand Canyon Village
Address: 202 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Accommodates: 5 guests
Constructed by the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railroad back in 1927, Maswik Lodge has undergone numerous renovations over the years, leaving only the stone pillars as the surviving artifacts of the original facility.
Nowadays, the large, comfy lodge contains 280 rooms nestled in a Ponderosa pine forest about a quarter mile away from the canyon rim.
The Maswik Lodge consists of the main lodge building, where you’ll check in and also see a gift shop, food court, and pizza pub, plus the newer Maswik Lodge South and the older Maswik Lodge North, both containing multiple buildings with guest rooms.
The Maswik Lodge South supplies standard rooms with your choice of a king bed or 2 queen beds and the option for a rollaway bed. These comfortable rooms also have a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, a cooktop stove, utensils, a coffee maker, and a microwave.
The standard room in the Maswik Lodge North has the same options, minus the kitchenette. But don’t worry. If you stay here, there are plenty of excellent eateries nearby where you can fuel up for the next day’s hike.
7. Grand Canyon Lodge
Nearest to: North Rim | Next to the North Rim Visitor Center
Address: AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86052, United States
Accommodates: 6
Sitting approximately 8,000 feet above sea level on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, you’ll find the beautiful Grand Canyon Lodge, a great place for peace, quiet, and viewing awe-inspiring starry night skies.
Built into the canyon’s edge, this timeless lodge was deemed a National Historic Landmark in 1987, and as the only lodging option inside the park on the North Rim, the Grand Canyon Lodge has become a “Mecca” for travelers who like to get off the beaten path.
Here, you’ll have access to a fitness center, business center, gift shop, gas station, general store, deli, old-style saloon, coffee shop, dining room, laundry facilities, and more.
Plus, you can choose to partake in on-site mule tours into the Grand Canyon and have access to numerous hiking trails that meander down thousands of feet to the canyon floor.
Stay in one of the lodge’s historic cabins, aka Pioneer Cabins, which feature 2 twin bunk beds, a sofa sleeper, and a queen bed, in addition to a 3/4 bathroom with a shower.
Or, if you want your own full bathroom, check out the Frontier Cabins, which, other than the private bathroom, contain a double bed and a twin bed, making them a good choice for smaller families.
Head over to the nearby North Rim Visitor Center to find visitor services, such as park maps, informative park rangers, and more.
8. Phantom Ranch
Nearest to: North Rim | Inside the Grand Canyon
Address: N Kaibab Trail, North Rim, AZ 86052, United States
Accommodates: 10 guests
For the hardiest of hiking families, the Phantom Ranch supplies a unique experience and an opportunity to spend the night at the bottom of the canyon, the Grand Canyon, that is.
The only lodging available below the canyon rim, the Phantom Ranch, is only accessible via a historic route of trails, which can only be traversed by mule, on foot, or via portions of the Colorado River.
The historic cabins built with local timber and stone were erected in the 1920s specifically for adventurous Grand Canyon visitors who dared to delve into the canyon’s deepest depths.
These days, you must enter a lottery to have the opportunity to spend a night here, as the space is limited and the demand is high. However, if you do get the chance to stay here, you’ll be among the lucky few who can say they’ve slept at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
All cabins contain hot water showers and sinks with included toiletries and enough space to sleep 2-10 people. Plus, there’s a canteen where breakfast, dinner, beverages, and snacks can be had during the facility’s hours of operation (8 AM – 8 PM).
Where To Stay Near Grand Canyon National Park
Best Places To Stay OUTSIDE The Park
While I’d generally recommend staying at the best places inside Grand Canyon National Park, there are plenty of great accommodation options in the small nearby towns dotted around the perimeter of Grand Canyon National Park.
Near the park, you’ll find some plush hotels, cool glamping spots, quaint tiny homes, and other accommodation setups.
Here are my top recommendations:
9. Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon
Nearest to: South Rim | approx 7 miles from South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Address: 74 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States
Accommodates: 4 guests
Just a few minutes down the road from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim on AZ-64 sits the sprawling Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon.
With 4 restaurants, a fitness center, a lobby gift shop, a seasonal outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a bowling alley, and free parking in the large parking lot, Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon has something for the whole family.
Families can opt for the Oversized Queen Rooms with two queen beds, a private bathroom, a microwave, a coffee/tea maker, and a refrigerator.
For those looking to reduce carbon emissions, which I applaud, there’s also a handy EV charging station on site.
10. The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
Nearest to: South Rim | approx 7 miles from South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Address: 149 State Highway 64, Tusayan, AZ 86023, United States
Accommodates: 5 guests
Located in the small town of Tusayan, just a 20-25 minute drive from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is one of the best hotels in the area just outside the park.
The cozy hotel offers large rooms, like the Deluxe Queen Room, equipped with 2 queen beds and an extra bed or cot upon request, plus a private balcony or patio, large desk, microwave, and air-conditioning.
There’s also a lovely shared lounge complete with comfy couches and a large stone fireplace, in addition to an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a great restaurant, a bar, a business center, and free parking on the property’s parking lot.
I’d also recommend checking out the hotel’s live evening entertainment while enjoying a delicious meal and a cocktail after a long day of trekking up and down the Grand Canyon’s famed walls.
11. Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Nearest to: South Rim | approx 31 miles from South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Address: 979 Airpark Ln, Grand Canyon Junction, AZ 86046
Accommodates: 6 guests
A glamping property near and dear to my family’s heart, Under Canvas Grand Canyon, provides the chance to get the full camping experience while still enjoying modern amenities like a comfy bed and a hot shower.
Spanning 160 acres of beautiful pinion and juniper forest, Under Canvas Zion was named one of the “Best Hotels in Arizona” by Travel + Leisure.
Spend your nights resting in a plush safari tent, gazing upon unblemished skies. These spacious luxury tents can accommodate up to 6 people or as few as 2, depending on your needs.
For larger families, I’d recommend the Suite With Kids Tent, which has a private bedroom with a king bed, a lounge area with a queen sofa bed, and a small adjacent tent with 2 twin beds. It also has a private bathroom and a wood-burning stove with complimentary firewood.
Prepared meals, complimentary s’mores, delicious coffee, and delectable cocktails are all available at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, too.
My kiddos always have the best time at Under Canvas properties, and mom and dad like the “street cred” we earn for “camping” while still getting a good night’s sleep.
12. Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon
Nearest to: South Rim | approx 29 miles from South Rim of Grand Canyon
Address: 629 High Grv Rd, Williams, AZ 86046, United States
Accommodates: 7 guests
A lovely little property with geodesic domes decorated with funky, comfy decor, Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon is a great place to chill out, have fun, and gaze upon wondrous star-filled skies.
Each unique “sky dome” offers a large floor-to-ceiling window, quality furniture, and a cozy ambiance. Larger families can go for the Deluxe Family Suite, which comes with a single bed, a bunk bed, and 2 large double beds, in addition to a private bathroom, refrigerator, and heating/air conditioning.
The kids can meet and play with new friends on the property’s playground before the whole family has a bite to eat at the delicious on-site restaurant serving up American cuisine with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
13. Grand Canyon Tiny Homes
Nearest to: South Rim | approx 25 miles from South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Address: 5306 Sublime Drive Space # 76, Valle, AZ 86046, United States
Accommodates: 8 guests
A “tiny home” with space for as many as 8 guests, the Grand Canyon Tiny Homes are just a short drive from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
Situated on Sublime Drive, a hop, skip, and a jump north of Grand Canyon Junction, these air-conditioned tiny homes are adjacent to the quiet neighborhood called Sage Valley Mobile Home Park.
Larger families can relax in the Three Bedroom Chalet, boasting 2 large double beds, 2 futon beds, a sofa bed, a fully-equipped kitchen, an ensuite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and some of the best star gazing in the American West.
14. Kaibab Lodge
Nearest to: North Rim | approx 25 miles from North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Address: Grand Canyon Hwy, Fredonia, AZ 86022, United States
Accommodates: 8 guests
Built sometime in the mid-1920s, the Kaibab Lodge has been welcoming guests to the Grand Canyon’s remote North Rim for almost an entire century.
Recently, under new ownership, Kaibab Lodge is expanding to feature 10 new cabins that can accommodate up to 8 guests each.
Perhaps one of the best things about this lovely little lodge, besides the breathtaking scenery, is that it sits at almost 9,000 feet, meaning it stays cool even during the dog days of summer. But be aware that altitude can kick your butt if you’re not used to it.
There are also guided tours and a shuttle service to take you to the Grand Canyon available here. And you’re less than a 3-hour drive from the Utah border, making this a good option to stay should you decide to explore some of the “Beehive State.”
15. Jacob Lake Inn
Nearest to: North Rim | approx 50 miles from North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Address: AZ-67 & US-89A, Fredonia, AZ 86022, United States
Accommodates: 6 guests
A retro property harkening back to a bygone era, the motel-style rooms at Jacob Lake Inn evoke nostalgic thoughts of the classic American road trip.
That said, these motel-style rooms have been updated nicely to meet modern standards for comfort and cleanliness.
If motel rooms aren’t your thing, there are also cabins dotting the tree-laden property, each with 2 rooms featuring a total of 2 queen beds and a full bed.
Jacob Lake Inn is a relatively long ride to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. However, like the Kaibab Lodge, it provides easy access for a day trip to Utah if you want to explore that beautiful state while at the Grand Canyon.
Where To Stay In Grand Canyon National Park – Final Thoughts
The best Grand Canyon hotels, lodges, campgrounds, glamping sites, tiny homes, and other accommodations will provide you with a great way to relax and recharge while exploring one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders.
Here’s one more helpful tip before we go.
I’d advise downloading the National Park Service mobile app prior to heading into Grand Canyon National Park. I use it often and find it to be a great tool for keeping up to date with all park happenings and events.
From my family to yours, here’s to having good old-fashioned family fun exploring the beauty and grandeur of the United States.
After all, there’s no better place to experience family time in the great outdoors than America’s national parks, especially one of her most epic, iconic parks, Grand Canyon National Park.
Looking for more information about Grand Canyon National Park, or family lodging recommendations in more amazing US national parks? Be sure to check out these articles, too:
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- Badlands National Park Cabins: Cedar Pass Lodge Guide
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- Glamping Big Bend National Park: 15 Best Family Spots
Pin this Grand Canyon NP lodging information for later! And if this article helped your family decide where to stay in Grand Canyon National Park, leave a comment on the pin. That helps others decide whether to use this information, too!
I have traveled more in the last few years as a single middle-aged woman… by myself, than I ever did with my kids. Womp, womp. And, I have YET to visit the Grand Canyon. I think I need to share your post with my kids and make it a generational trip! Thanks so much for joining and sharing Tuesday Turn About this week. Pinned, and I’m so happy to be featuring your post this week! Hope to see you each week!
Hi Julie! DEFINITELY do an intergenerational trip to the Canyon! I wish my parents would have joined us for this trip as well. We do most of our national park traveling with grandparents. Makes the experiences so much richer for everyone! Thanks so much for the feature! It’s greatly appreciated!! Heather