Ultimate Havasu Falls Camping Guide: Permits, Fees, Hikes & Essential Tips
Our comprehensive Havasu Falls camping guide details everything you need for a successful trip, including Havasupai permits, fees, packing essentials, and hiking advice.
Camping at Havasu Falls offers a magical escape on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, roughly 4 hours from Grand Canyon Village. The turquoise waters of Havasu Falls contrast strikingly with the red canyon walls, creating stunning vistas that every avid hiker should experience.
With thousands of visitors annually, reservations are essential—day hikes are prohibited, so camping is the only access option.
Best Time to Camp at Havasu Falls
Accessible year-round, Havasu Falls sees peak crowds and extreme heat in summer, making hikes risky and afternoons best spent in the water. July and August bring monsoon risks, including thunderstorms and flash floods.
For ideal weather and fewer crowds, aim for early spring or late fall. Spring mornings may be chilly for swimming but perfect for hiking—availability depends on securing permits.
Booking Havasupai Camping Permits
Securing a Havasu Falls campsite is competitive; permits sell out quickly on release day for the entire season.
Create an account at havasupaireservations.com. Log in before 8 a.m. Arizona time on the designated Friday (typically early February for February-November season). Refresh your browser promptly amid high demand.
Stay flexible with dates and patient. Reservations require exactly 4 days/3 nights, full payment upfront, with no refunds, transfers, or changes.
Havasupai Camping Fees
$100 per person per weekday night
$125 per person per weekend night (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Fees cover all permits, taxes, and entrance costs.
Getting to Havasu Falls Campground
The trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop is 4 hours from Las Vegas or 5 hours from Phoenix.
From Las Vegas: Take Highway 93 south to Kingman, AZ, then east on Route 66 for 57 miles. Turn left onto Indian Road 18 and drive 60 miles to the trailhead.
Facilities include bathrooms and parking; primitive camping nearby lacks water or hookups.
The 10-mile one-way hike descends into Havasu Canyon—sandy in spots, no water sources, so pack plenty. At 7.5 miles, collect wristbands and tent tags at Supai's Havasupai Ranger Office (wear wristband throughout; rangers check daily). Campground is 2 miles farther.
Havasu Falls Campground Overview
Situated between Havasu and Mooney Falls, sites line both riverbanks on a first-come, first-served basis along a 1-mile stretch. Four toilets and some picnic tables available; no assigned sites, showers, or campfires. Respect others when choosing spots. A water fountain provides potable water.
Top Havasupai Hikes
Havasu Falls
Adjacent to the campground; minimal extra walking required. The inbound trail is moderate and maintained—follow the river if needed.
Beaver Falls
Secluded 7-mile round-trip from campground; mostly easy with some steep sections. Spot the cascades after 3.5 miles.
New Navajo Falls
En route from Supai; after 0.5 miles on sandy trail post-village, veer left for a 300-yard path.
Mooney Falls
Tallest falls; 0.5-mile hike with chains for support. Proceed cautiously and savor the scenery.
Expert Havasu Falls Camping Tips
Stay at Hualapai Lodge the night before and start hiking early to avoid heat. For luxury, hike in and helicopter out (arrive by 7 a.m.).
Prohibited: cliff jumping, littering, alcohol, drugs, drones ($1,000 fines). Follow Leave No Trace. Permit processes evolve—check updates. No day hiking allowed.
Secure food to deter wildlife.
Havasu Falls Packing Essentials
Camping Gear: Prioritize lightweight items: backpack, sleeping pad/bag, tent, hammock, camp chair, headlamps, lantern.
Water: Hydration bladder, refillable bottle, purification tablets/filter, collapsible jug (spring water available but prepare fully).
Cooking: Dehydrated meals, camp stove, cookset, bear box.
Toiletries: Sunscreen, bug spray, deodorant, after-bite, wet wipes, biodegradable soap, dry shampoo, sanitizer, first aid kit (bandages, ointments, ibuprofen, etc.).
Clothing: Quick-dry shirts/shorts, pants, socks, swimsuit, towel, hat, rain jacket, sunglasses; fleece, leggings, beanie for cooler times.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes for varied terrain; water shoes for crossings.
Electronics: Power bank, camera, e-reader.
Plan Your Havasu Falls Trip
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