Havasu Falls Camping: Must-Know Planning Tips

Havasu Falls and the surrounding area on the Havasupai Reservation is one of the most special places I have ever visited. I’ve been twice now, and both times my mind was blown.

The creekside campground is central to five incredible and massive waterfalls with turquoise swimming holes around every corner – all surrounded by vibrant orange cliffs that the Grand Canyon region is known for.

If camping at Havasu Falls is on your bucket list, there are some important things to know before you go. In this post, I share my best Havasu Falls camping tips based on my two experiences there, so you are prepared to have the best trip possible.

Read these other Havasu Falls Posts:

Havasu Falls Campground Basics

The Havasu Falls Campground is located 10 miles from the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead, and two miles past the Supai Village located on the Havasupai Reservation. Here is what to expect when you arrive at the Havasu Falls Campground.

Finding a Good Campsite

The camping area at Havasupai is about a mile long and sits between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. Do not expect solitude at the campground. The Havasu Falls campground can accommodate 300 campers, so you will have neighbors.

There are no assigned sites. The campsites are first-come-first-serve and are scattered throughout the designated camping area. If you are concerned about getting a prime campsite, get an early start on your Havasu Falls hike from the trailhead.

A majority of the campsites sit directly on both sides of Havasu Creek which runs through the campground. I personally think that the right side of the Creek (opposite of the trail) is better. Since it’s further from the main trail, it’s a little quieter and has less foot traffic cruising through. The only thing downside is access can be a bit tricky with limited footbridges to cross.

Both times I visited Havasu Falls, the crowds seemed thinner the closer you got to Mooney Falls. The only disadvantage of being closer to Mooney Falls toward the end of the campground is that the drinking water spigot is located near the start of the campground. So anytime you need to fill up, you’ll have a longer walk.

Most of the campsites have picnic tables, but not all of them.

A helpful tip is if you aren’t stoked on your campsite the first night, you can always move to a new campsite on day two. I saw many groups do this after people packed up and left on their final day.

The campground is busy and you’ll likely be within eye and ear sight of your neighbors. So don’t be inconsiderate and yell all night at your campsite or blast loud music (like some of my neighbors did).

Campsite with tent set up behind tree and tarp over picnic table with gear laid out on top of it

Bathroom Facilities

There are four composting toilet facilities evenly spaced throughout the campground, and during both of my visits they were surprisingly clean with plenty of toilet paper (although it’s not a bad idea to pack some just in case). There are NO showers.

If you have to pee in the middle of the night, please make the trek to the toilets and don’t just pee at your campsite. With all of the people who are camping here, if everyone did that, the campsites would be smelly and gross. If this is going to be an issue for you, bring a jug to pee in and dump it in the toilets in the morning.

Campfires

Campfires are not allowed in the Havasu Falls camping area or anywhere on the Havasupai Reservation.

Drinking Water

There is potable water available in the Havasupai campground. You will need to bring vessels to transport your water back to your campsite. If you don’t want to constantly walk back and forth to the spigot, I recommend bringing a water storage bag. Don’t do dishes or use soap here.

Fresh water spring at Havasu Falls campground

Wildlife

Watch out for marmots and squirels. They are sneaky and will get into your food if it’s left out where they can get to it. The first time I was there, a rodent chewed through my friend’s backpack and ate her lunch when we were swimming at Fifty Foot Falls.

Then last time I was there, I saw squirrels hopping two off the ground onto people’s bags hanging from a tree. They then ate right through the backpacks to get to the food inside.

They will even chew through your tent to get to you food (believe me, I saw that happen too)! These little buggers are pretty relentless, and as a result, bear canisters are now required for all campers.

When you leave your camp to go for a swim or a hike, make sure to leave all of your food and scented items in a bear canister outside of your tent.

Trash

There are signs everywhere throughout Havasu Falls that ask you to pack out your trash. I was disgusted to see people leaving garbage bags of trash by the bathrooms and piled by the ranger station despite all this signage. There are also people leaving camping gear, nearly empty fuel canisters, and discarded water shoes at the ranger station. This behavior is not okay — please be respectful and pack out ALL of your trash and camping supplies.

All of the trash that you choose to leave behind has to be helicoptered out by the Havasupai Tribe. So please don’t be lazy and leave your food or any other trash at the campsites or in the restrooms.

Photography Rules

Havasu Falls is a photographer’s paradise. It’s literally impossible to take a bad photo and it’s a great place to practice if you want to improve your camera skills.

However, drones are NOT allowed on the Havasupai reservation. Everyone down there is trying to enjoy nature, and drones are loud and disturb the peace.

Also, the Tribe asks that you don’t take photos of the locals or while in the village. So you can leave your camera in your pack while you’re passing through.

Hammock set up between two trees at Havasupai in Arizona next to blue water pool

Other Havasupai Camping Rules

It’s important to remember that the Havasupai tribe doesn’t have to let tourists into Havasupai to visit these falls. Recognize that we are visitors in their home and it’s a privilege to be there, not a right. Be respectful of the rules and their land, and be friendly, just as they are to us. Here are some other rules that you need to follow on the Havasupai Reservation:

Follow Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace in order to keep the campground and the falls clean for everyone to enjoy.
Noise: Be respectful of other campers and watch your noise at night. Loud banter or music travels fast in the canyon and is an easy way ruin your neighbor’s trip. Quiet hours are from 8pm to 5am. When I was there, people were soooo loud and inconsiderate of others. Don’t be like those people.
No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the Havasupai Reservation (even for Tribal Members). So leave that whisky and weed at home.
No dogs or pets are allowed
No pool floaties are allowed. During my two camping trips to Havasupai, I was horrified at the number of pool floaties left behind – there were at least 5 damaged float toys sitting at the base of Mooney Falls. Due to the number of abandoned floaties, the Tribe has now banned the use of floats, noodles, and other pool toys at any of the Havasupai Falls.
No cliff jumping: I recently saw a video of people jumping off the top of the falls. This is CLEARLY against the Tribe’s rules, not to mention dangerous.
Due to its remote location, this is not a place you want to get hurt, so do everyone a favor and don’t go cliff jumping. There are signs EVERYWHERE reminding people of this rule.

Abandoned pool floats at Havasu Falls in Arizona. Pool floats are not allowed in Havasupai — Due to the number of abandoned pool floaties, pool toys are no longer allowed at Havasupai.

Havasu Falls Camping Permits

Advanced permits are required in order to camp at Havasu Falls. You must secure one online through the Havasupai Reservations website and pick up your permit in person at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn near Seligman, which is 90 miles from the Trailhead.

→ For more details, see my Havasu Falls Permit Guide.

Don’t think you’ll be able to sneak in – permits are highly regulated at Havasupai. There is a guard stationed on the road about 5 miles from the trailhead who checks permits for every person in your group. Additionally, each vehicle must have a copy of their reservation displayed in their window.

Tent at campsite next to turquoise Havasu Creek

How to Get to the Havasu Falls Campground

There are two ways to get to the Havasu Falls Campground. A majority of people hike since helicopter rides are not guaranteed. I would suggest that you should plan a trip to the Havasu Falls campground unless you are willing and able to hike.

Hiking

The main way that most people get to the Havasu Falls campground is by hiking. It’s 10 miles each way. The hike in is long, but fairly easy as it’s all downhill. The hike back to the car is more challenging due to the 2,200 feet of elevation gain and the sun exposure.

→ Check out my Havasu Falls Hiking Guide for everything you need to know to prepare for the hike to the campground.

The top of Havasu Falls pouring down into a turquoise pool — The top of Havasu Falls right before the entrance to the campground

Helicopter

If you’d rather not hike to or from Havasu Falls, there’s a first-come, first-serve helicopter that leaves from both the Hilltop Trailhead and the landing pad in Supai Village.

It’s operated by a private company called Airwest Helicopters. It flies from March 15 to October 15 on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays, and the rest of the year it only flies Sundays and Fridays. Call (623) 516-2790 for the latest info.

In the past, it cost $100/person (tack on a $10 fee if paying by credit card), and you are allowed to bring one bag on the helicopter up to 40lbs.

The thing is they don’t take reservations, and it’s not guaranteed you will be able to use it. Locals and Tribe Members get first priority, and the helicopter doesn’t fly in bad weather. This means that you shouldn’t rely on the helicopter, and you should always be prepared to get to the campground by foot if you don’t make it on the chopper.

While I’ve personally never taken the helicopter, when BFT contributor Courtney Stephenson visited, she took the helicopter out to save time and energy for the drive home. She started the hike from the campground to the village at 5:30am and was #9 in line for a ride out.

Flights begin around 10am so be prepared to arrive early and wait around. The helicopter takes 6 passengers at the time, and based on the number of locals, she ended up on the 3rd ride out of the day, arriving back to her car by 11am.

I imagine if you’re trying to fly out in peak summer heat, you need to arrive even earlier and be prepared to wait for hours. They will continue flying until everyone is accommodated or until it gets dark.

Courtney said that taking the helicopter was a unique experience (what other backpacking trip can you take a helicopter out of?!) with stunning views of the canyon.

Havasu Falls Camping Itinerary

Permits for camping at Havasu Falls are good for 3 nights / 4 days. So how should you spend your time? Luckily there is so much more to do than visiting Havasu Falls. There are a total of 5 waterfalls in Havasu Canyon that are worth exploring on your camping trip.

Here is an itinerary for your Havasu Falls camping trip:

Day 1 – Hike from Hilltop to Havasu Falls Campground
Day 2 – Day hike to Mooney and Beaver Falls: This is a 7-mile round-trip hike and is a must! Plan for the whole day. Bring a day pack with water, lunch, a lightweight towel, sun protection, and a swimsuit. Also, wear a quality pair of water shoes. Don’t wear flip-flops!
Day 3 – Explore Havasu, Navajo and Fifty Foot Falls: It’s nice to have a mellow day to rest your legs since you’ll have a long hike out on day 4. Of course, you should swim at Havasu Falls, but for a quieter experience head 1 mile back towards the village to explore Fifty Foot and Navajo Falls. Bring everything you packed on day 2.
Day 4 – Hike from Havasu Falls Campground back to Hilltop

Two people walking in the turqoise water in front of Mooney Falls — The base of Mooney Falls

The base of Beaver Falls. Told you it’s magical!

What Camping Gear to Pack

For your 4-day / 3-night trip to Havasupai, you need to pack in AND OUT all of your gear and supplies. This includes food, supplies, trash, and camping gear.

→ For a complete list of what hiking and camping gear you need for Havasu Falls, check out my full Havasu Falls Packing Checklist.

You’ll want the basics (tent, sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, cooking gear, water filter, etc) plus gear for hiking and swimming at the falls, and a bear canister to protect your food.

Water is available at the campground. There is a small store in the village of Supai where you can get basic snacks and drinks, but don’t rely on supplies here.

You’ll want to check the weather ahead of your trip, so you can plan accordingly. A tarp to hang over your picnic table isn’t a bad idea, and a hammock is a nice way to relax at your campsite.

Download my Free Havasu Falls Packing Checklist to your phone so you can make sure you don’t forget anything!

Tent set up at Havasupai Campground at night with twilight skies overhead — Our campsite during my second Havasu Falls camping trip

Best Time to Camp at Havasu Falls

The best time to camp at Havasu Falls depends on what you want to do there. Do you want to swim? Or do you want to avoid the crowds? Here are the pros and cons of visiting Havasu Falls in the different months:

February, March, and November

Pros: Less competitive to get a permit, fewer people, more comfortable (and safer) hiking temperatures
Cons: Variable weather and cold for swimming. The normal high in these months is 50s-60s and the average low gets down into the 30s. It also gets dark earlier.

April, May, and October

Pros: Typically great weather for hiking and comfortable for swimming. April, May, and October are also some of the least rainy months of the year. You can expect highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s.
Cons: Because these are prime weather months, it is more difficult to get a permit, and the campground will be busier.

June, July, August, and September

Pros: Temperatures start to really heat up in June, with the average high in July reaching 104 degrees. By September, the average high has dropped slightly to 96 degrees. Hot weather means you can sit and hang out in the water all day, and nights at the campground are comfortable. This also means you can pack lighter and leave the warm puffy jacket and other layers at home.
Cons: Hot temps mean hiking could be miserable and potentially even dangerous. In the heat of summer, people get up at 4am to begin the hike out and sun protection is essential. This is also monsoon season.

A note about monsoon season: Monsoon season in Arizona typically runs from mid-June through September. Havasu Canyon has historically seen flooding, including dangerous flash floods. Be prepared by checking the weather forecast, complying with rules and regulations, and paying attention to any alerts from the Rangers.

Man standing on trail in Havasu canyon surrounded by lush green vegetation and tall red rock cliffs — Hiking in spring to Beaver Falls was unbelievably lush and green

I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable camping trip to Havasupai! It’s one of the most special places I’ve ever camped, and I’m sure you will love it too!