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Mather Campground
Overview
Mather Campground is located within the heart of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, offering a quintessential immersion into the natural beauty of the high-desert pine forest. This is a **National Park Service-managed facility** that provides a rustic, authentic experience for those seeking to sleep under the stars. The park is nestled among Ponderosa pines, providing significant shade and a quiet, tranquil atmosphere that feels far removed from the typical modern RV resort lifestyle.
Location & Surroundings
Situated within Grand Canyon Village, the campground serves as a primary base for visitors looking to explore the South Rim. The elevation sits at approximately 7,000 feet, which results in cooler temperatures even during the summer months. Guests are perfectly positioned to access the **South Rim canyon views** with ease. The surrounding landscape features dense forest cover and walking trails that connect directly to the park shuttle system, making navigation throughout the village simple and efficient.
Amenities & Park Features
As a national park facility, Mather Campground focuses on the essentials rather than luxury resort amenities. You will find large, level sites that accommodate a variety of RV sizes, though it is important to note that **no hookups are provided** on-site. Guests have access to potable water spigots throughout the loops and public restrooms. A convenient dump station is available for campers, ensuring that all necessary self-contained needs are met within the park boundaries.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the unparalleled access to the Grand Canyon. From the campground, visitors can quickly reach iconic overlooks such as Mather Point, which offers a stunning introduction to the canyon. The **Grand Canyon Visitor Center** is located just a short distance away, serving as a hub for information, ranger programs, and shuttle transfers. Additionally, miles of rim trails provide endless opportunities for hiking and photography, allowing guests to experience the majesty of the landscape at their own pace.
Who This Park Is Best For
Mather Campground is an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who prioritize location over convenience. It is perfect for travelers who are **fully self-contained** and enjoy a traditional camping atmosphere. If you value being inside the park boundaries and want to wake up within walking distance of the most famous sights in Arizona, this is the premier destination for your next adventure in the Grand Canyon.
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!
ND AB
Excellent service by Maddie and Sam F. People like you make my visit and stay at the park very pleasant. Thank you for your service and your kindness. I appreciate all the helpful info you shared with me and my child. Your Washington DC Area Fan Girl (who grew up in upstate NY)
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.
Eliza Leonard
Stayed here the 22nd of November, 2021. Got a spot near the southwest area. Area was clean and maintained. Had bathrooms close by. It was easy to get up early, pack everything up, and hit the canyon before the crowds got there. We were lucky had a beautiful morning walk down the Angel trail at sunrise. Grounds were clean and rangers friendly.
Antonio Castaneda
Great spot. Enough distance between spots. Nice that showers and laundry is available. The guy at the entrance booth was super chill.
Lu Phan
First come first serve during the off season like the other reviews said. Only pine loop and sage loop (group) are open. No problem finding a site here. General store nearby that has everything you forgot including dry firewood.
Nancy Maschke
This campground is a must stay! It really feels like you're in the middle of nature. There were mule deer walking around often and even set up shop near the water spigots and dump station. Water spigots throughout the campground too though. The bathrooms were nice and clean. The site was spread out from others and had a nice fire ring with picnic table.
delf hedde
Humongous campground with a mix of RV and tent campers. The location is hard to beat. The huge number of campers was not really a problem, as the individual sites are very spacious. I never felt crowded. Tables, Benches and Fire-rings at every site. Plenty of clean restrooms. Laundry and shower facilities available. Great place to clean up after a while of dispersed camping