Notable Campgrounds
- Best for families: The large, year-round Mather Campground on the South Rim has family and group sites, picnic tables, and a nearby dump station.
- Best for classic views: Several campsites overlook a side canyon at the North Rim Campground.
- Best for escaping crowds: Campsites are well-spaced from each other at the low-key Desert View Campground near the East Entrance.
- Best for RVs: The South Rim’s year-round Trailer Village RV Park offers full hookups.
- Best for adventurers: Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch is set at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the only lodging option below the canyon rim. It’s only accessible by foot, mule, or raft.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Mather Campground sites can be reserved six months in advance for reservations from March through November. Sites are first-come, first-served from December through February.
- North Rim Campground is typically open from mid-May through mid-October. Tent and RV sites are available, but there are no RV hookups. You can also try your luck in person early in the day.
- Desert View Campground takes no reservations, with all sites first-come, first-served. Set on Desert Rim Drive at the park’s east entrance, the campground is open from mid-April through mid-October.
- A lottery-based backcountry permit is required for all backcountry camping outside of Mather, Desert View, and North Rim.
- Just outside the park, Kaibab National Forest offers additional camping options.
When to Go
The South Rim is open all year, but the best seasons to visit are spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and crowds are lighter. The Bright Angel Trail and others can be icy in winter. Summer is popular on both rims, despite the Arizona heat, although the inner canyon can also be dangerously hot in summer. The North Rim is open seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-October.
Know Before You Go
- The North Rim and South Rim are only 10 miles apart geographically, but the drive between them is 212 miles and takes five hours. Choose an entrance accordingly.
- The South Rim entrance is just under a four-hour drive from Phoenix and about an hour and 40-minute drive from Flagstaff.
- Free National Park Service shuttle buses loop around the South Rim on various routes (and are wheelchair accessible). Rent bicycles at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
- Aside from the park’s Grand Canyon Village, Tusayan is the nearest town to the South Rim where you can find gas, grocery stores, restaurants, and the Grand Canyon Camper Village.
- Free wifi is available on the South Rim at park headquarters and the Canyon Village Market & Deli general store.
Grand Canyon National Park
For hikers, this geologic masterpiece can trigger wonder and an occasional expletive.
Mother Nature had a blast creating the Big Ditch, an awe-inspiring place where ancient rocks soar above the Colorado River in a fiery parade of colors. Forested campsites are just steps from gorgeous views on both the North and South Rims, where hiking trails, biking, and sunset-watching await campers. Looking for solitude? Pack your backpack, fill your water bottles, grab your permit, and hike seven miles into the heart of the place on the switchbacking South Kaibab Trail, with gobsmacking views around every bend. Cottonwood oases provide shade at three developed campgrounds. Across the park, ranger talks add context to outdoor adventures.
Mother Nature had a blast creating the Big Ditch, an awe-inspiring place where ancient rocks soar above the Colorado River in a fiery parade of colors. Forested campsites are just steps from gorgeous views on both the North and South Rims, where hiking trails, biking, and sunset-watching await campers. Looking for solitude? Pack your backpack, fill your water bottles, grab your permit, and hike seven miles into the heart of the place on the switchbacking South Kaibab Trail, with gobsmacking views around every bend. Cottonwood oases provide shade at three developed campgrounds. Across the park, ranger talks add context to outdoor adventures.
Activities in the park
3 campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park
The North Rim Campground is filled with towering trees, shady sites, and the quiet nostalgia the North Rim is known for. Sites for RVs, tents, and groups are nearby to water, restrooms, general store, and even pay showers. A quick jaunt along the Transept trail will take you to the historic Grand Canyon Lodge for ice cream, or along the rim for a Read more...
Mather Campground is the largest campground and most popular spot to call it a night in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The campground is well shaded and offers spacious sites for RVs, plus cozy tent-only sites. Views of the South Rim are only a mile's walk from the campground, and you can easily hop on the Grand Canyon shuttle right near the e Read more...
Desert View Campground is that place to stay to beat the crowds, and get an early start exploring the canyon. These first-come, first-served sites will accommodate tents and RVs. Campsites come with a fire pit and picnic table, so you can cook up your finest. Hang your hammock up and kick back, or head out from camp to nearby Desert View Watchtowe Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
The South Rim is open all year, but the best seasons to visit are spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and crowds are lighter. The Bright Angel Trail and others can be icy in winter. Summer is popular on both rims, despite the Arizona heat, although the inner canyon can also be dangerously hot in summer. The North Rim is open seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-October.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Is camping at the Grand Canyon free?
Camping at the Grand Canyon is not generally free, as most campgrounds within the park require fees. There are two developed campgrounds within the Grand Canyon National Park: Mather Campground on the South Rim and North Rim Campground on the North Rim. Both campgrounds require reservations and have associated fees. However, you can find free camping options outside of the park on nearby public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. These dispersed camping areas typically offer minimal amenities and require campers to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Can I camp anywhere in the Grand Canyon?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in the Grand Canyon. Camping within Grand Canyon National Park is allowed only in designated campgrounds and backcountry campsites with a permit. There are three developed campgrounds in the park: Mather Campground on the South Rim, North Rim Campground, and Desert View Campground. For backcountry camping, you need to obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Additionally, there are camping options outside the park, such as on Hipcamp.
Which campsite is best in the Grand Canyon?
There are several excellent campsites in and around the Grand Canyon. Some of the best options include:
Keep in mind that the best campsite for you will depend on your preferences, the time of year you're visiting, and the type of camping experience you're looking for.
How much does it cost to camp at the Grand Canyon?
Camping fees at the Grand Canyon vary depending on the campground and amenities provided. Here are some examples:
For more information on Grand Canyon camping options, visit Hipcamp.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —