Mather Campground

Star4.58
603 reviews
P.O Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023, USA
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$6 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

327 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service - Grand Canyon National Park site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mather Campground
$6.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $30 per night for standard nonelectric, RV nonelectric, and tent-only nonelectric sites. Hiker/biker sites are $6 per night...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$6.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 603 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersspaciouslocation

Some mention

noise

"Mather Campground receives mixed reviews. Many campers appreciate its amenities, cleanliness, and proximity to the South Rim. Positive reviews emphasize spacious sites, helpful staff, and the convenience of nearby facilities. Negative reviews point out noisy surroundings, issues with shower cleanliness, and cramped sites."

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Campground Map

P.O Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023, USA

Mather Campground

P.O Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Accessible via paved roads from the south and east entrance stations. Roads are generally in good condition with clear signage.
Nearby places
- Tusayan (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive) - Williams (54 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available at the Market Plaza within Grand Canyon Village, including a general store, post office, and gas station.

Best Time to Camp at Mather Campground

Experience the Grand Canyon's dramatic seasonal personality at 7,000 feet, where each season writes its own story. Summer days bask in golden sunshine with temperatures dancing in the comfortable 80s, while afternoon thunderstorms roll across the plateau from July through September, creating nature's own light show. As autumn arrives, crisp air carries the scent of pine, and spring brings its own surprises with possible snow dustings that transform the landscape into a wonderland. Winter visitors should embrace the adventure – snow may blanket the campground, and while roads aren't always immediately plowed after storms, the solitude and beauty of a snow-kissed canyon rim make it worthwhile.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summers warm (80s) with thunderstorms; good hiking but busy and needs shade.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 2% in AZ

Fall is milder and preferred per seasonal notes; excellent hiking and views.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 2% in AZ

Spring noted as a preferred season with milder weather and excellent activity conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but reviews report snow and unplowed roads reducing accessibility.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1 through November 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season is March 1 to November 30. Winter reservations are available from December 1 to February 29.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal construction and occasional tree trimming operations near campsites may cause noise disruptions.

About Mather Campground

Nestled in the heart of Grand Canyon Village, Mather Campground serves as your basecamp for one of nature's most spectacular shows. Wake up just minutes from breathtaking rim views and step into a world where every sunrise paints the canyon walls in brilliant hues. This well-appointed campground welcomes you with modern comforts including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While you won't find electrical or water hookups here, you'll discover something far more valuable – an authentic connection to one of America's greatest natural wonders.
Mather Campground provides a mix of camping options, including tent-only sites, RV sites (without hookups), group sites, and hiker/biker communal areas. "Hiker/biker sites are provided only to campers who arrive on foot or bicycle" and cost $6 per night. Group sites are described as "tent-only (NO RVs or trailers). Each group site accommodates parking for up to three vehicles."
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Noon
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit, and 30 nights total per year.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Mather Campground offers ample recreational opportunities. Guests can engage in wildlife viewing, biking, hiking, and stargazing. The campground's proximity to the South Rim provides access to the Greenway and Rim Trail for scenic walks and bike rides. "The Rim Trail...runs for 14 miles along the edge of the canyon."
HikingMultiple trails are accessible from the campground, including the Greenway (a paved walking and biking trail) and the Rim Trail, which runs for 14 miles along the edge of the Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails, which descend into the canyon, are a short shuttle ride away. Trails range from easy paved routes to challenging descents into the canyon.
BikingThe Greenway Trail is a paved path accessible from the campground and suited for biking. Guests appreciate its scenic views and proximity to the visitor center.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, including elk, mule deer, coyotes, lizards, songbirds, and the endangered California condor. One camper described the experience: "Elk came through every morning—it truly felt like we were in the wilderness."
Cultural and Educational ProgramsVisitors can take a short shuttle ride to the Yavapai Geology Museum to learn about the geological formations of the Grand Canyon. The museum features educational exhibits about the canyon’s layers and its formation.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as elk, mule deer, coyotes, and ravens may pose risks if food is left unattended. Terrain is rocky, and visitors should be cautious during thunderstorms.
Active AlertsSeasonal construction and occasional tree trimming operations near campsites may cause noise disruptions.

Weather at Mather Campground

Reviews

4.6
603 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mather Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mather Campground receives mixed reviews. Many campers appreciate its amenities, cleanliness, and proximity to the South Rim. Positive reviews emphasize spacious sites, helpful staff, and the convenience of nearby facilities. Negative reviews point out noisy surroundings, issues with shower cleanliness, and cramped sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 603 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests frequently praise the campground's location, spacious sites, and clean facilities. One reviewer noted, "The showers were okay (not squeaky clean but also not awful)." Wildlife sightings and...
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Based on 603 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include high shower costs, noise disturbances from nearby roads, and the cramped layout of some sites. "$2.50 for a 5-minute cold shower should be illegal," wrote one camper. Others noted,...
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Based on 603 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure first-come, first-served sites. Bring your own shade covers for sunny spots, as noted by one reviewer: "The table was under direct sunlight with no tree for shade." Prepare for...
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Based on 603 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight thunderstorms and the need for shade, while winter visitors mention snow and unplowed roads. Spring and fall offer milder weather, making them the preferred seasons for...
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Based on 603 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great location to see the park from." "The staff are friendly and welcoming." "Sites were distanced from one another so you had privacy and quiet amidst the trees."
Based on 603 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 073 in Fir Loop was praised for privacy and proximity to wildlife. Site 199 in Maple Loop was noted for its convenience to restrooms without being too close. Site 315 in Pine Loop was...
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Based on 603 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some campers noted the lack of ramps in restroom facilities, making them less accessible for individuals with disabilities. "There does need to be better access for wheelchairs in the restrooms as...
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Based on 603 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. Leashed pets are permitted on both the Greenway and Rim Trail, but not below the rim.
Based on 603 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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