Camp at Bright Angel Campground, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

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While there are plenty of campgrounds available for people visiting the Grand Canyon, those more adventurous might be interested in hiking down into the canyon and camping overnight. This should be planned out a bit in advance as a Backcountry permit is required and the park only issues 13,000 permits a year. Hikers can stay overnight with a permit issued by the Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Information Center. Overnight use of the campgrounds is regulated by the National Park Service, and they call for a maximum number of groups (7 to 11 people) and parties (1 to 6 people), as well as a maximum total number of persons. Bright Angel Campground is 1/2 mile north of the Colorado River, and sits along Bright Angel Creek. The campground is less than 1/2 mile from Phantom Ranch. The area is characterized by the river delta where Bright Angel Creek meets the Colorado River. There is a ranger station, emergency phone, pay phones, year-round potable water, and toilets. To reach this campground you can travel: South Kaibab Trail (and cross the black bridge) from the South Rim (14 miles (22.5km) roundtrip, 4700ft (1430m) elevation gain) Bright Angel Trail (and cross the silver bridge) from the South Rim (19 miles (30.6km) roundtrip, 4340ft (1320m) elevation gain) North Kaibab Trail from the North Rim (28.0mi (45.1km) roundtrip, 5740ft (1750m) elevation gain) Every campsite at Bright Angel Campground has a picnic table, pack pole, and metal food storage can. All food, toiletries, and plastics must be placed inside the food storage can. The showers at Phantom Ranch are NOT available to campers. Use permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the park's Backcountry Information Center. Requests are taken beginning on the 1st day of the month, up to four months before the requested first night of camping. Cottonwood trees shade Bright Angel Campground and the creek is a wonderful place to cool off. Deer, ringtail cats, gray foxes, and squirrels are often seen. Popular activities include relaxing, wading in Bright Angel Creek, stargazing, fishing, and day hiking. Day hike destinations include the River Trail and Phantom Overlook. Seasonal ranger programs are offered. Snack items and meals are available for purchase at Phantom Ranch Lodge. (meals must be reserved in advance 303-297-2757). Get more information on obtaining a permit here: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

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