This was my first time to the Grand Canyon and I was lucky enough to snag a last minute camping spot at Mather. Mather is in the park and $18. Using the recreation.gov website to book was easy enough and the actual campsite was pretty good. Lots of dirt and pine needles and rocks so we needed to clear a pretty decent area before we could set up. It gets incredibly dark at night (within 45min of the sunset) but the stars are truly incredible. I'd advise cooking before sunset! Each campsite had a grate covered fire pit. The general store is of course overpriced but literally had everything you could possibly need so don't fret if you forget lighter fluid, firewood, enough beer, etc. Mather was pretty crowded but it was a great first experience at the Grand Canyon. We were there in mid-July (2016) and could sleep very comfortably at night. Will definitely be back!