All You Need to Know About Camping at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking sight that you must experience firsthand. Stretching a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide, the canyon extends for 278 miles, with the mighty Colorado River flowing through it. Each year, around five to six million visitors explore this national park, which is divided into two areas: the easily accessible South Rim, featuring year-round access, an airport, and a train system, and the more remote and less crowded North Rim.

While a day trip to the Grand Canyon is possible (or a night in one of the lodges), nothing compares to securing a perfect tent site with breathtaking views and witnessing the vibrant canyon walls awaken in the morning light. Additionally, camping in the park allows you to beat the crowds to the trails and scenic overlooks.

Whether you’re a tent camper or prefer a full RV setup, the park’s 1,904 square miles offers something for everyone. To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve compiled all the essential information for camping near the Grand Canyon.

Choosing Between the South and North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is expansive, so you’ll need to choose between camping on the South or North Rim (there’s a five-hour drive separating them). If you prefer a campsite that’s easily accessible and open all year, plan your visit to the South Rim. According to the National Park Service (NPS), 90 percent of visitors head to the South Rim due to its local airport and rail connections, along with its proximity to Arizona cities like Flagstaff (about an hour and a half away) and Phoenix (around three and a half hours).

However, if you wish to escape busy campgrounds and crowded trails, consider the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Although it’s more challenging to access — and closed seasonally from mid-October to mid-May — it offers a wilder, more secluded experience. You’ll need to drive to reach this area since there’s no airport or rail service within the park. The closest larger towns are Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah (each about an hour and a half away). Don’t let the remoteness discourage you; at the North Rim, you’ll be at an elevation of around 8,000 feet in a section that only 10 percent of park visitors venture to explore.

Camping on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

If you have a car and wish to drive in, park, and camp on the South Rim, consider Mather Campground or Desert View Campground. Mather is situated within the bustling Grand Canyon Village, home to the visitor center, train, and shuttle buses, and is open year-round for both tent and RV campers (note that RV hookups are not available). From March to November, you must make a reservation up to six months in advance; during the quieter winter months, camping is first-come, first-served. The cost to camp at Mather is $18 per site, per night.

Desert View Campground is located on the less developed eastern side of the park, about 25 miles from Grand Canyon Village and Mather Campground. This campground is open from mid-April to mid-October. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov, with a fee of $18 per site, per night.

Neither campground offers RV hookups, so if you require full RV amenities, be sure to make a reservation at the South Rim's Trailer Village.

Camping on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

For those camping on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the North Rim Campground is available from mid-May to mid-to-late October each year. Reservations for this campground are mandatory and can be made up to six months in advance. Costs for a site at North Rim range from $18 to $50 per night; while there are no RV hookups, a dump station is available.

Camping Around Grand Canyon National Park

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park doesn’t mean you must camp within its boundaries. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider exploring one of the campgrounds or dispersed camping areas located outside and near the park.

On the South Rim, you can find the Ten-X Campground (offering minimal amenities at $20 per night), free dispersed camping in the surrounding national forest, and the Grand Canyon Camper Village, which provides RV hookups and a free shuttle to the South Rim’s visitor center. Additionally, campers can also stay on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, Hualapai Indian Reservation, and Navajo Indian Reservation.

At the North Rim, you can visit the U.S. Forest Service-operated DeMotte Campground (no hookups, $24 per night) or the Jacob Lake Campground (first-come, first-served; $24 per night). There are also options for dispersed camping near the North Rim and Kaibab Camper Village for those needing RV hookups.

Camping Regulations to Know at Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park offers a combination of first-come, first-served and reservation-based camping, so make sure to choose an option that fits your style. If you prefer to secure a spot well in advance (up to six months), consider the park-operated Mather Campground on the South Rim or the North Rim Campground. For those who are more spontaneous and flexible, check out Desert View Campground on the South Rim, and arrive early to claim a spot.

If you want to camp within the park but prefer not to stay at one of the three established campgrounds — Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, or North Rim Campground — you will need a backcountry permit, which can be requested online.

Essential Tips for Camping at Grand Canyon National Park

The campgrounds at Grand Canyon National Park are usually crowded from May to October, during the warmer months. If you're new to camping (or prefer to avoid the cold), this period is ideal for you. However, year-round camping is available at Mather Campground, or you can obtain a backcountry permit for winter camping. Those camping in winter should bring extra gear and layers, and ensure they are knowledgeable about cold-weather camping.