Grand Canyon National Park Camping

Camping at Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the park’s majestic beauty, towering cliffs, and expansive canyon views. Whether you’re in an RV, pitching a tent, or setting off on a backcountry adventure, this guide will help you find the best Grand Canyon camping experience across the park’s two main areas: the South Rim and the North Rim.

Grand Canyon National Park is divided by the one-mile-deep Colorado River, creating two distinct sections: the more accessible and developed South Rim, and the remote, higher-elevation North Rim. Each area offers a unique experience with different camping opportunities, amenities, and scenery. With millions of visitors each year, planning ahead is essential for anyone looking to camp in or near the park.

South Rim Camping

The South Rim is open year-round and draws nearly 90% of park visitors. It’s easily accessible via Highway 64 from Interstate 40 through Williams or Flagstaff. The South Rim offers a full range of services including a visitor center, shuttle buses, grocery stores, dining, museums, and several campgrounds.

Mather Campground is the largest and most popular campground within Grand Canyon Village. It features 327 sites for tents and RVs (up to 30 feet), with restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities. While there are no hookups, the location provides easy access to shuttle buses and nearby trails. Reservations are strongly recommended from March through November and can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. In winter, sites are first-come, first-served.

Trailer Village, located next to Mather Campground, is the only South Rim campground with full hookups. It can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet and includes electric, water, and sewer connections. Trailer Village offers picnic tables, access to laundry and showers, and is pet-friendly. Reservations are required and can be made through the park’s authorized concessioner.

Desert View Campground is located 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village near the Desert View Watchtower. Open from mid-April to mid-October, this campground offers 50 sites without hookups and has a 30-foot vehicle limit. It’s ideal for tent campers or smaller RVs and trailers. Reservations are required and available on Recreation.gov.

Outside the South Rim, campers can find additional options including Grand Canyon Camper Village in Tusayan, which offers full RV hookups, and the Ten-X Campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Dispersed camping is also permitted in Kaibab National Forest with appropriate permits.

North Rim Camping

The North Rim is a more remote and tranquil part of Grand Canyon National Park, open from mid-May through mid-October. Due to its higher elevation (8,000 feet), this area is cooler, less crowded, and offers a completely different perspective of the canyon. Access is via Highway 67, reached from Highway 89A through Jacob Lake.

North Rim Campground is the main campground within this area and features 87 sites for tents and RVs. Although there are no hookups, amenities include drinking water, restrooms, coin showers, a dump station, and laundry. Generators are allowed, and the campground is pet-friendly. Reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov.

Nearby options outside the North Rim include DeMotte Campground and Jacob Lake Campground, both operated by the U.S. Forest Service. These seasonal campgrounds do not have hookups but offer basic amenities and scenic forest settings.

Backcountry Camping at Grand Canyon

For more adventurous campers, the Grand Canyon offers a variety of backcountry camping opportunities both below the rim and in remote wilderness areas. All overnight backcountry camping requires a permit, which can be requested through Recreation.gov up to four months in advance.

Popular backcountry campgrounds include Indian Garden, located 4.6 miles from the Bright Angel Trailhead, and Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the canyon along the Colorado River. Cottonwood Campground, along the North Kaibab Trail, is the last stop before ascending to the North Rim. These areas provide primitive facilities such as water and toilets, and all require a backcountry permit.

The Tuweep region, located on the remote western edge of the park, offers dramatic cliff views above the Colorado River. Access is limited to high-clearance vehicles under 22 feet in length, and visitors must be fully self-sufficient as there are no services or cell coverage. A small primitive campground is available, but a permit is required.

Seasonal Tips and Activities for Campers

Each season offers a different experience for campers. Spring is perfect for hiking, biking, and ranger-led tours. Summer brings mule rides, rafting trips, and star parties. Fall is ideal for photography and wildlife viewing, while winter offers solitude and access to attractions like Hermit Road, which is open to private vehicles from December to February.

Campgrounds such as Mather and the North Rim fill up quickly in spring and summer, so reservations are essential. In cooler months, Mather Campground remains open and provides a peaceful winter camping experience. Winter visitors should prepare for cold temperatures and snowy conditions, especially on the North Rim.

Wildlife and Safety

Grand Canyon National Park is home to elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and many smaller animals. Always maintain a safe distance and store food securely to protect yourself and the wildlife. Follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the environment for future generations.

Getting Around and Parking

Parking on the South Rim can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. RVs should use designated parking areas in lots 1, B, and D. For convenience, take advantage of the free shuttle bus system, which includes routes that connect the visitor center to major viewpoints and campgrounds. Public shuttle service is also available from Tusayan to the park entrance. The North Rim has more straightforward parking due to smaller crowds.

For longer stays or exploration of both rims, visitors can book a ride with the Grand Canyon Shuttle Service or Trans Canyon Shuttle. Other scenic options include helicopter tours, guided Jeep or bus tours, and the historic Grand Canyon Railway.

Plan Ahead for the Best Grand Canyon Camping Experience

With such a variety of campgrounds and recreational activities, camping in Grand Canyon National Park is a rewarding way to experience one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Whether you're camping in a tent under the stars, enjoying the comfort of a full-hookup RV site, or backpacking into the canyon’s depths, planning ahead will ensure a smooth, memorable, and awe-inspiring adventure.

For reservations, maps, regulations, and trip planning, visit www.nps.gov/grca and www.recreation.gov.