While I personally stayed at the lodge during my Havasupai adventure, I had the chance to meet some lovely fellow hikers along the way. One of them, Kelly, kindly shared all the inside info on what it’s really like to stay at the Havasupai campground. So if you’re curious about what camping at the bottom of the Grand Canyon feels like, here’s everything you need to know.
Spoiler: it’s rustic, magical, and very much for the self-sufficient adventurer.
Havasupai Campground Location and Setup
The Havasupai campground stretches along Havasu Creek, between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. It’s about 3 miles beyond Supai Village, which means that if you’re coming from the trailhead, you’ll be hiking around 11 miles total to reach it. Yes, your legs will feel it, but the reward is being surrounded by waterfalls and nature at its purest.
Campsites aren’t individually assigned. Once you arrive, it’s first-come, first-served. Kelly said they arrived mid-morning and still had plenty of beautiful spots to choose from, including shaded areas under big cottonwood trees and quiet corners right by the river.
What Amenities Are Available at the Campground?
Alright, let’s talk practical stuff. The campground is basic, but well thought out. You’ll find:
- Wooden picnic tables scattered around
- A river running through, ideal for cooling off and washing up
- Toilets (composting-style, no flush) at each end of the campground
- Access to fresh spring water from Fern Spring
- Plenty of flat, shaded spots to set up your tent
- Trees for hanging hammocks or creating makeshift shelters
That said, there are no shops, electricity, or cell service, so you’ll want to come fully prepared.
What You Need to Bring for a Campground Stay at Havasupai
Here’s where the campground differs big time from the lodge. You’ve got to be completely self-sufficient as you’ll not want to waste time going back and forth to the village every day (remember, it’s a 6-mile return trip). Kelly shared her must-have gear list, and here’s a roundup of the essentials:
- Tent and sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad or inflatable mattress
- Stove and fuel (no campfires allowed)
- Dehydrated meals or lightweight food
- Water filter or purification tablets (even though Fern Spring is safe, it’s good practice)
- Trekking gear: hiking shoes, water shoes, headlamp, sunscreen, electrolytes…
- Quick-dry towel and swimsuit
- Blister care and first-aid basics
And yes, don’t forget extra snacks as you’ll be burning through calories with all the hiking.
Kelly also mentioned bringing a light hammock, which made for the perfect afternoon nap spot by the river.
If the thought of carrying all your camping gear down 11 miles of desert trail sounds less physically challenging but still want to experience the camping stay, know that you can book a pack mule to carry your backpacks for you. It’s super helpful, especially if you’re not used to hiking with a full load. The cost is $400 round trip, and that covers up to four backpacks; so it’s great for sharing with a group or just lightening your load. You’ll need to book in advance, and all the details can be found on the official Havasupai reservations site here . Trust me, starting your adventure without the strain of 15kg on your back? Game-changer.
If you want to capture content during your adventure there, I strongly recommend you to get a 360 camera. I leave you my affiliate link here for the X4 and here for the X5 model. My link will give you a free accessory with your order. If you are after another model you can enter this code at checkout: INRVNYK
What’s It Really Like Camping There?
In one word? Unreal.
Kelly described waking up to the sound of rushing water, birds chirping, and sunlight streaming through the trees. There’s no artificial noise, no alarms, no signal and no distractions. Just nature. She spent her days exploring waterfalls and evenings sharing stories with fellow campers under the stars.
One heads-up, though, weather can change quickly in the canyon. During our final day, heavy rains hit the area, and the campground partially flooded. Many campers, including Kelly, were asked to walk back to the village and sleep at the school for safety. So it’s important to stay weather-aware and pack with flexibility in mind.
Also, we witnessed a few people who had set up camp too close to the river, especially near the top of Mooney Falls, and unfortunately, all their gear got washed away when the water levels suddenly rose. It was a real reminder that nature can shift fast out here. If you’re camping near the river, always stay alert for early signs of flash floods. These include the water turning muddy or brown, a sudden drop in temperature, unexpected gusts of wind, distant rumbling sounds, or even small debris like twigs and leaves floating faster than usual. If you feel raindrops or see clouds rolling in upstream (even if it’s sunny where you are), it’s smart to move your setup to higher ground. Better safe than soggy, right?
Campground vs. Lodge: Which Is Better?
Honestly, they both offer completely different vibes.
Choose the campground if:
- You want a deeper connection to nature
- You’re comfortable roughing it a bit
- You’ve got the gear and love the camping life
Go for the lodge if:
- You’d rather not carry your food and shelter
- A hot shower and bed after hiking sounds dreamy
- You want a safer bet during monsoon season
Both options let you enjoy Havasupai’s magic. It just comes down to your travel style and what you’re hoping to get from the experience. Check my full review of Havasupai Lodge here.
Would I Camp at Havasupai Next Time?
Absolutely. Even though I stayed at the lodge this time, hearing Kelly’s stories made me feel like I missed a certain kind of canyon magic that only comes with sleeping under the stars, next to a turquoise creek, surrounded by fellow adventurers.
Camping at Havasupai isn’t about luxury; it’s about being present, connected, and unplugged. If you’re up for the challenge and want to fully immerse yourself in this sacred landscape, the campground offers just that.
And hey, if you ever do it, send me pics and let me know how it went. I might just be planning a camping version of this trip soon myself. 🌿✨
Want more tips and packing help? Check out my full Havasupai hiking guide and don’t miss the Amazon checklist for campers to make sure you’re set for the trail.
Let’s keep chasing waterfalls, always. 💧 If you have more questions after reading this guide, feel free to reach out via Instagram, I’m always happy to help!
