This must-read Havasu Falls camping guide covers everything you need to know – including Havasupai permits, camping fees, what to bring and more!
Camping at Havasu Falls is a magical experience. Located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation about 4 hours from Grand Canyon Village, the blue-green Havasu Falls (and the hike to get there) is an awe-inspiring experience that is a must-see for any avid hiker. The falls are ethereal against the dusty red of the canyon, and the views are stunning!
However, the beauty of the area attracts thousands of visitors each year and reservations fill up fast as a result. There is no way to visit Havasu Falls without a reservation, as day hiking is not allowed, and so the only way to see the area is to book a camping spot.
Havasu Falls Camping Guide: Permits, Fees, Packing Tips & More
The Best Time to Camp at Havasu Falls
While the falls are accessible year-round, summer in Havasu Falls gets very busy and obscenely hot – so hot that hiking can be dangerous and you’ll want to spend most of your time cooling off in the water. July and August also tend to see an uptick in monsoons, thunderstorms, and flash floods.
So, for the best weather and smaller crowds, camping at Havasu Falls during early spring or late fall is your best bet. Early spring will be a little chilly of course and swimming may be a bit unbearable during this time, but the weather will be perfect for hiking. Of course, this all depends on when you can get a reservation and permit for camping.
Havasupai Camping Permits: How to Book
Getting a campsite at Havasu Falls is notoriously difficult as advanced reservations are required and permits tend to sell out the day they go on sale… for the whole year.
To get a campsite at Havasu falls, you’ll first want to create an account at havasupaireservations.com. Then, log in to your account on Friday, February 1st before 8 am (Arizona time), as this is when the sites go on sale for the February through November camping season. Note that thousands of other people will be looking to book at this time, so be ready to refresh your browser as soon as 8 am strikes.
Havaupai Camping Fees
$100 per person per weekday night
$125 per person per weekend night (Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights)
These prices include all necessary permits, fees, and taxes.
How to Get to Havasu Falls Campground
Located on the Hualapai Hilltop, the Havasu Falls trailhead is about a 4-hour drive from Las Vegas, and roughly 5 hours from Phoenix – the two closest major airports.
To get to the trailhead from Las Vegas, take the 93-highway south to Kingman, Arizona, and then continue on east on Route 66. Drive for 57 miles, and then you’ll come to Indian Road 18 — turn left and then drive for 60 miles until you come to the end of the road. You’ve reached the trailhead.
There are bathrooms and a parking lot at the trailhead, and there is a place to camp here near the bathrooms, but there is no water or hookups at this campground.
From the trailhead, the hike to the Havasu Falls campground is about 10 miles one-way. When you start your trek, you’ll notice that the trail begins at a descent that will take you down into Havasu Canyon. The trail can be a little sandy at times and there’s nowhere to stock up on water here, so make sure you bring plenty with you!
After about 7.5 miles you’ll reach the village of Supai where you can grab your wristband and tent tags at the Havasupai Ranger Office. You’ll need to keep your wristband on for the entire duration of your stay in the canyon, and rangers do rounds on the campsite daily to make sure each tent is properly tagged.
From Supai, it’s about a 2-mile hike to the campground.
What to Expect at Havasu Falls Campground
Located partway between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, the Havasu Falls Campground features sites on both sides of the river and are first-come, first-served. The campground runs about a mile down the river, there are four toilets scattered throughout, and many campsites have picnic tables.
Note that the Havasu campground doesn’t have assigned sites, so you’ll be able to park your tent anywhere that’s respectful of other people at the site. Also, while there is a water fountain in the camping area, there are no showers and campfires are not allowed.