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There are two sides to the Grand Canyon to camp out – the North or South Rim. Most people will choose one depending on how difficult of a hike they have planned including Rim-to-Rim or the hardest Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim. If you are not a hiking enthusiast but just want to see the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, there are a few different camping opportunities for you.
The Grand Canyon sits in northern Arizona and the Colorado River snakes through beautifully at the bottom. The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 Wonders of the World and is breathtaking in its sheer size and beauty. Here are the best campsites in the Grand Canyon on both the South and North Rim.
South Rim Campgrounds
Mather Campground
On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, reservations can be made six months in advance and are available for Mather Campground which is located within Grand Canyon Village. This village is a historic district and has a lodge, shuttle buses, visitor center, and Grand Canyon train depot.
Tent camping is perfect to do at Mathers as there are no RV hook-ups at this campground. It is beautiful here and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle. With 300 campsites for tent camping and RVs, Mathers Campground is the largest camping area on the South Rim.
Trailer Village
If you are in an RV you can stay at a Trailer Village located within Grand Canyon Village and it has full hookups and is operated by Xanterra.
Desert View Campground
If you want a smaller, more rustic camping experience try Desert View Campground located at the east entrance to the park. It is first-come, first-served campground and there are no RV hookups but there are 50 camping spots. This campground can accommodate RVs, but really more of the smaller varieties like travel trailers or RVs smaller than 30 feet in length.
North Rim Campgrounds
North Rim Campground
The only federal campground on this side of the Grand Canyon is the North Rim Campground. It does not have RV hookups, but does have a dump station and has showers and laundry available.
During the winter months (December 1 to May 15) backpackers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers are permitted to use the North Rim Campground’s group campsite, but you must have a back country use permit. The highway into the park is closed during the winter, so there is no winter car camping. If you want to camp outside of the Grand Canyon, there are a few other choices that you can look into.
DeMotte Campground
This campground is operated by the US Forest Service and is 16 miles north of the canyon rim. There are no RV hookups here and the good thing is that 50% of the sites are on the www.recreation.gov website.
Jacob Lake Campground
This site is a little further out at 45 miles and is also administered by the US Forest Service. It is open only during the summer and there no hookups nor reservation but they do have free evening programs.
Kaibab Camper Village (Jacob Lake)
There is one commercial campground located near Jacob Lake on Arizona Highway 67. Here there are full hook-ups available and they can accommodate most RV sizes.
Are you planning a visit to the Grand Canyon? Is the Grand Canyon on your family travel bucket list?
I drove to the Grand Canyon many years ago from Vegas. I am glad I did it and would love to go back with the kids someday.
This is an AWESOME list! I love going to the Grand Canyon! I’ve camped at DeMotte before, but never really considered the other sites. I’ll be checking out Mather and Jacob Lake, now that I see what potential they have. Thank you!
For as many times as I have been in Las Vegas, I have never made it to the Grand Canyon. I would love to see it and be in awe of its beauty….not too sure about camping, though.
This is really helpful. I think it would be fun to take an RV trip out there with my family. I’ve been to the GC before but it’s been a long time.
I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, but I hope to go one day. I’ll keep this in mind.
I would love to go camping at the Grand Canyon someday. It is such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing good camp sites.
I want to go to the Grand Canyon so badly! I dream of camping anywhere but the west coast!
The Grand Canyon really should not be missed!
I have never been in Grand Canyon but i think it was a best place for camping with my family. I hope i can go there someday.
I’d love to visit the Grand Canyon. It is so beautiful, and just to think all that was created though millions of years by nature. We have a beautiful Earth!
I’m sure my hubby and kids would love to visit in Grand Canyon! I’d like to add it on my bucket list.
This is a great list. We’re not big on camping, but I would love to visit the Grand Canyon.
We’ve been thinking of doing next year’s vacation to the Grand Canyon. And, I was seriously considering doing it camping. This is great info!
I have never been to the Grand Canyon. I need to go. Great information about camping. I think I would prefer the South side.
My boyfriend has been lucky enough to visit the grand canyon before. I would love to go someday!
Oh yes, the Grand Canyon is also on my bucket list… that list keeps growing longer every day!
wow, how awesome! Thanks for sharing the list. We are planning on a road trip next summer, and we would love to stop at Grand Canyon.