Planning a Camping Trip to Havasu Falls? This Is the Only Guide You’ll Need

I’ve been lucky enough to backpack to Havasu Falls twice, and each trip was an unforgettable adventure.

This iconic Havasu Falls hike, located on Havasupai tribal land, is a bucket list destination for many outdoor lovers. The trail is 10 miles each way, departing from Hualapai Hilltop in Arizona where you descend into a steep canyon and travel through a dry sandy wash all the way to paradise.

It’s a long hike carrying your backpacking gear, but once you arrive and take off your pack, you’ll be rewarded with five incredible waterfalls, turquoise swimming holes around every corner, and relaxing creekside camping.

If Havasu Falls camping is on your bucketlist, there are some important things to know before you go. In this post I cover:

Trail map (with GPS file) and details and how to prepare for the 10-mile hike to the campground
My suggested itinerary for making the most of your backpacking trip
How to get a Havasu Falls permit with the process being so competitive
The backpacking gear you need for the actual hike, exploring the waterfalls, and for an enjoyable camping experience
Everything you should know about the campground and tips for getting a good campsite
The best time to visit Havasu Falls
How to Leave No Trace and be a responsible and respectful visitor to the Havasupai Reservation
How to get to Havasu Falls without hiking

This post is a lengthy one, but by the time you’re done reading, you’ll feel confident, excited, and prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking trip to Havasu Falls!

Read these other Havasu Falls Posts:

Havasu Falls Hiking Map and GPS File

Below is the trail map that I created for my Havasu Falls hike. If you have a GPS, you can download the Havasu Falls GPS file here for free and upload it to your GPS. If you don’t have a GPS, Gaia premium is $4.99 a month and will allow you to access this map on your phone when you are offline.

Havasu Falls 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 my suggested itinerary for a perfect 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!
Day 3 – Explore Havasu, Navajo and Fifty Foot Falls:
Day 4 – Hike from Havasu Falls Campground back to Hilltop

Havasu Falls Trail Description

Trail Stats

Distance: 20 miles round trip (not including day hikes to lower falls)
Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: +/- 2,200 feet
Time: 4-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Trailhead: Hualapai Hilltop

The total distance to the Havasu Falls campground is approximately 10 miles one way. The trail begins at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot at an elevation of 5,200 feet.

From the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead, the trail begins an immediate 800-foot descent over the first mile, dropping you into Havasu Canyon which you can see below.

The hike on the way in is long but not too difficult and the initial descent is on a well-maintained series of switchbacks.

Once you reach the wash, the trail follows a dry river bed for the next 6.5 miles, gradually dropping another 1,200 feet. Here, the hiking can be a bit slow due to the sandy gravel, but the trail is very easy to follow.

If at any point you think you’ve lost the trail, just keep following the river bed until you meet back up with the worn path.

As you get closer to the Supai Village, the canyon chokes up and gets narrower. Here we were able to get some reprieve from the sun.

At 6.2 miles, you’ll reach an intersection with the Supai Trail and Havasu Creek. Here you’ll turn left. Soon you’ll start to see homes belonging to the Havasupai people. Stay on the trail and follow the signs to the village.

At mile 7.5, you’ll enter Supai village. No photos or videos are allowed in this area, and there may be signs asking you to wear a face mask as you walk through the village. Please be respectful and obey the current wishes of the Havasupai Tribe.

In the village, once you get to the Village Market, the road turns left. Continue on here and follow any signs pointing you towards the campground.

Hikers on a desert trail to Havasu Falls

Once you pass through the Supai village, it’s another 2 miles and 150 feet of elevation loss down to the Havasupai campground.

Before you get to Havasu Falls, you’ll pass two other waterfalls at the halfway point – Fifty Foot Falls and Navajo Falls. These are located one mile from the Supai Village and one mile from the Havasu Falls campground.

Depending on the time of day, you might consider stopping to explore. If it’s getting late, you can skip these and come back to enjoy them on another day of your trip.

From Navajo Falls, it’s one more mile to the campground. First you’ll cross Havasu Creek on a bridge. Then as you approach the campground, the trail hugs the left side of Havasu Creek where it spills over Havasu Falls. This is a great vantage point of the waterfall and the pools below.

Swimming at Navajo Falls on the havasupai reservation

Top of Mooney Falls in Havasupai pouring into turquoise pool of water

Here, I suggest taking a couple of photos but rather than stopping, continue another quarter mile to the entrance to Havasu Campground so you find a good campsite and drop your pack.

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

You’ll have plenty of time to explore the other Havasupai waterfalls over the next couple of days, but if you’re eager to see what you’re in for, the view point looking down on Mooney Falls is just a few minutes hike from the campsites.

Havasu Falls Hiking Tips

Here are a few important tips that will help you have a more enjoyable hike to and from the Havasu Falls campground.

Water availability: There is no water available at the trailhead or anywhere on the trail, so make sure you pack enough to make it all 10 miles to the campground. Same goes for the way out. There are bathrooms at the trailhead.
Start early: The trail has no shade, and the earlier you arrive to the Havasu Falls campground, the more campsites you’ll have to choose from. On the way back out, I suggest starting before sunrise to avoid hiking up the steepest part in the mid-day heat. For reference, the hike out took my hiking buddies and I around 6.5 hours (40 minutes per mile). Alternatively, the trail is open 24 hours a day, so if you are there in summer, you can also hike out in the dark when it’s much cooler. Just make sure your headlamp is fully charged if you choose this route.
Pack horses: Horses/mules have right of way on the trail so please step off the trail when you see them. Be alert and if you hike with earbuds in, consider leaving one out so you can hear them approaching.
Waterfall appearance: The different waterfalls on the Havasupai Reservation may look different than the photos here. Flash floods can dramatically alter the landscapes from year to year. The color of the water can even change depending on the time of day and whether it’s sunny out.
Sun Protection: With the lack of shade, make sure you have adequate sun protection. I always backpack in a long-sleeved sun shirt and a wide-brimmed hat.

Group of hikers on a trail next to pack mules

What to Expect at the Havasu Falls Campground

The Havasu Falls campground is quite big and runs more than half a mile along the trail between Havasu and Mooney Falls below. There are spots on both sides of the creek, so I when I was there, I really poked around before settling on a spot.

Do not expect solitude at the campground. The Havasu Falls campground can accommodate 300 campers, so you will have neighbors and some of them may be close.

Tent at campsite next to turquoise Havasu Creek

Here is what you should expect:

Campsites: There are no assigned sites, and while there’s really no bad sites…but some are better than others. Start your hike as early as possible to have more options. I thought the best sites required crossing Havasu Creek. This side is quieter and has less food traffic. The crowds also seemed thinner closer to Mooney Falls, which is further from the drinking water spigot. Most of the campsites have picnic tables, but not all of them.
Bathrooms: There are four composting toilet facilities evenly spaced throughout the campground, and they were surprisingly clean during both of my visits. They also had toilet paper, but it’s not a bad idea to pack some just in case. There are NO showers.
Campfires: Campfires are not allowed.
Drinking water: There is potable water available in the Havasupai campground. You will need to bring water containers 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.
Wildlife: The marmots and squirrels will get into any food that’s left out. I’ve seen them chew right through people’s backpacks, and they will even chew through your tent to get to your food. As a result, bear canisters are now required for storing all of your food and scented items anytime you aren’t at your campsite.
Trash: There are no trash cans. Bring a trash bag and be prepared to pack out all of your trash.

Fresh water spring at Havasu Falls campground

Rules and How to be a Responsible Visitor

Havasu Falls is located on the western edge of the Grand Canyon and has been occupied by the Havasupai people for more than 800 years. This is their home, the land and waterfalls are sacred, and it’s important to remember what a privilege it is to be a visitor there.

With that in mind, please educate yourself on the current rules and follow them during your visit. Also, be kind and respectful to any Tribe members you encounter.

Here’s an overview of the Tribe’s rules and tips for being a responsible visitor on your Havasu Falls camping trip:

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). It’s not only disrespectful, but it’s also a Federal crime. So leave that whisky and weed at home.
No dogs or pets are allowed
No drones allowed. 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.
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.
Don’t pee at your campsite: If you have to pee in the middle of the night, please make the trek to the toilets rather than peeing outside your tent. 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 toilet in the morning.
Pack out everything: 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. Anything left behind has to be flown out by helicopter.
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 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.

The permit process is a bit confusing, so I wrote up an entire blog post with step-by-step instructions for getting a permit. Permits become available on February 1 for the entire year.

→ 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 its reservation displayed in its window.

Kristen Bor sitting on the edge of Mooney Falls next to the camping at Havasu Falls — The edge of Mooney Falls

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.

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!

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!

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!

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More Camping Tips

What questions do you have about planning a camping trip to Havasupai? Have you been? Leave a comment below!

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