MATHER CAMPGROUND campground
Grand Canyon, Arizona

MATHER CAMPGROUND

Mostly first-come
357 campsites
Open in maps

357

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About MATHER CAMPGROUND

Overview Mather Campground is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. Grand Canyon is one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth and draws over five million visitors per year to its spectacular scenery. The campground is large and can accommodate a variety of needs and comfort levels. It is the only campground within Grand Canyon Village. Scenic overlooks, the park's free shuttle bus system, the Visitor Center, the general store and hiking and biking trails are all within a few miles from the facility. The campground is at an elevation of approximately 7,000 ft. Summers are sunny with high temperatures generally in the 80s. Thunderstorms frequently occur in July, August, and early September. Fall and spring are mostly sunny and cool with the occasional snow. Weather is variable; visitors should come prepared. Recreation From the campground, campers can access the Greenway, a paved walking and biking trail that leads to scenic overlooks and the Visitor Center. The Rim Trail, a paved walking trail, is one mile away and runs for 14 miles along the edge of the canyon. Leashed pets are allowed on both trails, but are not permitted below the rim. Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails descend into the canyon. Their trailheads are a short shuttle bus ride from the campground. The park's concessionaire also offers day and overnight mule riding trips into the canyon and along the rim. Facilities From the campground, campers can access the Greenway, a paved walking and biking trail that leads to scenic overlooks and the Visitor Center. The Rim Trail, a paved walking trail, is one mile away and runs for 14 miles along the edge of the canyon. Leashed pets are allowed on both trails, but are not permitted below the rim. Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails descend into the canyon. Their trailheads are a short shuttle bus ride from the campground. The park's concessionaire also offers day and overnight mule riding trips into the canyon and along the rim. Natural Features Mather Campground lies beneath a mixture of a tall canopy of Ponderosa pine, Pinyon, and Juniper trees, providing most campsites with ample shade. The campground is one mile from the rim of the canyon. A visit to the canyon during sunrise and sunset yields spectacular views of yellow, orange, red and violet hues in the canyon walls. Layers of rock display billions of years of geologic history. Campers can take a short shuttle bus ride from the campground to the Visitors Center. Visitors can also visit Yavapai Geology Museum, where they learn about the forces that formed the canyon. Below, visitors can see the mighty Colorado River, which flows 277 miles through the bottom of the canyon. Wildlife abounds on the South Rim, including elk, mule deer, coyotes, lizards, songbirds and the endangered California condor. Although condors nest below the rim, they can be seen soaring several thousand feet above the canyon in search for carrion. Nearby Attractions Numerous visitor centers, restaurants, museums and shops are within a shuttle bus ride from the campground. Beyond the village, Desert View provides one of the widest views of Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. The Desert View Watchtower displays the talent of architect Mary Jane Colter. Tusayan Ruin and Museum provide glimpses into the life of a small Ancestral Puebloan village 800 years ago. Both are within 25 miles from the campground.

  • 357 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (357).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
MATHER CAMPGROUND photo 2
MATHER CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes MATHER CAMPGROUND special

Mather Campground puts you on the edge of one of the most awe-inspiring vistas on the planet — the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Waking up here means you are just a short walk from peering over the rim into a mile-deep chasm carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. Few campgrounds anywhere can match that kind of proximity to geological wonder. With 357 sites, Mather is the largest campground in Grand Canyon National Park and operates year-round, making it the go-to option for campers visiting the South Rim. Sites are spread through a mature pinyon-juniper forest that provides welcome shade and a sense of privacy. The campground accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs, and is equipped with restrooms, coin-operated showers, and a laundry facility. Location is everything here. The Market Plaza complex with its general store, deli, and post office is within walking distance, and free shuttle buses connect you to rim viewpoints, trailheads, and the historic Grand Canyon Village. Popular trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab start nearby, offering everything from short rim walks to multi-day descents to the canyon floor. Reservations open six months in advance on Recreation.gov and are strongly recommended from March through November. Spring and fall deliver the most comfortable hiking temperatures, while winter camping offers solitude and occasional dustings of snow along the rim — a truly magical sight.

Campsite Inventory

357 sites to choose from

Unknown

357total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Accessibility, Yes

BBQ

Yes

CAMPFIRE RINGS

Campfire Rings

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

12:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-Through

Driveway Grade

Moderate, Severe

Driveway length (ft)

21, 25, 27

Driveway surface

Paved

FLUSH TOILETS

Flush Toilets

Fire Pit

Yes

GRILLS

Grills, Yes

Grills/Fire Ring

Grills/Fire Ring

Hike In Distance to Site

150

Max Num of Horses

6

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

1-877-444-6777

Getting There

Mather Campground is located within the park in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. From the south entrance station: proceed for about three miles (5 km) and turn left on Center Road. Travel 1/4 mile (.4 km) and turn right onto Market Plaza Road. The campground is about one mile (1.6 km) down Market Plaza Road on the right. From the east entrance station: follow the road 25 miles (40 km) and turn left at the "T" intersection onto South Entrance Road. Travel about 1/2 mile (.8 km) and turn right at the intersection onto Center Road. Travel 1/4 mile (.4 km) and turn right onto Market Plaza Road. The campground is about one mile (1.6 km) down Market Plaza Road on the right.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to MATHER CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for MATHER CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for MATHER CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at MATHER CAMPGROUND?

MATHER CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (357).

Where is MATHER CAMPGROUND located?

MATHER CAMPGROUND is in Arizona near Grand Canyon. Coordinates: 36.0497, -112.1205.

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