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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Jul 19, 2021 · Updated: Aug 1, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Mather Campground - Grand Canyon National Park

    Mather Campground is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. This large campground offers easy access to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and great wildlife watching with elk in the campground. 

    TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

    Mather Campground - Grand Canyon National Park

    Mather Campground is the largest campground within Grand Canyon NP. The campground provides easy access to the scenic overlooks the south rim of Grand Canyon is knowns for. The campground is managed by the National Park Service.

    If you are camping with an RV make sure to also check out Trailer Village RV Park just down from this campground. 

    This campground offers easy access to the visitor center, general store, Grand Canyon Shuttle Buses, and the south entrance. 

    Number of Sites: 327

    Location in the park: 

    Campsite Cost: Make sure to check with the park for the most updated camping fees

    Senior/Access Camping Fee: Golden Age or Access passport holders pay only ½ price year-round (passport number is needed when making reservation and passport holder must be camping at the site).

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

    Reservations: Yes, see below for info on how to make a reservation. 

    Campground Address:  1 Mather Campground Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

    Latitude/Longitude: 36.04972, -112.12047 -- 36°2'59"N, 112°7'14"W

    Accessible Sites: Fourteen ADA accessible sites are available as needed to our visitors with disabilities. Sites feature larger parking areas and raised fire rings. Sites are located in close proximity to restrooms.

    Pets Allowed: Yes, must be on a leash. 

    Check out Desert View Campground for another great Grand Canyon Camping opportunity. 

    Campground Reservations 

    Are campground Reservations Available? From March 1- November 30 (Peak Season) all campsites are by reservation only

    Phone Number? 1-877-444-6777

    Online? https://www.recreation.gov/

    How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? 

    First Come, First Served? This campground does not offer first-come, first-served sites during Peak Season. 

    During the winter months (December 1- February 28), the campground office is closed and online reservations are not available. Campground registration is by ''first-come, first-served'', using the self-pay machine located at the campground kiosk at the entrance to the campground.

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    Campground Amenities

    Dump Station: Yes

    Bear Boxes: No

    Flush Toilets: Yes

    Payphone: Yes

    Is Wi-Fi available? The closest free Public Wi-Fi is at the general store (Canyon Village Market) and in the lobby of Yavapai Lodge. Both are located in Market Plaza, 0.4 mile (.64 km) from the Mather Campground entrance.

    Is cellular Phone Service Available? Maybe but most likely you will get better service in Grand Canyon Village or along Desert View Drive. 

    Is camp host available on site? Yes

    Is firewood available for purchase? Wood may be purchased at the Canyon Village Market general store

    Amenities at each campsite: 

    Fire pit in the site? Yes

    Picnic Table in the site? Yes

    Potable Water? Drinking water is very easy to find in the campground.

     

    RV Camping at Mather Campground

    RV Length: RV Max Length in Feet - 30

    Trailer Max Length in Feet - 27

    Generators:  7–9 am and 6–8 pm. Generators may not be used in Pine Loop.

    Hook-Ups: There are no RV hook-ups at Mather Campground.

    How to get to Campground

    Make sure to follow the signs to the campgrounds as you drive through Grand Canyon Village. They will lead you to Mather Campground.

     Campground Regulations

    The maximum number of people in a campsite: 6 people

    The number of cars per campsite: 2

    Check-in time: 12 pm

    Checkout time: 11 am

    Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 6 am

    Stays limited to 7 consecutive days and 30 days per calendar year. 

    Campground Map

    Additional Grand Canyon National Park Information & Resources

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    Grand Canyon National Park Lodging

    There are multiple National Park Lodges within the Grand Canyon National Park. Choosing which lodge to stay in depends mainly on the parts of the park you're hoping to explore!

    South Rim Lodging Options

    The El Tovar

    🏨Ready to Book the El Tovar -> Click Here

    This Registered National Historic Landmark was first built in 1905 (when it welcomed President Theodore Roosevelt) and renovated in 2005.

    With rooms that have a great view of the landscape, the rustic and charming architecture of the El Tovar became a blueprint for many lodges in National Parks across the US.

    It is home to a concierge service, a fine-dining restaurant, a gift shop, and more. 

    Yavapai Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Yavapai Lodge -> Click Here

    It is one of the lodges in the Grand Canyon that looks unassuming but will surprise you in the best way possible.

    You'll be accommodated with the best service, and if you get lucky (like we did), you might even spot an Elk on the grounds of the lodge itself.

    Bright Angel Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Bright Angel Lodge -> Click Here

    One of the top places to stay in the Grand Canyon National Park, the Bright Angel Lodge is home to the Arizona Room (a lovely fine-dining joint with a view) as well as an ice-cream parlor.

    It is the closest lodging option close to the famous Bright Angel Trail, and here you can also rent one of the log cabins if you're looking for a fun romantic getaway. 

    Kachina Lodge & Thunderbird Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Kachina Lodge -> Click Here
    🏨Ready to Book the Thunderbird Lodge -> Click Here

    If you're in search of accommodation for big groups and families, the Kachina and Thunderbird lodges are the ones for you.

    They're located near the edge of the South Rim within proximity of the El Tovar Hotel. With their central location, you'll have easy access to trails restaurants and even have scenic vistas of the Canyon in all its splendor. 

    Maswik Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Maswik Lodge -> Click Here

    Located near the canyon edge in the Ponderosa Pine forest is a modern, motel-style cabin called Maswik Lodge.

    With its rich history and culture, this lodge has in-house dining, a gift shop, and easy access to trails. Reservations are recommended to be made up to a year in advance.

    Bottom of Grand Canyon Lodging

    Phantom Ranch

    Located north of the Bright Angel Campground, this lodge is a popular spot amongst overnight hikers, mule riders, river rafting groups, and more!

    The Phantom Ranch, considered one of the nation's top National park lodges, is a favorite among tourists, so make your reservations in advance. 

    North Rim Lodging Options

    Grand Canyon Lodge

    Sadly, on July 12, 2025 The Grand Canyon Lodge on the north rim was completely lost as it caught fire in the Dragon Bravo Fire. Approximately 50 to 80 structures were lost and has led to the closure of the North Rim to all public access for the remainder of the 2025 season.

    Closed in the winter, the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge is the only in-park accommodation in the North Rim part of the Grand Canyon.

    It's well sought-out so book your rooms at least a year in advance. The cozy and rustic design, coupled with the limestone architecture, genuinely brings the canyons' natural beauty into the lodge itself. 

    Lodging near Grand Canyon National Park

    For the South Rim, the closest lodging can be found in Tusayan, Arizona.

    Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel

    🏨Ready to Book the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel -> Click Here

    Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a bar at Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Be sure to enjoy a meal at JJKs, the onsite family restaurant. Free in-room Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.

    Red Feather Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Red Feather Lodge -> Click Here

    Take advantage of laundry facilities, a bar, and a gym at Red Feather Lodge. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Plaza Bonita, the onsite restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.

    The Grand Hotel

    🏨Ready to Book the Grand Hotel -> Click Here

    At The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon, you can look forward to shopping on site, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Canyon Star Steakhouse, features American cuisine and happy hour. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour business center.

    Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon by IHG

    🏨Ready to Book the Holiday Inn Resort The Squire at Grand Canyon by IHG -> Click Here

    Consider a stay at Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn and take advantage of a coffee shop/café, a garden, and an arcade/game room. For some rest and relaxation, visit the 2 hot tubs. Enjoy a meal at the two onsite restaurants. Free in-room Wi-Fi, with speed of 25+ Mbps, is available to all guests, along with laundry facilities and a fireplace in the lobby.

    Click on the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near the Grand Canyon.

    Grand Canyon National Park Guided Tours

    45-Minute Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 Minutes | 🚁 Check Rates and Availability

    Take an exhilarating helicopter flight that whisks you from the Grand Canyon's South Rim to the North Rim. Through the ECO-Star helicopter's panoramic windows, see the world's largest Ponderosa Pines in Kaibab National Forest and the Mighty Colorado River. Snap photos of the Painted Desert, Decert View Watchtower, Marble Canyon, and Point Imperial before your return flight takes you through the dramatic backdrop of the Dragon Corridor.

    Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner Included
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

    Unleash your inner explorer with veteran local Eric Albanese. Immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon's majestic beauty, rich history, and fascinating geology. You will embark on a scenic 20-mile tour tracing the South Rim of the canyon, stopping at 4-5 locations.
    You can relax in luxury with WI-FI, snacks, and hot or cold drinks while listening to the great detail that your guide has learned during the 10 years of living in the Grand Canyon area. Get up close to the canyon's stunning views with high-powered Celestron binoculars. You will also get to enjoy a delicious dinner at We Cook Pizza and Pasta.

    Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour
    ⭐️ Rating: 3.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3-4 hours | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

    Leave behind Grand Canyon National Park's hordes of tourists with this self-guided tour - all you need is your smartphone. You can explore exactly when you choose, you will be taken along 30+ stops, learning all about the UNESCO site's history, geology, flora, and fauna. Consider it to be like traveling with a pocket sized park expert.

    Click Here for a complete list of tours offered at Grand Canyon National Park!

    Site 194

    Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Fee

    Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

    Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

    $8.00 per person for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

    $8.00 per person for vehicles with a capacity of 1-25

    $300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

    Additional Photos of Mather Campground 

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    Additional Grand Canyon Resources

    Things to do Grand Canyon - The top things to do in Grand Canyon that you don't want to miss during your trip!

    Grand Canyon Restaurants - South Rim - Check out all the delicious places to enjoy a meal during your trip. 

    Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus - Find out what you need to know to plan your trip. 

    Grand Canyon Winter - If you are heading to the park in the winter make sure to plan ahead.

    Arizona National Park - Check out all of the amazing National Parks in Arizona you can visit. So many are close to the Grand Canyon!

    Grand Canyon National Park Lodges - Check out all of the lodges you can stay in within the park including Bright Angel Lodge, Phantom Ranch, and the El Tovar. 

    National Park Lodges - The El Tovar is just one of the amazing National Park Lodges in the United States. 

    Check out all of our Grand Canyon National Park articles for additional information and great tips on planning an epic vacation to this beautiful Arizona National Park!

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

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    Filed Under: Camping, US National Parks

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