Camping in Grand Canyon National Park

Drop-down Index Of Camping Information On This Page Navigation

 

Due to the pandemic, public health measures are in place, including temporary closures, and modified operations.

Visit this webpage (updated daily) for a list of what is open, hours of operation, and COVID-19 updates.

 

 

This page has information about 4 developed campgrounds — where vehicles are permitted.

If you would like to backpack and camp within Grand Canyon, you will need a backcountry permit. Details >

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National Park Service Campgrounds

Advance campground reservations can be made for all 3 NPS campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park. Advance reservations are now required at Desert View Campground.

• Mather Campground on the South Rim, located in Grand Canyon Village, is Open All Year

• Desert View Campground OPEN FOR THE SEASON. The campground is located on the South Rim, 23 miles (37 km) east of Grand Canyon Village, Open April 15, through October 16. Reservations are required for the 2022 season.

• North Rim Campground The campground is Open May 15 through October 15 for the 2022 season. Reservations are required for the 2022 season.

Reservations for Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and the North Rim Campground, are made through the National Recreation Reservation Service by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online through Recreation.gov for:

• Mather Campground Reservations

• Desert View Campground Reservations (Reservations Are Required)

• North Rim Campground Reservations (Reservations Are Required)

All campgrounds within the park book up well in advance. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Note: National Park Service campgrounds in the park do not have RV hook-ups

Winter Months

Tent and RV Camping on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon remain available throughout the winter at both Mather Campground and Trailer Village, both are located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

 

Trailer Village: RV Campground with Full Hook-ups

Located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, Trailer Village is a concessioner operated RV park with full hook-ups. It is open all year.

• For Trailer Village reservations, visit Delaware North's website.

 

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How Do I Decide Which Rim to Visit ?

 

Sunset from Mather Point

Most People Visit Grand Canyon's South Rim

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open all year and is located on the "Arizona" side of the Canyon. The South Rim is close to Interstate 40 and the transportation centers of Williams, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona. The South Rim also has a local airport and rail service. 90% of travelers visit the South Rim.

Since it is easier to get to, the South Rim is very busy, and during the summer season, campgrounds hustle and bustle and are often filled to capacity. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Detailed information about camping on the South Rim (including Desert View)
Along with the closest campgrounds that are outside of the park.

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View from Grand Canyon Lodge.

North Rim is Harder to Get to, and is More Wild and Secluded

Open for the Season

Because of its 8,000 ft/ 2,438 m elevation and liklihood of early snowfall, most visitor services on the North Rim are only available during a short season that usually lasts from May 15 through October 15 of each year. Only 10% of travelers visit the North Rim.

The North Rim is located on the "Utah" side of the Canyon. The nearest towns to the park's North Rim village are Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah. There is no airport or rail service to the park. (that means that the North Rim village may only be reached by road) Because the North Rim has a shorter season, Campground Reservations are strongly Recommended.

Detailed information about camping on the North Rim (including Tuweep)
Along with the closest campgrounds that are outside of the park.

 

The mile-deep Colorado River creates a barrier that splits the park into north and south Rims. In this illustration, the North Rim is shown in yellow and the South Rim is shown in blue.

Why Is the Park Separated into South and North Rims?

A 277 mile long (446 km) canyon separates the park into South and North Rims. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep, (1.6 km) and creates a barrier that bisects the park. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, be aware that it is a five-hour drive of 215 miles/ 346 km between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.

Scenery, climate and vegetation are noticably different between north and south rims because of differences in elevation. It is almost like having two parks in one and it takes time, planning and effort to be able to visit both sides of the Canyon in one trip.

 

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