Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the United States. Situated in Arizona, the park is home to a number of different campsites that offer breathtaking views of the canyon. Whether you’re looking to rough it in a tent or enjoy the comfort of an RV, there’s a campsite for you at Grand Canyon National Park.
Grand Canyon National Park Camping is one of the best ways to experience all that the Grand Canyon has to offer. There is nothing like waking up in the morning and stepping out of your tent to see the sun rising over the canyon walls.
One of the best ways to experience the stay in the Cabins at Grand Canyon that are located near the park.
Before discussing camping, let us know more about Grand Canyon National Park.
Where is Grand Canyon National Park Located?
Grand Canyon National Park is located in northwestern Arizona. The park’s most notable feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River. This is one of the Wonders of the World. The park covers a total area of 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 4,926.08 km2). UNESCO designated the Grand Canyon a World Heritage Site in 1979. The park reached its 100th anniversary on January 26, 2019.
Grand Canyon National Park Location Map
Campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park Camping is the best experience for anyone who wants to explore one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The grandeur of the canyon will take your breath away and the camping will let you really appreciate all that the park.
Grand Canyon National Park has four settled campgrounds. Out of which, three are on the park’s more popular South Rim and one is located on the North Rim. The North Rim’s Campground is less-visited and closed in the winter season.
On the South Rim, you can make advance reservations through Recreation.gov for Mather Campground and Desert View Campground.
Mather Campground – South Rim
Mather Campground is located in Grand Canyon Village at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. There are 327 sites covered under this directive. Each campsite features a campfire ring, cooking grate, picnic table, parking space and room for up to six people, three tents, and two vehicles.
The campground is spacious and can cater to individual needs with a variety of levels of comfort. Main Street, the park’s free shuttle bus service, the Visitor Center, the gift shop, and the hiking and biking trails are all within a 10-minute drive from the campground.
The campground is almost one mile from the rim of the canyon. A visit to the Grand Canyon during sunrise and sunset yields spectacular views of yellow, orange, red and violet hues in the canyon walls. The colors are created by the sun’s rays reflecting off the rocks and cliffs. The best time to see the colors is during the summer months when the sun is high in the sky. A camper can take a shuttle bus ride from the camp to the Visitor’s Center.
Are Pets Allowed In Mather Campgrounds?
Campers can bring their dogs along on a leash, but the pet must not be left alone in the vehicle.
Facilities In Mather Campgrounds
- Dump Station
- Paved Roads
- RV Parking
- Picnic Table
- Flush Toilets
- Grills
- Campfire Rings
- Grills/Fire Ring
- Fire Pit
- Utility Sinks
- BBQ
- Pets Allowed
Important Note:
Camping fees do not include the park entrance fee
Mather Campground Camping Cost
Family Site
Family sites are limited to 6 people, three tents and two vehicles per site. Hookups are not available at any of the sites. Each site has a fire ring with a cooking grill and a picnic table.
It costs $18.00
Family Site with Senior Pass
Family campsite ranges from accommodating a small tent, to 30 foot motorhomes and fifth wheels. Family sites are limited to 6 people, three tents and two vehicles per site. There are no hookups available at any of the sites. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill.
It costs $9.00
Group Site
Group sites can accommodate 7-50 people. 3 vehicles per site. RV and bus parking is not allowed.
It costs $50.00
Biker Sites
Bikers are for people on foot or bicycle only. It holds up to one person, one tent and no vehicles.
It costs $6.00
Biker Sites with Senior or Access Pass
Biker sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. It holds up to one person, one tent and no vehicles
It costs $3.00
Horse Camp
Horse camp accommodates up to 6 people and 6 horses and mules. 2 vehicles are allowed.
It costs $25.00
Horse Camp with Senior or Access Pass
Horse camp accommodates up to 6 people and 6 horses and mules.2 vehicles are allowed.
It costs $12.50
Reservations
Most campsites are reserved through recreation.gov. Mather campground offers 10 first-come, first-served sites during Peak Season.
During the winter months, the office is closed and online reservations are not available. You have to self-pay through the machine located at the campground at the entrance to the campground.
Desert View Campground
Desert View Campground is located at the East Entrance to the park. It has almost 49 campsites. It is located at an Altitude of 7,463 ft/ 2,275 m. The Desert View Campground is based 23 miles (37 km) to the east of Grand Canyon Village.
The campsites are available by reservation only at www.recreation.gov or can be made by phone (877-444-6777) Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Facilities In Desert View Campground
- Trash/Recycling Collection (seasonal)
- Camp store (seasonal)
- Ice for sale (seasonal)
- Firewood for sale (seasonal)
- Staff available on site (seasonal)
- Portable water (seasonal)
- Amphitheater (seasonal)
Additional Information
- Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring
- There are no showers or dump station
- General Store is available on a walking distance which sells wood, ice, groceries, and camping supplies
- There is no internet connectivity
- There is no cell phone reception
- All campsites are dry sites. No utility, water, or sewer hook-ups are available.
- There are two water faucets located within the campground.
- There is a a Gas Station in the Desert View area
Rules And Regulations
- Pets are allowed but cannot be left unattended
- Vehicles must remain on the pavement
- 7-9 am and 6-8 pm are the generator hours
- 10 pm to 6 am are the quiet hours
- Deposit trash and recycling in dumpsters
Desert View Campground Camping Cost
Campsite
Desert View Campground can be reserved through ecreation.gov. on line, or by phone 877-444-6777. The sites are limited to 6 people, 2 Tents and 2 vehicles per site, or 1 vehicle with one RV. Hookups are not available at any site.
Each site has a picnic table,cooking grill and restrooms with Flush toilets.
It costs $18.00
Campsite (Senior or Access Pass)
Desert View Campground can be reserved through ecreation.gov. on line, or by phone 877-444-6777. The sites are limited to 6 people, 2 Tents and 2 vehicles per site, or 1 vehicle with one RV. Hookups are not available at any site.
Each site has a picnic table,cooking grill and restrooms with Flush toilets.
It costs $9.00
North Rim Campground
The North Rim Campground opens seasonally from May 15 to October 15. It has campsites with terrific canyon views. Grand Canyon National Park’s best and most attractive campgrounds are based on the North Rim. Many visitors consider North Rim Campground to be Grand Canyon’s best campground because of its breathtaking views.
It is less populated and is home to abundant wildlife, hiking trails and amazing views. It is located at an elevation of over 8,200 feet, and has warm temperatures with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Facilities In North Rim Campground
- Trash/Recycling Collection (seasonal)
- Camp store (seasonal)
- Ice for sale (seasonal)
- Firewood for sale (seasonal)
- Staff available on site (seasonal)
- Amphitheater (seasonal)
- Portable water (seasonal)
- Laundry (seasonal)
- Dump Station (seasonal)
- Flush Toilets ( seasonal)
- Composting Toilets (seasonal)
North Rim Campground Camping Cost
Campsite
Family campsites contain a small tent to 40 feet motorhomes. Family sites are limited to 6 people, three tents and two vehicles per site. Hookups are not available at any of the sites. Each site has a fire ring with a cooking grill and a picnic table.
It costs $18.00
Family Site with Senior Pass
Golden Age passport holders pay half price. Make sure you have your passport with you, because you will need your passport number when making a reservation.
Family campsite ranges from accommodating a small tent, to 40 foot motorhomes and fifth wheels. Family sites are limited to 6 people, three tents and two vehicles per site. There are no hookups available at any of the sites. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill.
It costs $9.00
Group Sites
Group sites limit to maximum 25 people and 3 vehicles.
It costs $50.00
Additional Information
- Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring
- Drinking water spigots are placed throughout the campground
- Coin-operated showers and laundry are available
- General store, gift shop and post office are only operational from May 15 to October 15
- The nearest town is Jacob Lake which is almost 41 miles away
- Most closest full service grocery stores and medical facilities are in Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona
- Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Rules And Regulations
- 7-9 am and 6-8 pm are the generator hours
- 10 pm to 6 am are the quiet hours
- Check in at noon; check out at 11 am
- Do not leave pet food outside
- Deposit trash and recycling in dumpsters
- Do not leave trash unattended
- You are responsible for cleaning up your site
- Trenching and digging is not permitted
- Pets must be kept on a leash
- Pets are permitted on the Bridle Path only
- No pets are allowed below the rim or in buildings
Is It Better To Camp On The North Or South Rim Of The Grand Canyon?
Most visitors said that if you are prepared to avoid crowded campgrounds and busy trails, go to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It may prove to be more difficult for you to reach and is closed during the months of mid-October to mid-May.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The North Rim is known for its beautiful scenery and its many hiking trails. The North Rim is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and elk.
Grand Canyon Backcountry Camping Permit
If you want to camp anywhere in the park, aside from in outfitted campsites on the North Rim or the South Rim, you must obtain permission from the Backcountry Information Center.
Camping Permit Is Required For
- Overnight camping at a location other than Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and North Rim Campground
- Overnight camping anywhere at Tuweep Campground
- Overnight camping at all sites on the North Rim including ski-camping
- Off-river camping
- Overnight camping with private supplies
- Camping Permit Is NOT Required For
- Day stock rides
- Day hikes
- Overnight camping at Mather Campground and Desert View Campground
- Overnight camping at North Rim Campground
- Overnight stays at the cabins at Phantom Ranch
Important Note
Advanced reservations with Grand Canyon National Park Lodges is required
Grand Canyon Backcountry Camping Tips
Backcountry travelers must carry their permit when heading into the backcountry. A camp can be set up once the permit is attached to the pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be readily checked by rangers.
Permits are permitted only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and authorized dates printed on the permit. Permits for all night camping use must be submitted using the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park.
Grand Canyon Backcountry Regulations
- A backcountry permit MUST be in the trip leader’s possession while in the backcountry.
- A backcountry permit is valid only for the trip leader, campsites, dates, and number of people specified on the permit.
- Burning, burying, or leaving trash or toilet paper is strictly prohibited in the backcountry.
- Wood or charcoal fires of any type are not allowed.
- Feeding, touching, teasing, or intentionally disturbing wildlife is prohibited.
- Throwing rocks or other items down hillsides into valleys or canyons, or inside caves is prohibited.
- Walking on, entering, traversing, or climbing an archeological resource is prohibited.
- The use of vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, baby buggies, and similar vehicles, on trails below the rim is prohibited.
- Overnight private stock use requires a backcountry permit.
- Domestic animals or pets are prohibited below the rim.
- Traps and nets are not allowed.
- A fishing license is required for all fishing
Conclusion
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the United States. The park offers a variety of camping experiences, from primitive backcountry camping to developed front-country campsites.
No matter what type of camping you are looking for, the Grand Canyon has something to offer. Grand Canyon National Park Camping is the best experience for those who love nature and being outdoors. The scenery is breathtaking, and there is so much to do and explore. Camping in the Grand Canyon is an experience you will never forget! The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer. There are also many opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
If you are planning on camping at the Grand Canyon, be sure to check out all of the different options before making your final decision. This way you can find the perfect campsite for your needs and have an unforgettable experience.
