South Rim Trail
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
When you're craving an exciting adventure that takes you through Arizona's Grand Canyon region, consider adding South Rim Trail BLM, nearby in Utah, to your itinerary. Although there isn't any on-site camping (developed or dispersed), you can use one of the campgrounds in the area as a base camp for your Grand Canyon adventure. RV travelers love visiting South Rim Trail because of its gorgeous canyon overlooks and iconic hiking opportunities. Coming here also provides easy access to Grand Canyon Village, a historic destination that's noteworthy for its visitor services, museums, and restaurants. Most roads leading to the South Rim are paved and suitable for most RVs, making it one of the most accessible ways to experience the Grand Canyon.
Quick Facts About RVing at South Rim Trail
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies • Camping Type: Nearby developed campgrounds • Reservations: Yes • Hookups: Full hookups nearby • Dump Station: Available at nearby campgrounds • Potable Water: Available • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed (must be leashed; not permitted below the rim) • Roads: Paved • Best Seasons: Spring, summer, and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Exploring the South Rim without constantly moving your RV • Nearby campgrounds that make multiday Grand Canyon visits easy • Shuttle buses that reduce the need to drive after parking • Numerous overlooks just minutes apart by shuttle or car • Easy to pair with Williams, Flagstaff, and Route 66 road trips • Convenient access to hiking, museums, and visitor facilities • Well-maintained paved roads that accommodate virtually every RV • Great destination for first-time Grand Canyon RV travelers
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
South Rim Trail
South Rim Trail connects Grand Canyon Village with Hermits Rest Point. You have breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River along the rim. Mountain biking is allowed, but this is only recommended for experienced riders. Length: 5.9 miles Intensity: Hard
Bright Angel Trail
This was a common path that indigenous people, tourists, and miners took to descend the Grand Canyon. You have expansive views of the inner canyon and formations in the distance. The length of the trail depends on how far along it you want to travel. Reaching Plateau Point is a 12-mile round trip. Length: 12 miles Intensity: Hard
Trail of Time
Through interpretive plaques, you can learn about the Grand Canyon's geology along the Trail of Time. The trail begins at Yavapai Geology Museum, crosses through Grand Canyon Village and heads to Hermits Rest. Length: 2.83 miles Intensity: Moderate
Hermit Trail
Hermit Trail passes through Kaibab Formation, Coconino Sandstone, and Waldron Basin. You can see fossilized animal tracks in the lower section of Coconino Sandstone. The trail length depends on which destinations you want to see. If you plan on traveling more than 11 miles round trip, then you should prepare for an overnight stay. Length: 19.4 miles Intensity: Hard
Fishing and Boating
Guided Grand Canyon rafting tours are available if you'd like to enjoy the scenery while on water. You can go fishing at the Colorado River, but check regulations first to know any limitations on what you can keep. Rainbow trout, striped bass, walleye, sunfish, and catfish are popular species. You could catch other species of trout too. Another possible fishing area is at Bright Angel Creek, where you could reel in trout, striped bass, and catfish.
Climbing
At the top of a 70-foot watchtower in Desert View, you can enjoy the vast scenery that extends for hundreds of miles. It's a replica of Ancestral Puebloan towers. Mount Hayden, a sandstone spire in Nankoweap Canyon, is a popular climbing spot too.
Wildlife Viewing
More than 350 species of birds live in or visit Grand Canyon National Park, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and California condors. Bald eagles started spending winters by the Colorado River in the canyon after 1985. Bighorn sheep, gray foxes, mountain lions, coyotes, and mule deer are other types of wildlife that you may see. Popular wildlife viewing areas include South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ahh Point, Bright Angel Trail, and Havasupai Gardens to Colorado River.
Picnicking
Top areas to have a picnic in the area are Yaki Point, Cedar Ridge, Desert View Watchtower, and Hermits Rest. Eagles, falcons, condors, and hawks are frequently seen in Yaki Point from late August to early November. Cedar Ridge is a plateau that shows half of the canyon below and above you. Hermits Rest features a view of the canyon over a bluff.
Scenic Drive
You can go for a scenic drive on Hermit Road from December through February. It's closed the rest of the year. The road is only seven miles long but offers beautiful views.
Mule or Horseback Riding
Guided mule and horseback rides are available along the South Rim and North Rim. You can choose a one-hour or half-day guided tour.
Railway Express Tour
You can take a train ride for a western experience while you're in the area. The train departs from the Grand Canyon and stops at Williams Train Depot. You can board the train again to return to Grand Canyon.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Trailer Village RV Park and Mather Campground are two options for RV camping near the South Rim Trail. RVs up to 50 feet long can fit at Trailer Village RV Park. This campground offers full hookups and is open throughout the year. Mather Campground doesn't have hookups and can only accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long.
Dispersed Camping
Although there are no places for dispersed camping, you have several options for this type of camping within a 15- to 30-minute drive. • Long Jim Loop • Distance: A 15-to-20-minute drive from the South Rim • Location: Kaibab National Forest near Tusayan • Camping Type: Free dispersed camping • Best For: Camper vans, truck campers, and smaller RVs • Roads: Unpaved forest roads that may develop ruts or potholes • Amenities: None; bring water, and pack out all waste. • Notes: Use an existing campsite after verifying current road and fire restrictions. Forest Road 688 • Distance: A 20-to-25-minute drive from the South Rim • Location: South of Tusayan in Kaibab National Forest • Camping Type: Free dispersed camping along permitted forest-road corridors • Best For: Self-contained RVs, camper vans, and smaller travel trailers • Roads: Dirt and gravel surfaces that may become muddy after rain • Amenities: None; no hookups, toilets, potable water, or trash service • Notes: Stay on designated roads, and confirm legal camping locations with the current Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: An excellent fit. Their compact size and tight turning radius make parking and maneuvering easy, and no high-clearance vehicle is needed. • Travel Trailers: A good choice for nearby campgrounds. Paved roads make towing easy, but leave your trailer at camp since longer rigs can be difficult to park. • Fifth Wheels: Best suited for nearby campgrounds. Paved roads pose no issues, but the larger turning radius and overall length make parking more challenging. • Class A Motorhomes: Well-suited for the paved access roads. Larger coaches may have limited parking options near popular viewpoints during busy periods. • Class B Motorhomes: One of the easiest RVs to bring. Their compact size and excellent maneuverability make scenic stops and parking much simpler. • Class C Motorhomes: A great fit overall. Smaller models are easiest to park, and longer Class C motorhomes should arrive early to claim larger parking spaces.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping isn't available near South Rim Trail, but you can still find dispersed options. Dispersed camping is available at Forest Road 688, a well-maintained gravel road. Spots are easier to find on weekdays. Other dispersed camping options include Coconino Rim Road, Forest Road 302, and Forest Road 306.
RV Rentals Near South Rim Trail Plan your next adventure
Planning your South Rim Trail BLM trip
Winter, March through May and September through November are the best seasons for visiting South Rim Trail. If you want to explore the North Rim too, then you'll have to plan your trip for a season besides winter because the North Rim would be closed. Check in advance when the North Rim is open again because lasting snow could keep it closed as late as May. Be aware that both rims are crowded during the summer. You should make camping reservations in advance to ensure that you don't need to stress over where to camp. Summer is the hottest season at Grand Canyon National Park with the average high temperature at 81–84 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter highs are 44–47 degrees with lows at 17-20 degrees Fahrenheit. The South Rim Trail region is a beautiful place for camping because of the western-style scenery that you probably don't see often. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the eight wonders of the world as well. It's bound to be a memorable experience to visit the South Rim. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
When visiting South Rim Trail, you'll have several amenities to choose from, including restrooms at the major viewpoints and visitor areas as well as potable water. Many of the trail access points are served by shuttle bus stops, making it simple to explore nearby attractions without moving your RV. You won't have to travel far to access dump stations, propane, fuel supplies, and grocery stores, but these services are not available at the trail itself. The closest places that offer them are Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan, both of which are about 10 minutes away. Thanks to the paved roads leading to the South Rim Trail, traveling is easy in any type of RV, including camper vans and larger Class A motorhomes. The primary weather concerns are snow and ice that can occur during the winter months and that may result in temporary road closures. Checking the road conditions and weather forecast ahead of time is the smartest way to avoid travel delays.
Leave No Trace 
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines for their respective regions. You should check in advance to know how to correctly dispose of waste, including human waste. Some campgrounds don't have trash receptacles or water, so you need to come prepared. Grand Canyon National Park requires that you use resealable plastic bags to store used toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.
South Rim Trail Location
South Rim Trail is located at Grand Canyon Village, AZ., 86023. You can easily find the trail within 0.6 miles from Grand Canyon Village. Head west on Apache Alley, and turn right toward Village Loop Drive/S Vlg Lp. Make a right onto Village Loop Drive/S Vlg Lp, and at the end of the road, turn slight left onto S Entrance Road/N Vlg Lp. Turn right onto El Tovar Road, which comes up quickly after you've turned onto S Entrance Road. After 420 feet, you need to turn right again, and you'll see the path leading to South Rim Trail. There's also a Grand Canyon gift shop and museum here. Ready to visit South Rim Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at the South Rim Trail
• Morning: Enjoy a tasty RV breakfast during the early morning hours, and then take the free shuttle to Mather Point, a scenic overlook that offers one of the park's most iconic panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. Spend the rest of the morning exploring additional overlooks and stopping at nearby visitor centers and historic sites. • Afternoon: Feed your group lunch at one of the restaurants in Grand Canyon Village. There are plenty of restaurant options to choose from, including Arizona Steakhouse, Bright Angel Restaurant, and El Tovar Dining Room. • Evening: Go back to one of your favorite overlooks to watch the sun set over the Grand Canyon, and then head back to your RV campground for an evening of stargazing and relaxing by the campfireif fires are permitted.
Nearby Attractions
Historic Route 66 in Williams • Distance: A 60-to-70-minute drive from South Rim Trail • Best For: Shopping, dining, and Route 66 history • Highlights: Historic buildings, roadside memorabilia, local shops, and classic restaurants • Roads: Reached by paved highways suitable for RVs • RV Tip: Park your RV, and then explore the compact downtown area on foot • Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours Bearizona Wildlife Park • Distance: About a 1-hour 10-minute drive from South Rim Trail • Best For: Families and wildlife enthusiasts • Highlights: Bears, wolves, bison, mountain goats, and other North American animals • Experience: Includes a drive-through wildlife area and a separate walk-through area • RV Tip: Most fully enclosed vehicles can enter the drive-through area, but confirm current vehicle rules before bringing a large RV. • Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours Kaibab National Forest • Distance: A 10- to 20-minute drive from South Rim Trail • Best For: Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and dispersed camping • Highlights: Ponderosa pine forests, trails, overlooks, campgrounds, and undeveloped recreation areas • Roads: Major access routes are paved, but many forest roads are gravel or dirt, • RV Tip: Check the Motor Vehicle Use Map and current road conditions before taking an RV onto forest roads. • Time Needed: A few hours to a full day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the South Rim Trail good for RV travel? Visiting the South Rim Trail in an RV is a great idea because of the paved roads and nearby campgrounds. It's especially ideal for first-time RV travelers thanks to its easy accessibility and well-maintained facilities. Can I camp overnight? No. You are not allowed to camp overnight. Many RV travelers book a campsite at one of the nearby campgrounds and then use the South Rim Trail as a day-trip destination. Do I need a reservation to stay at a nearby campground? It's always a good idea to contact your campground in advance to secure a spot that accommodates your RV. If you plan to take advantage of dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest, it's generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. Can I bring my pets? Yes, you're welcome to bring your furry friends to South Rim Trail as long as you keep them leashed at all times. Do keep in mind that there is a leash length limit of 6 feet, and you will not be allowed to take pets below the rim or inside most park buildings. Do I need a four-wheel-drive RV rental? No. Because of the paved roads, you don't need an RV rental with four-wheel-drive.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Since the roads are paved and well-maintained, you can bring just about any type of RV to South Rim Trail. As you're picking a rental, consider how many people are traveling with you. That way, you'll be able to pick an RV with amenities that match your travel needs, like extra sleeping space for larger groups. If you plan to stay at a nearby campground, call ahead to ask if they can accommodate your rig's length. Explore Flagstaff RV rentals today to choose the best setup for your trip to South Rim Trail.