Description
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 entrance to be whisked away to all the South Rim's grandest sights. Although there are no hookups here, you’ll find hot showers, super clean restrooms, laundry facilities, and a water-filling station for RVs all near the Camper Services building.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Late spring and early fall, when the weather is not too hot and crowds are less intimidating, is the best time for camping at the Mather Campground. Reservations are still strongly recommended but are easier to come by, especially mid-week. Avoid holiday weekends altogether if you can. Mather is the only Grand Canyon campground that remains open in winter, when all sites are first-come, first-served.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Fishing
Over 200 miles of the Colorado River flow through Grand Canyon National Park. Fishing is best before its confluence with the Li...Read more
Hiking
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has so many incredible hikes. For a memorable view of the inner canyon, take the South Kaibab...Read more
Horseback riding
Venturing into the depths of the Grand Canyon on the back of a mule is one of the most memorable ways to enjoy the park. South ...Read more
Paddling
Rafting the entire Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it's not the only way to paddle the canyon. Several out...Read more
Climbing
The Grand Canyon's soft, crumbly rock is not the best suited for rock climbing but there still are a few established climbing s...Read more
Snow sports
Snowsports are limited in the Grand Canyon, but diehards will find downhill skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl, just north of Flags...Read more
Swimming
The closest swimming holes you’ll find near Grand Canyon National Park are at Tusayan hotels. Although outside park boundaries,...Read more
Whitewater paddling
Rafting the entire length of the Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek is by far the most amazing way to experience the...Read more
Wildlife watching
The South Rim is one of the best places to see the endangered California condor in the wild. They are the largest wild birds in...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Mather Campground.
26 Reviews
Do not be stingy on layers!
We lucked out and came at a slow/coldish (low teens at night) time in November. There were only a few other campers in sight.
Stay longer than you usually do
Great views and awesome weather in July. I would wake up early and walk down to the bottom.
Breathtaking location!
This campground is very nice, considering it’s in such a busy National Park. We stayed in site 190, which was surprisingly private! Pretty far from a bathroom, but not a big deal.
We couldn’t have a campfire when we visited in June, but we knew that in advance and it’s not too unusual. The grocery store near this campground is out-of-control. It has just about everything you could ever want, and the food and drink isn’t too marked up. (Though the camping supplies are.)
This is a great base from which to access the glories of the Grand Canyon, but it’s not a campground you’ll want to spend time at specifically. It’s a place to pitch a tent, prepare your meals, and maybe hang a hammock for a little nap after your hike.
Book as far in advance as you can. We were in Pine Loop, which is tent only and generator free. All of the sites there are pretty good for what you need.
Can be a bit busy.
For a campground in such a popular place I feel that it is “campy” enough to get the camping experience. Spaces are fairly close together but this is a very established campground so trees are large, sites are well defined, washrooms are clean.
We dumped at the dump station. There was a bit of a line-up due to elk wanting water. Easy access right by the laundromat.
- Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- State
- Arizona
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- 1-877-444-6777
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 36.053° N, 112.114° W
- Unknown price
- Tent Only - Group: 7 Sites (Up to 50 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Equestrian: 2 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 132 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / Van: 165 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)
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