Cameron Trading Post, on US 89 where the road turns west to the East Entrance, is a characterful, good-value base for a South Rim visit that starts at Desert View, and a natural overnight between the canyon and Page.
Cameron Trading Post sits on US 89 beside the Little Colorado River in the western Navajo Nation, close to the junction with State Route 64, the road to the Grand Canyon's East Entrance at Desert View. That location makes it the smart overnight if you are coming from Page, Monument Valley or Flagstaff and want to start your canyon day at the quieter eastern end of the South Rim.
The East Entrance is about 25 miles away, and Grand Canyon Village is a little over an hour's drive along Desert View Drive. Cameron is one of the few places to sleep within easy reach of the eastern rim, and viewpoints on Desert View Drive can close for maintenance, so check road and viewpoint status before you go.
The trading post grew up around the 1911 suspension bridge over the Little Colorado, and the stone hotel dates to the 1920s, with a terraced garden courtyard planted in the 1930s. It is still an independent, family-run business with mostly Navajo and Hopi staff. The big store and gallery sell rugs, jewelry, pottery and baskets, and the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Rooms are comfortable rather than fancy
Single rooms have balcony views over the gorge and gardens, double rooms have two beds and more space, and the suites add a separate sleeping area, a master bath, a wet bar and a small kitchen with a mini-fridge and microwave. All rooms are non-smoking, with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, heating and air conditioning, though some double rooms use portable air conditioners.
Pets are allowed only in designated pet rooms, for a fee, and those rooms are limited, so request one early. AAA and AARP members get a discount on arrival. One practical tip: the Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time while the rest of Arizona does not, so your phone may change time in summer. Fuel and groceries are on site, which helps on a long desert drive.
Why stay here
- ✓About 25 miles from the park's East Entrance and Desert View
- ✓Historic trading post with a large Native American arts gallery and gift store
- ✓Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; the Navajo taco is the signature
- ✓Single rooms with balconies over the gorge and gardens; suites with kitchenette and wet bar
- ✓Pets allowed in designated pet rooms for a fee
- ✓RV park, grocery and fuel on site
- ✓On US 89 beside the Little Colorado River
- ✓Fuel and groceries on site make it a handy stop on the Desert View loop
Good questions
How far is Cameron from the Grand Canyon?+
About 25 miles to the East Entrance at Desert View via State Route 64, and a little over an hour to Grand Canyon Village along Desert View Drive. It is the closest lodging to the eastern end of the South Rim.
Is Cameron inside the national park?+
No. Cameron is outside the national park on the Navajo Nation, so the status of lodging inside the park does not affect it.
Can I bring a pet?+
Yes, in designated pet rooms only, for a per-pet fee. Pets are not allowed in single rooms or suites, and pet rooms are limited, so book ahead.
