Havasupai Gardens Campground

Update: In November 2022, Indian Garden was officially renamed Havasupai Gardens ›

Description

Over 3,000 vertical feet below the south rim of the Grand Canyon, a green ribbon of cottonwood trees marks Havasupai Gardens, a lush oasis with flowing water and shade. Native Americans lived and farmed here for thousands of years before Grand Canyon National Park was created. Known to the Supai people as Ha'Gyoh, Havasupai Gardens is now a frequent stop for hikers and mule trains traveling up and down the Bright Angel Trail. At night the foot traffic subsides, and you’re left with a full sky of stars in one of the most remarkable places in the world.

To stay at Havasupai Gardens Campground, you'll need to carry all your gear deep into the Grand Canyon. Every campsite has a shade structure, picnic table, pack pole, and food storage cans. The campground has composting toilets and water spigots. If you have extra time during your stay, consider making the short hike out to Plateau Point (3 miles roundtrip) to see views of the Colorado River.

For backpacking route ideas, check out our Grand Canyon map ›

Reservations/permits

Camping below the rim in the Grand Canyon requires a backcountry permit, which you can get up to four months in advance of your trip. The park receives more requests for backcountry permits each year than it can issue — the earlier you start planning, the better!

There are two ways to get a backcountry permit:

1. Fill out the backcountry request form and mail or fax it to the backcountry office (considered four months out).
2. Visit the backcountry office and get a permit in person (considered for start dates one to three months out).

More information ›

Directions

Havasupai Gardens Campground is about 4.8 miles from the South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail. Accessing the campground requires descending more than 3,000 feet into the Grand Canyon on foot or by mule. The Bright Angel Trailhead is located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim just west of the Bright Angel Lodge near the beginning of the West Rim road shuttle stop.