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RVing At South Rim Of Grand Canyon National Park: The Basics

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By NPT Staff - September 29th, 2019
RVing the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park/NPS

Tips for RVing the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park/NPS

Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim can be a busy place during the peak seasons for visiting the park. And heading to the South Rim with an RV can be a challenge even for the most experienced drivers. With that in mind, the park staff has compiled the following information for RV visitors.

Parking is at a premium on the South Rim when it’s busy, especially for RVs over 22 feet and vehicles with trailers, which have limited parking options. 

Park in the gateway community of Tusayan and ride free shuttles into the park:

* The Tusayan Shuttle (Purple Route) operates every day from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. ( March 1 – Sept 30 ).

* After making four stops in Tusayan, it returns to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where you can transfer to the in-park shuttle system, and access scenic overlooks, park trails, and the historic village.

Map of Tusayan near South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park/NPS

Map of Tusayan near South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park/NPS

* RV parking is located near IMAX, RP’s Stage Stop and the Park & Ride lot on north end of town (near second roundabout).

* The closest bus stop to the Park & Ride lot is in front of IMAX (#1).

* You must have a valid park entrance pass to board the shuttle bus.

* You can buy a pass online from Recreation.gov. You will have immediate access to your digital pass and can easily download it on your phone or tablet. Your pass will also be emailed as a PDF and can be printed out for display when you arrive.

You can find more about pass options and buying your pass online at this site.

* A park pass will admit to the park everyone traveling with you in your RV.

* Passes may also be purchased in the gateway town of Tusayan at IMAX Theater, Canyon Plaza Resort, Red Feather Lodge and RP’s Stage Stop.

RV parking map for South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park/NPS

Parking lots 1-4 are at the Visitor Center. Parking lots A and B at Market Plaza. Parking lots C and D in the Village Historic District/NPS

If you choose to drive into the park, arrive on the South Rim early – by 9 a.m.

* RV Parking in Lot 1 (Grand Canyon Visitor Center) – generally fills by 10 a.m.

* RV Parking in Lot B (Market Plaza) – generally fills by noon; walk across the street to park headquarters to get park information

* RV Parking in Lot D (Backcountry Office in Village) – generally fills by 2 p.m.

* Park once and take a shuttle bus, ride a bike along the Greenway Trail, or hike along the Rim Trail.

* Easily accessible shuttle bus stops are located in or near all parking lots.

There is no RV parking in these lots:

* Do NOT park in lots 2, 3 or 4 or in lots A and C

* Do NOT pull across multiple regular parking spaces

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