Grand Canyon Inn and Campground

About

The Grand Canyon Inn and Campground, originally known as the North Rim Inn, was established by William W. Wylie, a pioneer in national park tourism known for his "Wylie Way Camps" in Yellowstone. In 1916, Wylie set up a tent camp at Bright Angel Point on the North Rim, offering "inexpensive tourist accommodations" for early automobile-borne travelers. In 1924, Wylie's daughter Elizabeth and her husband took over management, eventually building permanent frame and tented cabins. By 1927, the National Park Service granted the first permanent concession on the North Rim to the Union Pacific Railroad and its subsidiary, the Utah Parks Company, which acquired Wylie's operations. The Utah Parks Company, which also operated lodges in Zion and Bryce Canyon, rebuilt the camp in 1929 under the guidance of architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, known for his rustic national park designs. The North Rim Inn was intended to complement the more luxurious Grand Canyon Lodge, offering a more budget-friendly option. Over time, the Inn building was converted into a dining facility and then a store, with the cabins becoming housing for Park Service and concessioner personnel. The Grand Canyon Inn and Campground, including the adjacent NPS campground, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 2, 1982, recognized for its historical integrity and architectural character. **Important Note on Current Status:** The North Rim facilities, including the area around the historic Grand Canyon Inn and Campground, experienced significant damage from forest fires in 2024 and July 2025. The main building of the Grand Canyon Lodge was destroyed, and the fate and rebuilding status of other facilities, including the campground and former Inn buildings, remain uncertain for 2026. Visitors should plan to be self-sufficient regarding food and water.