How to Camp in The Grand Canyon Part 5: At Large Camping

At Large Camping is the most difficult and dangerous type of camping in the Grand Canyon. At Large Use Areas are normally in the middle of absolutely nowhere, and require a high level of desert hiking experience and research.

Because of the remoteness of the At Large Use Areas, it is often necessary to walk great distances carrying large amounts of water. In the summer months when the temperatures soar, this can be life-threatening.

All At Large Use Areas require permits from the Grand Canyon's Backcountry Office. 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 Cremation Canyon would pay $40 ($10 + $15 per person).

The attractive thing about At Large Camping is that the permits are often much easier to obtain than Campground or Designated Site permits.

For more information, contact the Grand Canyon Back Country Office.