Bright Angel Campground

Bright Angel (BA) Campground lies just north of the Colorado River in Bright Angel Canyon. Bright Angel Creek flows down the middle of the canyon, and the campground is stretched out between the west canyon wall and Bright Angel Creek. The other side of the creek is a transportation corridor so mules don't run through the campground.

North Kaibab Trail runs through the middle of the campground, and campsites sit along both sides of the trail. Cottonwood trees provide shade, and riparian vegetation provides privacy between some sites, but campers need to choose between camping by the creek (more scenic) and camping by the cliffs (more private).

Link to map or official NPS website.

The campground is about 0.2 miles long with restrooms (running water and flush toilets) near the middle. At the south end of camp, stone structures that might once have been mule corrals, now serve as covered campsites in the group area. There are about 30 campsites plus 2 group sites, a ranger station, and emergency phone. Phantom Ranch, with so many amenities, is about 0.3 miles north of the campground.

Backpackers reserve a space, but not a specific site, with their overnight permit, so hikers arriving late might find few choices. Each site has a picnic table, a pole for hanging packs off the ground (keeps ground squirrels and ringtails out), and an ammo box or two for storing food and other items that the critters might want to taste.

While camping, the creek is a wonderful place to cool off after the long hike down.