Would You Pay $455 and Hike 10 Miles (One-Way) to Camp for 3 Nights Near These Arizona Waterfalls?
If you want to book a getaway, camping might seem like the cheaper choice compared to most hotels and Airbnbs. However, Simply Wander calls one campground in Arizona the most expensive campground in the United States.
A 2026 campground permit costs $455 per person for three nights, which means a couple would pay almost $1,000, and it doesn’t sound very glamorous.
The campground is on the Havasupai Reservation in Arizona and is administered by the Havasupai Tribe. It operates just outside the boundaries and jurisdiction of Grand Canyon National Park.
If you don’t want to rough it, you can book a room at the Havasupai Lodge for $2,277 for three nights and up to four people.
The $455 Permit Covers 3 Nights
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The $455 permit covers your entrance into the campground, but it doesn’t assign you to a specific spot. Once you get there, you can pitch a tent anywhere within the designated campground area along the creek.
Day hiking is not allowed. Anyone entering for an overnight trip needs a campground or lodge reservation.
The National Park Service warns that summer temperatures can reach 115 degrees and emergency services may not always be quick or available. Flash flooding can also happen and can cause closures.
Getting There Requires a 10-Mile Hike
It isn’t the easy route to get there. Visitors must drive approximately 60 miles from Route 66 to Hualapai Hilltop, then Supai Village is eight miles from the trailhead.
The campground is another two miles beyond Supai, making the total hike 10 miles each way. The view may be worth it and is why some visitors are willing to pay the high price. There are several beautiful blue-green waterfalls and amazing nature views.
Unfortunately, the cancellation policy is not very flexible either. Cancellations made at least 90 days before the trip qualify for a 50% refund, while cancellations within 90 days are nonrefundable. Permits cannot be transferred or resold.
Campers must follow all rules, including removing all trash and gear they bring into the canyon, or they may receive a civil citation and fine.
