I know many of you have been to the Grand Canyon. We are trying to plan a family trip  there this year. I would appreciate suggestions for time to go, where to stay, and attractions to see. Thank you, Rose & Mike

If you have AAA card, their travel department has great deals on Grand Canyon tours. I suggest a tour that includes an RV site in Williams, train trip to the Grand Canyon and overnight hotel stay at the canyon. To see all that you should see, you really need a few days at the canyon. So look for a 3 day / 4 night package deal. Also, Bryce and Zion Nat'l Parks are not too far away, they are both worth the trip to see some beautiful geology and natural landscape. If it's warm, Oak Creek Canyon is fun. Creek plus Natural waterslides to keep cool in.

We were there in early May,a little cool in the evening but daytime temps were pleasant. I would stay at the Grand Canyon Railway RV park in Williams. It's a very clean, nice park with nice sites.It is next door to the Railroad that is a must do ride to the Canyon.Many activities close by.If you are at all interested in older cars and memorbilia Downtown Williams is also a must see.

We were there in October 2008 and stayed at the full hookup campground inside the park for $32.02 a night, Grand Canyon Trailer Village. Nighttime temps got to about freezing a couple nights, with days in the 50s and 60s. The shuttle bus came to the campground and we could go anywhere. We had 50AMPs and cable TV and our satelite dish and Verizon aircard worked. It was nice to be in the park, we could go to the nightly ranger program and we really enjoyed our stay.

Edit: Read about our stay - http://www.sacnoth.com/2008/GrandCanyon/GrandCanyon.htm#Grand_Canyon.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Wednesday 12th of January 2011 04:54:05 PM

The Grand Canyon is something to see, but the train ride up from Williams is the best way to enyoy the canyon.

We were at the Grand Canyon in mid-April one year & got caught in a tremendous blizzard.  The entire time we were there, it snowed and the clouds/fog were so low that I never got to see the canyon at all.  I think I'm one of the few people who spent time at the canyon & never saw it!  If I go back, it would be May/June or early fall to avoid the really hot months & avoid the snow!

Cindy T

We were there in April of last year and stayed at the campground without hookups.  The campground was very nice and we could run  a generator in the morning and evening to keep the batteries charged.  We did need the furnace as we received three inches of snow the first night but it created a beautiful view of the canyon later in the day as the sun rose.  I would also recommend staying in the park if possible and planning to spend a few days there to get to fully enjoy the park.  As stated the shuttles run right to the campgrounds.  

We stayed in Trailer Village for 3 weeks in Sep and Oct this year. Trailer Village is run by Zantera so you'll need to contact them for reservations, .... and you'll need reservations as it's a popular spot. The national park campground is nice but sites are shorter than our 40 ft rig would fit in and there weren't any hookups. It was great to actually be in the park with full hookups, cable TV and be able to enjoy it from sunrise to moon set. May and June is also likely a good time to visit. Have fun!!!!

Lance

Here's a second vote for the train ride up to the Canyon...the scenery is lovely and the kid in us just loved the ambush by the bandits on horseback!!! Arriving at the Grand Canyon Station was a different perspective also. Of course, then you can go back on your own to the Canyon...we just love the trains and riding it up from the town of Williams was a treat. The ride thru the Verde Valley on the Verde Canyon Railroad was nice also, if you go to the Cottonwood area. Enjoy...sounds like you have a great trip planned!! hugs!

This is a great thread.  Thanks for starting it.

One question though, Lance, how did you stay in Trailer Village for 3 weeks?  Every time I've tried to make a reservation April through October, they won't take more than 2 weeks.

Sherry, We stayed 2 weeks in Sep, then went up to Bryce and then came back for another week in Oct. Sorry to not be clear on that. It was quite a bit cooler in Oct, but still stayed just above freezing at night.

Lance

Don't forget about the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It's not as touristy as the South Rim but the views are great.

We stayed at the Kabab Camper Village  http://www.kaibabcampervillage.com/ in Jacob Lake and took day trips down to the canyon.

It's much different than the South Rim, but in our opinion, a "must see".

Jim

While you are at the Grand Canyon make sure you go down into the canyon. So many people just look over the edge and the rim can be very crowded. It can feel like a different world a few hundred yards into the Canyon. There are some great trails that are not too difficult, or if you are up to it the mules are a great way to see the canyon. We have done the half-day and the Phantom Ranch overnight.

Have Fun!!

Dental, as being from AZ this would all depend on when your going (high season or not) and which side you want to go with. The south side is VERY populated w/people, more expensive but the viewing is from several areas which is great. If I were you I would not drive my MH, TT or 5'er to the South rim, it is allowed, but duing high season parking is hard to find, staying in Williams is good, then you can either drive up in toad or train. Train is expensive also. Lodging during high season is expensive, this is not a cheap vacation. Now the North rim is different. Not very populated, camping, limited hiking w/children, but lots more open areas to roam. Also on the "grand circle" which is accessible to Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands and Lake Powell. But again think of the time of year, the "grand circle" is VERY populated during high season, the North rim is the exception. Now lodging at the North rim needs to be done by reservation, and soon if during high season. Hope this helps. The Grand Canyon is a sight to behold :) I don't like crowds, so we also go to the North rim, and it is cheaper.