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Grand Canyon/Mather
Overview
Mather Campground offers a classic national park experience nestled within the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Managed by the National Park Service, this year-round facility provides a shaded retreat under a dense canopy of ponderosa pine trees. It serves as a quiet home base for travelers who want to stay inside the park boundaries, offering immediate access to the natural wonder without the long commute from outside gateway towns.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, the campground enjoys a temperate climate and a stunning woodland backdrop. It is located just a short distance from the South Rim, making it possible to reach the canyon's edge via a brief walk or bike ride. The campground is conveniently positioned near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, and the park's free shuttle bus system stops nearby, providing easy transportation to various viewpoints throughout the village.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic, dry camping facility, meaning there are no individual water, electric, or sewer hookups at the sites. Each site includes a paved parking pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring. While the sites themselves are basic, the campground provides flush toilets and drinking water stations. For additional needs, the nearby Camper Store offers coin-operated showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station, ensuring that RVers have access to essential services during their stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Staying at Mather puts you minutes away from iconic landmarks like Mather Point and the Yavapai Geology Museum. Adventure seekers can easily access the Bright Angel Trail or the South Kaibab Trail for a hike into the canyon. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the Rim Trail offers miles of paved, level walking paths with continuous views of the gorge. Wildlife viewing is common, with elk and mule deer frequently wandering through the campground area.
Who This Park Is Best For
Mather Campground is ideal for nature enthusiasts and RVers who value location and atmosphere over luxury resort amenities. It is best suited for those in smaller rigs, as most sites accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet in length. It is the perfect choice for travelers who want to wake up in the heart of the park, prioritizing proximity to the canyon and a traditional outdoor camping vibe during their Arizona adventure.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Zoey Bulharowski
By some random streak of luck (as of 11/4/2025), Mather Campground is WIDE OPEN. Normally you need to book 6 months in advance but due to the government shutdown (sorry park rangers) the ground was closed and then reopened. We went 10/31-11/2 and the bathrooms were stocked, water was still running, and there was no park entrance fee. These are flushable bathrooms with lights, sinks, and soap. Big trash dumpsters are nearby for safely throwing away trash. This campground is also right next to the south rim trail! We stayed at 170, a short walk to the bathrooms but still private and beautiful. I recommended doing the Trail of Time for an easy walk around the rim. It’ll be very cold at night (around 30 degrees) but warm in the sun during the day. Grandview Point is fabulous for sunrise + sunset views. You can go to mather point at night for some awesome stargazing!
M.D. Hildebrand
Good shower facilities and comfort station. The elderly NPS staff member who checked me in seemed slightly grumpy or at least not exactly welcoming. Seemed like there was a recognition missing that the S in NPS is for service, and absent tourists, his job would not exist. I had the same impression / experience with the staff member working at the west gate when I arrived.
Stacey Caughey
Get there before sundown to comfortably find your camping spot. It was a beautiful and adorable camping neighborhood. Super affordable and close and easy access to the Grand canyon park and trials. Dog friendly with a walking path. Each camping spot has a picnic table and a fire pit.
Michiel Teunissen
Nice spots in the forest. We had a Rocky Mountains Elk approaching us at just 15 meters. Walking distance to the free shuttle system. A dump station available at the Park entrance. Recommend this place.
Nancie graves
We stayed during the fires in the north rim 2025. There were no fires allowed, but you could use propane grills, which wasn’t listed on the website. The showers were not working due to the water shortage which was not listed on their website page. The camp ground was very convenient to the South Rim. Shuttle bus was great , hop off and on every 10-15 mins. Grounds are very clean, bathrooms clean. Very quite. Saw elk walking through camp ground several days. Nighttime so many stars too see! Thank you Camp Mathers