Tusayan Montane Campground (Formerly Ten-X) – Kaibab National Forest, Arizona

Tusayan Montane Campground, formerly known as Ten-X Campground, is a forested campground in the Kaibab National Forest just south of Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim entrance. Located near the town of Tusayan, this campground offers convenient access to the Grand Canyon while providing a quieter, more affordable alternative to camping inside the national park boundary.

Location & Access

Situated along Highway 64 approximately four miles south of the Grand Canyon’s South Entrance, Tusayan Montane Campground is ideally positioned for visitors planning early starts into the park. The campground sits at roughly 6,600 feet in elevation within a ponderosa pine forest, offering cooler temperatures than lower desert areas. Its proximity to Tusayan also means easy access to fuel, restaurants, and basic supplies.

Campground Layout

The campground features a loop-style layout with sites suitable for tents and small to mid-sized RVs. While not designed for large motorhomes or full-hookup camping, many sites accommodate trailers and travel rigs comfortably. The forested setting provides partial shade and moderate privacy between sites, and the overall layout is easy to navigate for most standard camping setups.

Amenities

Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are provided throughout the campground, and potable water is typically available during the main operating season. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, maintaining the traditional forest service campground experience. Trash collection and bear-aware food storage practices are encouraged due to wildlife in the area.

Recreation & Activities

The primary draw of Tusayan Montane Campground is its immediate access to Grand Canyon National Park. From camp, visitors can quickly drive into the South Rim for hiking, scenic overlooks, ranger programs, and photography. The surrounding Kaibab National Forest also offers additional opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing among the ponderosa pines. Elk and mule deer are commonly seen in the area.

Summary

Tusayan Montane Campground provides convenient, forested camping just outside Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. For visitors seeking proximity to the canyon without staying inside the park, this campground offers a practical, scenic, and accessible base for exploring one of Arizona’s most iconic landscapes.