“Love everything about this place! I look forward to another stay.”
The Outpost at Grand Canyon might be the answer. The Outpost has a dozen Airstream trailers, ranging in size from a 19-foot Bambi to much larger models that sleep up to six guests. All have their own private hot tub. Wood fencing provides some privacy for each trailer and gives the site a rustic feel.
Opened last June, The Outpost occupies a one-acre site at 507 Linger Lane, just southeast of the junction of US 180 and State Route 64. It’s about an hour from Flagstaff and 30 minutes from the South Rim.
The “newish” Airstream trailers range in age from 2013 to 2021, said Chris Martin, Outpost general manager.
A renovated 1959 Spartan trailer is compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act. It has an entry ramp, roll-in shower, private hot tub and queen-size bed.
The 2019 Bambi Flying Cloud trailer has a full-size bed, stove, microwave, refrigerator, sink, flush toilet, shower and TV with streaming options. The dinette folds into a cozy bed suitable for small children.
With cooling and heating, the Bambi was cozy on a rainy afternoon and overnight when the temperature dipped below 40 degrees. Road noise is barely noticeable even though The Outpost is just off the highway. Very little traffic passes by overnight.
Common areas include a sauna, cold plunge, barbecue grill, fire pit, picnic tables and a fenced dog park.
Martin from Southern California said he has been working with trailers for about 12 years. He moved to Valle in 2018 and started with his own short-term rentals nearby.
“Glamping options have changed so much since 2010,” said Martin, with refurbished trailers off the grid, safari tents and geodesic domes.
“People are moving away from traditional hotels to stay where they can step outside to see the stars and enjoy a campfire,” he said.
Valle, an unincorporated town, has a number of glamping options. Under Canvas Grand Canyon features comfortable tents. It is one of 14 sites the company has near national parks.
Wander Camp is another tent-glamping outfit with four other locations.
Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon features geodesic domes covered with PVC-coated fabric.
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort is farther away near Grand Canyon Skywalk along the western rim and outside the national park.
Clear Summit Investments, based in Honolulu, owns The Outpost at Grand Canyon. It has four other outdoor hospitality properties:
- Ponderosa Pines Resort in Parks
- Desert Reef Hot Springs in Florence, Colorado
- Rice Ranch Resort in Quartzsite
- Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista, Colorado
The Outpost at Grand Canyon captures travelers looking for an outdoor experience, Martin said. With 4.43 million Grand Canyon visitors last year, The Outpost has no shortage of potential guests. Plus, glamping is gaining in popularity.
A 2025 Kampgrounds of America report noted that 31% of new campers in 2024 were glampers and glamping appeals to one in six leisure travelers.
The KOA study also showed that the number of travelers who prefer glamping in 2024 increased 88% from 2019.
Arizona has responded to that trend with a number of new glamping options featuring vintage trailers.
Bisbee has hosted guests at its Shady Dell trailer court for decades.
Strawberry Inn north of Payson has Airstream trailers as lodging options.
Tin Can Alley in Kingman features a handful of restored Airstream trailers on Route 66.
Prescott’s Air Village near Whiskey Row hosts glampers in a choice of 10 restored Avion trailers, a brand that competed with Airstream.
Nationally, AutoCamp is a leading brand with eight Airstream trailer villages, including sites near Joshua Tree, Yosemite and Zion national parks.
The Outpost operates like other short-term rentals with self-check-in. But Martin is usually on site to provide assistance to guests.
Steven from Brooklyn, N.Y., traveling last month with his wife and young daughter said he was satisfied with the Airstream accommodations at the Outpost.
“We don’t like the hotel experience.”
Staying in the Airstream allowed them to make their own breakfast before traveling to Grand Canyon National Park, he said.
“Shout out to Chris and the Outpost,” wrote Alyse from Nashville in a guest book. “I had a wonderful and quiet overnight stay. Love everything about this place! I look forward to another stay.” FBN
By Peter Corbett, FBN
Photo by Peter Corbett: The Outpost operates its Airstream trailers like other short-term rentals with self-check-in. But the general manager is usually on site to provide assistance.
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