{"id":40037,"date":"2025-01-21T17:56:45","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T17:56:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/must-know-planning-tips-bearfoot-theory\/"},"modified":"2025-01-21T17:56:45","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T17:56:45","slug":"must-know-planning-tips-bearfoot-theory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=40037","title":{"rendered":"Must-Know Planning Tips \u2013 Bearfoot Theory"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Havasu Falls and the surrounding area on the Havasupai Reservation is one of the most special places I have ever visited. I\u2019ve been twice now, and both times my mind was blown. <\/p>\n

The creekside campground is central to five incredible and massive waterfalls with turquoise swimming holes around every corner \u2013 all surrounded by vibrant orange cliffs that the Grand Canyon region is known for. <\/p>\n

If camping at Havasu Falls is on your bucket list, there are some important things to know before you go. In this post, I share my best Havasu Falls camping tips based on my two experiences there, so you are prepared to have the best trip possible.<\/p>\n

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Read these other Havasu Falls Posts:<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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This post may contain affiliate links.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Havasu Falls Campground Basics<\/h2>\n

The Havasu Falls Campground is located 10 miles from the Hualapai Hilltop<\/strong> trailhead, and two miles past the Supai Village located on the Havasupai Reservation. Here is what to expect when you arrive at the Havasu Falls Campground.<\/p>\n

Finding a Good Campsite<\/h3>\n

The camping area at Havasupai is about a mile long and sits between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. Do not expect solitude at the campground. The Havasu Falls campground can accommodate 300 campers, so you will have neighbors. <\/p>\n

There are no assigned sites. The campsites are first-come-first-serve and are scattered throughout the designated camping area. If you are concerned about getting a prime campsite, get an early start on your Havasu Falls hike from the trailhead. <\/p>\n

A majority of the campsites sit directly on both sides of Havasu Creek which runs through the campground. I personally think that the right side of the Creek (opposite of the trail) is better. Since it\u2019s further from the main trail, it\u2019s a little quieter and has less foot traffic cruising through. The only thing downside is access can be a bit tricky with limited footbridges to cross.<\/p>\n

\"Bridge\"Bridge<\/figure>\n

Both times I visited Havasu Falls, the crowds seemed thinner the closer you got to Mooney Falls. The only disadvantage of being closer to Mooney Falls toward the end of the campground is that the drinking water spigot is located near the start of the campground. So anytime you need to fill up, you\u2019ll have a longer walk. <\/p>\n

Most of the campsites have picnic tables, but not all of them. <\/p>\n

A helpful tip is if you aren\u2019t stoked on your campsite the first night, you can always move to a new campsite on day two. I saw many groups do this after people packed up and left on their final day.<\/p>\n

The campground is busy and you\u2019ll likely be within eye and ear sight of your neighbors. So don\u2019t be inconsiderate and yell all night at your campsite or blast loud music (like some of my neighbors did). <\/p>\n

\"Campsite\"Campsite<\/figure>\n

Bathroom Facilities<\/h3>\n

There are four composting toilet\u00a0facilities evenly spaced throughout the campground, and during both of my visits they were surprisingly clean with plenty of toilet paper (although it\u2019s not a bad idea to pack some just in case). There are NO showers. <\/p>\n

If you have to pee in the middle of the night, please make the trek to the toilets and don\u2019t just pee at your campsite. 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 toilets in the morning.<\/p>\n

Campfires<\/h3>\n

Campfires are not allowed\u00a0in the Havasu Falls camping area or anywhere on the Havasupai Reservation. <\/p>\n

Drinking Water<\/h3>\n

There is potable water available in the Havasupai campground. You will need to bring vessels to transport your water back to your campsite. If you don\u2019t want to constantly walk back and forth to the spigot, I recommend bringing a water storage bag<\/a>. Don\u2019t do dishes or use soap here. <\/p>\n

\"Fresh\"Fresh<\/figure>\n

Wildlife<\/h3>\n

Watch out for marmots and squirels. They are sneaky and will get into your food if it\u2019s left out where they can get to it. The first time I was there, a rodent chewed through my friend\u2019s backpack and ate her lunch when we were swimming at Fifty Foot Falls. <\/p>\n

Then last time I was there, I saw squirrels hopping two off the ground onto people\u2019s bags hanging from a tree. They then ate right through the backpacks to get to the food inside.<\/p>\n

They will even chew through your tent to get to you food (believe me, I saw that happen too)! These little buggers are pretty relentless, and as a result, bear canisters<\/a> are now required for all campers. <\/p>\n

When you leave your camp to go for a swim or a hike, make sure to leave all of your food and scented items in a bear canister outside of your tent. <\/p>\n

Trash<\/h3>\n

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 \u2014 please be respectful and pack out ALL of your trash and camping supplies.<\/p>\n

All of the trash that you choose to leave behind has to be helicoptered out by the Havasupai Tribe. So please don\u2019t be lazy and leave your food or any other trash at the campsites or in the restrooms.<\/p>\n

Photography Rules<\/h3>\n

Havasu Falls is a photographer\u2019s paradise. It\u2019s literally impossible to take a bad photo and it\u2019s a great place to practice if you want to improve your camera skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, drones are NOT allowed on the Havasupai reservation. Everyone down there is trying to enjoy nature, and drones are loud and disturb the peace. <\/p>\n

Also, the Tribe asks that you don\u2019t take photos of the locals or while in the village. So you can leave your camera in your pack while you\u2019re passing through.<\/p>\n

\"Hammock\"Hammock<\/figure>\n

Other Havasupai Camping Rules<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to remember that the Havasupai tribe doesn\u2019t have to let tourists into Havasupai to visit these falls. Recognize that we are visitors in their home and it\u2019s a privilege to be there, not a right. Be respectful of the rules and their land, and be friendly, just as they are to us. Here are some other rules that you need to follow on the Havasupai Reservation:<\/p>\n

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