Bright Angel Campground
End of the trail
Located 9.9 miles from the South Rim and 14 miles form the North Rim, this is the long, painfully sought destination for backpackers to the river. Located at the bottom of the canyon in the Sonoran Desert Zone, temperatures often exceed 100 F. in the summer, but a dip in the cool Bright Angel Creek offers relief. Each of the 31 campsites have a picnic table, pack pole, and metal storage can required for all food, toiletries, and plastics. With water, toilets, and a ranger station, the camp is open year round.
Phantom Ranch is next door with snack items and meals available. Meals at the lodge must be reserved 15 months in advance by online lottery. Any not sold by lottery are available 13 months ahead at central reservations, 888-297-2757 or 303-297-2757 (outside of the US). Camping limited to 2 nights per hike in the summer, 4 nights in the winter (Nov.–Feb.) and requires a Backcountry Permit. Download the PDF of the permit and fax to 928-638-2125 four months in advance.