Airstreaming in Fall at Grand Canyon Nation Park

Where we camped

We stayed in the Trailer Village RV Campground. I would stay here again. However I feel that we could also stay in the non-hookup area with little effort. If we were staying for multiple days a grey and fresh water tote would be desired.

Campground life

Security is good. Security guards are even better. We got a ride from a guard around the park. I don’t remember all the details, but it went something like this: “Hi, what you looking for?” “Ohh we are just walking around to the bus, but we realized we likely to miss this pickup, so we are deciding where to go.” “Which bus were you trying to get on?” “X bus going to Y.” “Jump in, I will take you to the next stop which will get you to Y.” We did jump in, he was fun to talk to and we had a nice time having a security escort.

Grand Canyon

The bus system is awesome They buses run a few different routes on consistent schedules. We used the bus to move through the park and enjoyed the service.

The downside is that much like Zion National Park, if a bus needs to pass, while you are on a bike, the cyclist must come to a complete stop and put a foot down.

With the buses running it does keep normal cars off the roads which is great. The roads to all the lookout points are in excellent condition and I would ride all of them again on the bicycle. Some lookouts require a small hike.

Dog walking

The dog walking/walking paths were great. We did run into lots of semi domesticated deer. They were constantly in the campground and staying close. The construction on the new water treatment and storage area is a requirement. The construction workers and support staff were good about keeping the nuisance factor low. The water restrictions started a few days after we had been on site. BBQs were covered, fires outlawed, showers in campground were closed. A main break to the water supply had caused a water emergency in the park. Which eventually shut the park down a month are so after we left. We were really glad to visit when we could.

Water treatment

The new infrastructure for water treatment and storage will be great to support the park for years to come.

One single well and pipeline supplies the whole park. The pipeline is known as the Transcanyon Waterline. The well and supporting “pipeline” have been in constant service since its installation and have outlived the expected life cycle. The pipeline suffers from constant reliability challenges which are expensive to repair, due to access and frequency of breaks.

The park implements water emergency water restrictions based upon storage levels in their main tank. Based upon info at nps.gov The park engineer is always monitoring the water scenario, when the water height in the storage tank drops below 19ft, water restrictions start, which includes a notice to vendors and visitors to reduce water usage. Under 15ft, the park will shut down camping services like running water, leaving the restrooms open (No fires/wood burning/charcoal is allowed). Under 10ft and the park will shut down the hotel preventing any overnight guests. Under 5ft and the park enters a possible boil water order and visitors are declined entrance into the South Rim. Currently (2026) no water is available at the North Rim.

Some of my favorite warning verbiage exists in the Grand Canyon. “Down is optional, Up is a requirement” What this refers to is hiking in the canyon. Many trails can be traversed without permits or any oversight. The warning is heard loud and clear in my mind. As thinking about the number of people who lazily stroll down the trails, without regard for the climb back out. I am reminded of the old adage, what goes down, must come up (or vice versa).

Campground walks

As is true in most National Parks, Dogs(pets) are allowed in limited areas. We always walk campground loops and paved trails. This keeps us within the rules and it’s fun to walk between the campgrounds. Of course we like meeting people, dogs, and seeing other’s camping configurations.

Destinations

Honestly, any lookout at the Grand Canyon is worth visiting. I did enjoy the Desert View Watchtower. The polished black glass mirrors for viewing of the canyon are unique and it surprised me how clear they made viewing the canyon.

The “fine dining” was not good and was expensive. I would not recommend eating here. The dining room is pretty and the general facility was stunning. It has great views, however the food, drinks, and services just isn’t worth it. In my opinion having a sandwich at any one of the viewing areas will be better.

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