Grand Canyon South Rim Campgrounds

What could be better? Breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon South Rim and camping under the stars in the midst of a cool pine forest. Crisp mountain air and the quiet of tranquility. That's the beauty of camping at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Camping at Grand Canyon South Rim

There are two developed campgrounds at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon operated by the National Park Service. They include Mather Campground in the Market Plaza just east of Grand Canyon Village and Desert View Campground at the East Desert View Entrance. Each is located near a visitor center, general store, restaurants, view points and hiking trails. There is a third campground that is strictly an RV Park, Trailer Village just east of Mather Campground which is managed and operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts.

Camping at Grand Canyon South Rim

Average Temperatures at the South Rim
Map of the Grand Canyon South Rim

Mather Campground

Mather Campground. Credit: NPS

317 Campsites
Elevation: 6,971 Feet
Open All Year (Weather Permitting)
Reservations Recommended
No Hookups
30 Foot Trailer or RV Maximum
36°03'02"N - 112°07'16"W

Mather Campground is open all year, but the campground office and store is closed during the winter months. Reservations are recommended particularly from March 1 to Mid-November which is high peak season. Camping sites are generally full by noon during that period. Reservations are not available from Mid-November through February but a self-pay machine is located at the camp office. Mather is located outside Grand Canyon Market Plaza just east of Grand Canyon Village near the Main South-End Entrance.

Camp Site Information. Mather Campground has 317 campsites and each is limited to 6 campers, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles. RVs (maximum length of 30 feet) and trailers are considered as 2 vehicles. Group camping sites are available for groups of up to 50 campers with a maximum of 3 vehicles per group. Both RV (maximum 30 feet) and tent camping is permitted but hookups are not available.

Accessible campsites and restrooms are available. There are showers and laundry facilities available at Camper Service with extra fee. Picnic tables exist at each site. Fires are only permitted in provided camping site grills that may use wood or charcoal. Wood can be purchased at the general store during the season. Collecting down wood at the park is prohibited.

Pets are permitted but must be leashed at all times. Individual campsite fees are currently $18 per night, per site. Fees and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Golden Age or Access passport holders pay only half price year-round. Passport number is needed when making reservations and the passport holder must be a camper at the site.

Mather Reservations. 1-877-444-6777 or Online.
Campground Regulations and Campground Layout
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Trailer Village RV Park

Trailer Village RV Park. Credit: NPS

Elevation: 7,028 Feet
Open All Year (Weather Permitting)
Reservations Recommended
RV Park Full Hookups
50 Foot Trailer or RV Maximum
36°03'10"N - 112°06'53"W

Trailer Village, operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, is the only campground with Full RV Service inside Grand Canyon National Park. It features pull-through paved camping sites with full hookups for RVs up to 50 feet long. It is located near Canyon Village Market Place and Camper Services and is conveniently only one-half mile from great views along the Canyon Rim.

It is open all year and reservations are strongly recommended. Each site includes picnic table, barbecue grill, cable TV, 30 and 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewage hookup. Coin -operated laundry and shower facilities as well as a dump station, potable water, vending machines and telephones are available at Camper Services in the Village.

Currently fees are $35 per night, per camp site with an extra person fee of $3.50, but fees are subject to change without prior notice. Visit its website for further information, current fees and reservations.

Same Day Reservations: (928) 638-2631
Advance Reservations: (888) 297-2757
Trailer Village Website

Location Map: Mather and Trailer Village

Where is Mather Campground and Trailer Village RV Park

Location of Mather and Trailer Village Campgrounds. Credit: NPS

Desert View Campground

Desert View Campground. Credit: NPS

50 Campsites
Elevation: 7,463 Feet
Open Mid-May to Mid-October
No Reservations. First Come, First Serve
No Hookups
30 Foot Trailer or RV Maximum
36°02'24"N - 111°49'20"W

Desert View Campground is located near the East-End entrance to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon just off Desert View Scenic Drive about 25 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. A peaceful setting with close access to the dramatic views of the Canyon, a visitor center, and a general store. It is only open (weather permitting) from Mid-May to Mid-October.

Desert View Campground is first-come, first served. Reservations are not accepted. Get there early to claim your camping site. The campground is usually full by early evening during the peak summer months. There are 50 campsites and most accommodate tents or smaller RV’s or Travel Trailers. Very few sites can accommodate larger RV’s or Travel Trailers (30 feet max).

There is a limit of 6 people, 2 tents, or 2 vehicles or 1 RV/Travel Trailer per camp site. Pets must be leashed at all times. Overflow parking is available at the Desert View Center parking lot. There is no water, no utility or hookups. There is one men's and one women's handicap accessible restroom with flush toilets and cold water sinks. There are two common water faucets in the campground but may not be used to fill vehicle water tanks.

There no shower facilities, but showers and laundry facilities are available at Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village about 25 miles east of Desert View Campground. Each campsite includes a campfire grill for cooking. Fires are only permitted in fire pit grills. Firewood can be purchased at the general store. Firewood collection on the grounds is not permitted.

Currently fees are $12.00 for each space per night. The Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Golden Age Passport, and Golden Access Passport entitle the pass owner to a 50% discount on camping fees. There are no camping discounts for any other Federal Pass holders. Please use exact cash or use your credit card at an automated fee machine located by campground restrooms.

Desert View Map (East Entrance To South Rim)
Campground Regulations and Campground Layout
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