How much does camping cost at Mather Campground?

Camping fees at Mather Campground are $6 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mather Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mather Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mather Campground before I book?

Yes! Mather Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mather Campground?

Mather Campground is open March 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mather Campground?

Yes, Mather Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Mather Campground?

Cell phone service at Mather Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Mather Campground have?

Mather Campground has 327 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mather Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mather Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Mather Campground?

Mather Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Mather Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mather Campground?

Fire policies at Mather Campground: Campfires. Campfire rings are provided at each site. Collecting wood is strictly prohibited. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a short while. Drown fires completely before leaving the site. Fireworks are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.57

603 reviews

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

Top 12% in AZFall

BReport Card

StargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Grand Canyon National Park#1 Best Campgrounds Arizona#2 Spring Camping Arizona#3 +7 more

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$6 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

327 campsites

Season

Reservations (Winter...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service - Grand Canyon National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$6 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

327 campsites

Season

Reservations (Winter...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service - Grand Canyon National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Mather Campground

$6.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $25.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$6.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

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This campground gets 300 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1-877-444-6777grca_campgrounds@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

- Tusayan (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive) - Williams (54 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)

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.

Weather at Mather Campground

Current alerts(13)

Campers must check-in at the campground kiosk upon arrival. Staff will orient you and answer questions. If you arrive after business hours, your campsite information is posted on the window of the kiosk.
Campground terrain is hard and rocky. Sleeping pads are suggested and leveling equipment for RVs is recommended.
Clotheslines, hammocks, and sports nets. These must be taken down when not in use. Do not pierce trees with nails or other sharp objects.
Commercial Groups: Conducting business at Mather Campground requires a Commercial Use Authorization. Commercial groups with 7 or more people are required by their CUA agreement to use the group sites in the Sage Loop.

Best Time to Camp at Mather Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest skies, the coolest daytime hiking weather, and noticeably smaller crowds — making rim and inner-canyon hikes far more pleasant. Expect daytime highs commonly in the 50s–70s°F (10–25°C) in October with nights often near or below freezing; these conditions are ideal for long hikes, biking along the rim, and crisp, far-reaching photography. Shuttle service and park facilities are fully available through November, so you get peak access without the height-of-summer traffic Peak months: October, September, May, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 12% in AZ

Overview and reviews: fall = clearest skies, cooler hikes, smaller crowds; called best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservations (Winter: 12/01-2/28; Rest of the year: 3/01-11/30) are available on Recreation.gov.

About Mather Campground

Mather Campground sits on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, operated by the National Park Service with tent, RV, and group sites spread across a high-elevation pine forest. The very large campground offers flush toilets, coin showers, a dump station, and a camp store, with biking trails and wildlife viewing drawing visitors between spring and fall. Elk wander through campsites most mornings, and the rim trails start within walking distance.

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."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest skies, the coolest daytime hiking weather, and noticeably smaller crowds — making rim and inner-canyon hikes far more pleasant. Expect daytime highs commonly in the 50s–70s°F (10–25°C) in October with nights often near or below freezing; these conditions are ideal for long hikes, biking along the rim, and crisp, far-reaching photography. Shuttle service and park facilities are fully available through November, so you get peak access without the height-of-summer traffic Peak months: October, September, May, April

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a Ponderosa pine forest at 7,000 feet on the Colorado Plateau, with Pinyon and Juniper mixed in. Shade varies by site. Some areas offer good canopy cover; others leave picnic tables in direct sun. The Grand Canyon itself is a mile away, so you won't see rim views from camp. Elk wander through most mornings. The forest smells strongly of evergreens. When you do reach the rim, the layered reds and oranges of ancient rock formations drop a vertical mile to the Colorado River below.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or cabins are available at Mather Campground itself. Visitors seeking lodging may consider nearby facilities in Grand Canyon Village.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit, and 30 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people per standard site.

Groups

Group sites, located in Sage Loop, accommodate between 25 and 50 people. Specific sites can handle parking for large buses.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or via a phone call to 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground terrain is hard and rocky. Some sites are ADA-compliant and close to accessible restrooms, but one reviewer noted, "There does need to be better access for wheelchairs in the restrooms as there is no ramp.

Site SizeCampsites range from small and cramped to large and spacious. Group sites can accommodate up to 50 people, while individual sites can handle three tents.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. While some sites are described as "spacious and well-shaded," others are "stacked very close to each other." Specific reviews highlight space differences: "The sites are spread out, large and shaded.

Total Campsites327 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites adjacent to roads or restrooms for quieter experiences. Pine Loop sites (265-319) are recommended for privacy and tranquility.

Best CampsitesPine Loop gets mentioned for being quieter with no generator noise. Maple Loop sites offer better shade and closer restroom access. Specific site numbers aren't widely reported in reviews, but arriving early for first-come, first-served spots improves your chances of finding a spacious, well-shaded site rather than one of the cramped ones.

Need help booking Mather Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Mather Campground does NOT have hookups available but there is a free dump station nearby at Camper Services. During peak season, generators are NOT permitted in Pine Loop (sites 265-319). Throughout the rest of the campground, generator-use is ONLY allowed from 7:00am to 9:00am, and from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There are flush toilets and drinking water spigots throughout the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Mather Campground

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."

Wildlife viewing4.5/5Top 7% in Arizona

Biking4.0/5Top 9% in Arizona

Winter Activities2.0/5

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.5/5Overview notes stargazing as a draw; South Rim/Grand Canyon known for dark skies and clear fall nights.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires. Campfire rings are provided at each site. Collecting wood is strictly prohibited. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a short while. Drown fires completely before leaving the site. Fireworks are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 7:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling are handled through single-stream dumpsters placed throughout the campground. Visitors are reminded to store food in vehicles or hard-sided containers and not leave it unattended to keep wildlife safe.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies in quality. One review noted, "I had very good phone reception," but coverage may not be consistent across all sites.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

603 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 603 reviews.

Site 073Loved
Site 073 in Fir Loop was praised for privacy and proximity to wildlife.
Site 315Loved
Site 315 in Pine Loop was highlighted for its cleanliness and quiet atmosphere.
Site 199Mentioned
Site 199 in Maple Loop was noted for its convenience to restrooms without being too close.

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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

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...

Based on 603 reviews