Camping

Drop-down Index Of Camping Information On This Page Navigation

 

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

Visit this webpage (updated daily) for the current list of what is open and closed, and the hours of operation.

 

 

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 >

---

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 on the South Rim, 23 miles (37 km) east of Grand Canyon Village, is open mid-April through mid-October. Reservations are now required.
• The North Rim Campground is open May 15 through October 31 each year.

Reservations for Mather Campground, Desert View 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:

• Mather Campground Reservations
• Desert View Campground Reservations (Reservations Required)
• North Rim Campground Reservations

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

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

Winter Months

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.

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

 

NPS Desert View Campground

NPS Desert View Campground - Open for the Season
Located on the South Rim of the park, Desert View Campground is located 23 miles (37 km) to the east of Grand Canyon Village.

NO HOOK-UPS. Due to high demand, Desert View Campground now requires advanced reservations. You may book reservations up to 6 months in advance online at recreation.gov, or by phone [phone]). Desert View Campground does not hold back any campsites for first-come, first-served camping, and does not have a wait list or call back system. More >

Desert View Campground offers a peaceful setting. There are 50 campsites. Most sites are sized to accommodate tents or smaller RV’s, or vehicles with travel trailers (30 ft. total length).

 

---

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 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.

---

 

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.

---

 

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.

 

Quick Links

Lodging	Maps
Campgrounds	Food
Visitor Centers	Permits
Sunrise/ Sunset	Things To Do
Ranger Programs	Shuttle Buses
Guided Tours
Park Newspapers	River Trips
Backcountry Hiking	Mule Trips