Camping

Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to evaluate and adapt to changing COVID-19 guidance, and is adjusting operations as needed.

The information presented here is to help you plan a visit during 2021.

Visit this web page for the current list of what is open, and for park-wide updates >
 

Camping Information On This Page Navigation

 
Grand Canyon National Park Campground snapshots showing RV and tent sites on the South Rim and North Rim.
 

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


If you would like to backpack and camp within Grand Canyon, then, Visit this link >

NPS Campgrounds

(Where reservations are recommended)
Advance campground reservations can be made for 2 of the 3 NPS campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park.

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


Both Mather Campground and the North Rim Campground book up well in advance. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Note: NPS campgrounds in the park do not have RV hook-ups

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

 

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.

 

NPS Desert View Campground (No Reservations)

NPS Desert View Campground - CLOSED for WINTER

Located on the South Rim of the park, Desert View Campground is located 25 miles (41 km) to the east of Grand Canyon Village.
.
  • First-come, first-served only. No reservations are accepted.
  • Desert View Campground fills each day by 12 noon.
  • There are no RV hook-ups at Desert View.
Desert View Campground is scheduled to open for the 2021 season mid-April, 2021, and will close for the season mid-October, 2021.
 

How Do I Decide Which Rim to Visit ?

 
Sunset from Mather Point on the South Rim.
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 closer to Interstate 40 and to 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.

 
Viewing the canyon from the patio of Grand Canyon Lodge.
View from Grand Canyon Lodge.

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

Because of its 8,000 ft/ 2,438m 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. 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.

 
Map showing the Colorado River creating a barrier that splits the park into North and South Rims.
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.

 

Last updated: November 30, 2020

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

Contact Us

Tools