Havasupai Gardens - Image 1
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Havasupai Gardens

4.8
·182 reviews·Grand Canyon Village, United States

A shaded oasis campground in the Grand Canyon, featuring a creek and cottonwood trees, offering stunning night skies.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures for hiking

CrowdMedium
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Havasupai Gardens - Image 1

Havasupai Gardens

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures for hiking

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A shaded oasis campground in the Grand Canyon, featuring a creek and cottonwood trees, offering stunning night skies.

4.8
(182 reviews)

"Best trip of my life so far! Such a wonderful experience! Campground was beautiful!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack Extra Water 💧

Always carry more water than you think you'll need. Refill stations can be unreliable .

Permit is Mandatory

You MUST have a permit to camp here. Bookings are extremely competitive.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Oasis Creek

The Oasis Creek

Havasupai Gardens Campground

A refreshing creek winds through the campground, offering a cool respite amidst the desert heat.

Shaded Cottonwood Trees

Shaded Cottonwood Trees

Havasupai Gardens Campground

Lush cottonwood trees provide much-needed shade, creating a unique, verdant environment.

Stargazing Paradise

Stargazing Paradise

Havasupai Gardens Campground

Experience an unparalleled night sky, with stars so clear they feel within reach.

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Planning Your Visit

Permits are Essential

Securing a permit is non-negotiable for camping at Havasupai Gardens. Reservations are highly competitive and often booked months in advance. Plan your trip well ahead of time and be prepared for a lottery system or waitlist.

Water Strategy is Key

While Havasupai Gardens has a creek and water stations, conditions can change. Always carry ample water, especially for the strenuous hike back up. Stashing extra water along the trail can be a lifesaver, as one traveler noted.Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Less crowded, cooler temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Hiking deep into the Grand Canyon to the Havasupai campground.

Pack Extra Water 💧

Always carry more water than you think you'll need. Refill stations can be unreliable.Reddit

Permit is Mandatory

You MUST have a permit to camp here. Bookings are extremely competitive.

reddit.com

Route suggestions with 1 night permit at Havasupai Gardens in April?

reddit.com

Havasupai Hike/Camp Trip

Trekking Poles Recommended

Aid your descent and ascent on the Bright Angel Trail with trekking poles.

Mule Deer Sightings

Keep an eye out for friendly mule deer, especially in the mornings!

reddit.com

Question about Havasupai Gardens Campground

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack Extra Water 💧

Always carry more water than you think you'll need. Refill stations can be unreliable.Reddit

Permit is Mandatory

You MUST have a permit to camp here. Bookings are extremely competitive.

Trekking Poles Recommended

Aid your descent and ascent on the Bright Angel Trail with trekking poles.

Mule Deer Sightings

Keep an eye out for friendly mule deer, especially in the mornings!

What Travellers Say

4.8
(182 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently describe Havasupai Gardens as a 'best trip of my life' experience, highlighting its beauty as a shaded oasis with a creek and stunning night skies. While the hike is challenging, the reward of this unique campground is widely praised. Some note the potential for water stations to be turned off, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency.

"Best trip of my life so far! Such a wonderful experience!Campground was beautiful! Was greeted with some mule deer in the morning to put the cherry on the top of this amazing place! There are no words to describe the night sky and stars. I felt like I could reach out and touch them! Wanted to camp in an undeveloped part…remember if you camp here you need a permit!"

Jesse Palladino

"A nice rest place after getting all the way down from the top of the hiking trail, it is almost the bottom of Grand Canyon Valley. It is 3rd rest stop with outhouse and 4.5 miles from the top of Bright Angle hiking trail. It is nice to go down but harder to go back up. We hiked in December and refill station at every outhouse (one in every 1.5 miles); however, water was turned off at around 1pm 😳. So be prepared to have enough water to go back up because it is harder to go back up."

Huyen Kay

"A nice resting point on the Bright Angel Trail. We rested here for a few minutes after trekking through the Tonto Trail from the Tipoff Point on the South Kaibab Trail."

Rosie Jones

What People Like

Beautiful oasis setting
Shaded campground
Incredible night sky

What People Dislike

Strenuous hike
Inconsistent water stations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Havasupai Gardens is located within the Grand Canyon National Park, accessible via the Bright Angel Trailhead. The hike down is approximately 4.5 miles. Be prepared for a strenuous descent and an even more challenging ascent.Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the Grand Canyon Village, near the Bright Angel Trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider using the park shuttle system.

No, Havasupai Gardens is a campground accessible only by hiking. No vehicles are allowed to drive directly to the campground.

The hike down the Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Gardens is about 4.5 miles. It's a well-maintained trail but involves significant elevation change. The return hike is considerably more challenging.

Yes, the Grand Canyon National Park offers a free shuttle service that stops at various points in the Grand Canyon Village, including near the Bright Angel Trailhead.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Absolutely. A permit is required for all overnight stays at Havasupai Gardens campground. These permits are highly sought after and must be reserved in advance, often through a lottery system.Reddit

Permits are typically released on a lottery basis or through a reservation system on the official Havasupai Tribe website. Keep a close eye on their announcements for booking windows.

Havasupai Gardens is a campground and is accessible 24/7 for permit holders. However, the hike in and out is best done during daylight hours.

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Grand Canyon National Park. This fee is separate from your Havasupai Gardens camping permit.

It is highly unlikely to secure a permit upon arrival. Permits are almost always required to be booked far in advance due to high demand.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Havasupai Gardens offers basic amenities including outhouses, picnic tables, and access to a creek. There are also water refill stations, though their reliability can vary.Reddit

Yes, there are water refill stations. However, it's crucial to check current conditions and always carry sufficient personal water supply, as water availability can be inconsistent.Reddit

Yes, the creek running through Havasupai Gardens is a popular spot for cooling off and swimming. It's a beautiful oasis in the desert.

No, Havasupai Gardens is a primitive campground. There are no stores, restaurants, or other services available on-site. You must bring all your supplies.

You might encounter mule deer, especially in the mornings. Various birds and small desert creatures are also common.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities at Havasupai Gardens. You must bring all your food and be prepared to cook or eat it cold. Plan your meals carefully.

Pack non-perishable, lightweight food items that require minimal preparation. Consider dehydrated meals, energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit.

While bears are not typically an issue in this specific area, it's always wise to store food properly to deter rodents and other small animals. Use sealed containers and keep food away from your tent.

Campfires are generally not permitted at Havasupai Gardens to protect the fragile environment. Always check current fire restrictions with the park service.

Pack out all trash, including food scraps. Leave no trace. Utilize designated trash receptacles if available, or carry it back out with you.

📸 📸 Photography

The creek winding through the cottonwood trees offers beautiful, lush scenes. The night sky is also spectacular for astrophotography.Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows. The night sky is, of course, best after dark.

For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or videography, you will need to obtain specific permits from the park.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive desert landscapes and the oasis. A tripod is essential for night sky photography.

Drone usage is strictly prohibited within Grand Canyon National Park, including at Havasupai Gardens, for safety and environmental reasons.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Havasupai Gardens offers a unique family adventure, but requires careful planning. The hike down the Bright Angel Trail is manageable for older children with good stamina, but the return hike can be very challenging. Ensure kids are well-hydrated and take frequent breaks. The creek provides a fantastic natural playground for cooling off, and the shaded campground is a comfortable base. Remember to pack plenty of kid-friendly snacks and entertainment for downtime. The chance to see mule deer can be a highlight for younger visitors.Reddit

🎒 Backpackers & Hikers

For experienced backpackers, Havasupai Gardens is a rewarding destination. The 4.5-mile hike is a solid workout, especially the ascent. Travelers recommend stashing water for the climb back up.Reddit The campground offers a comfortable respite with shade and water access, allowing for recovery before continuing your journey or heading back to the rim. The opportunity to explore further into the canyon from this point makes it a strategic stop.

🌌 Stargazers & Nature Lovers

Havasupai Gardens is a dream for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility. The night sky is exceptionally clear, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities that reviewers rave about.Reddit The oasis-like setting with its creek and cottonwood trees provides a serene environment for nature appreciation. The chance to witness wildlife like mule deer adds to the immersive experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hike to Havasupai Gardens

The journey to Havasupai Gardens is an integral part of the experience, primarily via the Bright Angel Trail. This trail descends approximately 4.5 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While the descent can be managed by many, it's crucial to remember that the hike back up is significantly more strenuous and requires good physical condition. Travelers often advise stashing extra water along the trail for the return journey.Reddit The trail is well-maintained but can be steep in sections, with switchbacks offering dramatic views as you descend into the canyon.

Consider the time of year for your hike. Summer months can bring extreme heat, making early morning or late afternoon hikes essential. Winter can bring ice and snow to the upper portions of the trail, requiring appropriate footwear and gear. The presence of rest houses with outhouses along the Bright Angel Trail provides some comfort, but water availability can be inconsistent, especially in colder months when stations might be turned off.Reddit

For those seeking a different perspective, the Tonto Trail can be used to connect from the South Kaibab Trail, offering a longer but potentially less crowded route. Regardless of the path chosen, proper preparation, including adequate water, snacks, and sturdy footwear, is paramount for a safe and enjoyable trek to this desert oasis.

Camping at Havasupai Gardens

Havasupai Gardens is a designated campground that offers a unique camping experience within the Grand Canyon. Unlike the rugged, undeveloped campsites found elsewhere, this location is a true oasis, complete with shade from cottonwood trees and the soothing sound of a running creek. This lush environment provides a stark and beautiful contrast to the surrounding desert landscape, making it a highly sought-after camping spot.Reddit

Campers should be aware that this is a primitive campground. While there are outhouses and water stations, amenities are basic. You'll need to bring all your own camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and food. The campground can accommodate group sites, making it suitable for larger parties.Reddit The presence of mule deer in the morning is a common and delightful sight for campers.Reddit

Due to its popularity, securing a camping permit for Havasupai Gardens is extremely challenging. Reservations are often made months in advance, and many visitors rely on cancellations or the lottery system. Planning well ahead and being persistent in your booking efforts are key to experiencing this remarkable desert campground.

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