Fantastic primitive campground! We stayed in Blackbear loop, site b10, a pull through site. Nice shade, lots of room, and a clean picnic table and fire ring. The camp hosts are so helpful and nice. Exceptionally clean park!
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
May–June & Sept for mild temps; arrive before noon to secure first‑come sites
Open
Daily 00:00–24:00 (seasonal)
Price Range
$ (Standard Nonelectric Site: $20/night; Group Loop: $50/night; Extra Vehicle: $10/night)
Time Needed
1-2 nights recommended for a full experience.
Parking
One vehicle per site; limited overflow near host
Ideal For
70 single sites, 3 group loops, drinking water, vault toilets, and ranger programs in summer.
Kat and Lee were our hosts on Elk Loop. They were amazing! We had a minor accident and they were an enormous help. They kept the park very well maintained. This spot is highly recommended!
In my opinion this is one of the best hidden gems of a campground you can find. It is just a few minutes outside of the Grand Canyon south entrance. There are abundant trees and shade for tent campers, with a very nice smattering of sunny sites for those of us who use solar panels and Starlink on our travel trailers. The sites are clean, spacious, and my experience there has always been one of peace and quiet. Elk and deer frequent the campground. Perhaps the best part is that is always uncrowded, despite the location and beautiful setting. Our most recent trip was on the 4th of july week and there were only a few sites being used. I can't wrap my head around why anyone would want to camp within the park, which is crowded, noisy, expensive, with small sites, when you can camp here for only $20 per night.
This a beautiful campground, large well spaced camp sites. The bathrooms are clean. We’ve had a lovely stay and have enjoyed the spacious quiet. It is very close to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, this is a hidden gem!
Very nice stay! Clean camp sites with plenty of restrooms. Great for inexperienced campers
Why Visit Tusayan – Montane
Forest‑shaded, quiet campground 4 mi from Grand Canyon South Rim; 70 single sites, 3 group loops, drinking water, vault toilets, and ranger programs in summer.
Highlights
Ponderosa‑pine setting at 6,600 ft keeps nights cool
Ranger‑led evening talks at the on‑site amphitheater (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
Quick 10‑min drive to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Entrance
Description
Ten‑X Campground (now officially Tusayan‑Montane) offers a peaceful base outside the park’s busy core. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and parking spurs long enough for most RVs (no hookups). Potable water spigots and vault toilets are centrally located; firewood is usually sold by the camp host. A short nature trail (#42) begins near the entrance, winding through tall pines rich with wildflowers and birdlife. Pets are welcome on leash, and quiet hours run 10 pm–6 am. Reservations are strongly recommended for peak summer weekends, while mid‑week shoulder‑season stays often find open first‑come sites.
History
1970s
Campground constructed by Kaibab National Forest to ease South Rim overflow.
1987
Amphitheater added for nightly interpretive programs.
2002
Campsite spurs repaved; accessible sites created.
2013
New potable‑water system installed.
2020
Closed briefly due to COVID‑19 restrictions.
2024
Renamed Tusayan‑Montane (formerly Ten‑X) by USDA Forest Service.
Features
70 single‑family campsites (up to 8 people/site)
3 reservable group loops (up to 100 people)
Picnic tables, fire rings & BBQ grates
Drinking water spigots (no hookups)
Vault toilets (ADA accessible)
Amphitheater with summer ranger talks
Nature trail #42 (0.5 mi)
Camp host & firewood sales (seasonal)
Pet friendly (leash required)
Trash & recycling receptacles
Getting There
Car: From Williams, take I‑40/US‑180 north 54 mi to Tusayan; continue 2 mi south on AZ‑64, turn east at signed entrance. Shuttle/Bus: No direct transit; Tusayan seasonal shuttle stops 2 mi north. Air: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (75 mi) is the nearest commercial airport; rental cars available.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Arrive before noon for first‑come sites; they fill quickly on weekends.
02Be prepared
Bring cash or card for firewood; collecting dead wood is prohibited.
03Local tip
Nights drop below 40 °F even in July
pack warm layers.
04Save time
Cell service (Verizon/AT&T) is spotty; download maps offline.
05Stay connected
Use bear‑resistant food storage practices; ravens and elk raid coolers.
What to Expect
- A peaceful camping experience with forest shade.
- Limited services within the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sites have RV hookups?
No. Ten‑X offers dry camping only; no electric, water, or sewer hookups.
Are campfires allowed?
Yes, in provided rings unless forest‑wide fire restrictions are in effect.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are welcome on leash; owners must clean up after them.
Is potable water available year‑round?
Water is turned on only during the open season (May–Sep).
How far is the Grand Canyon entrance gate?
About 4 miles (10 minutes) north on AZ‑64.
