How to Camp in The Grand Canyon Part 4: Designated Sites

Designated sites are camping use areas that get a moderate amount of use. For example, Horseshoe Mesa (located 3 miles down the Grandview Trail) is a fairly popular camping destination, but the area is still far too remote to provide for drinking water, or other facilities (although a simple outdoor toilet does exist at Horseshoe Mesa).

So, in order to lower the environmental impact of hundreds of campers per year, if you want to camp at Horseshoe Mesa, you must camp in a specific area.

Camping in a Designated Site requires a fair amount of research on the part of the camper. There may or may not be any water available (possibilites include springs and creeks) and some areas will have little to no shade. This is a considerable obstacle in the summer months when temperatures below the rim can exceed 115° F (46° C).

All Designated Sites require permits from the Grand Canyon's Backcountry Office. These permits can be difficult to obtain in the busiest times of the year. For whichever month you wish to camp, permits are available on the first of the month four months earlier. For example, a permit for any date in October is available on June 1st, and a permit for any date in June is available February 1st.

Permits cost $10, plus $5 per person per night. For example, two people wanting to spend three nights at Horeseshoe Mesa would pay $40 ($10 + $15 per person).