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Best Equestrian Camping near Grand Canyon National Park

316 Reviews

Clear Creek Area Dispersed camping within Grand Canyon National Park offers accessible camping without dedicated horse facilities. Located near creek access points, this dispersed camping area provides primitive camping experiences with some sites featuring creek views and sandy terrain suitable for setting up portable horse containment systems. Campers report sandy campsites with primitive stone fire pits near the creek, though no permanent horse corrals or equine-specific facilities exist. The area permits camping with animals but requires visitors to bring all necessary equipment for horse containment and care.

Forest Service roads near the North Rim provide additional dispersed camping opportunities where equestrians can access trails connecting to park riding routes. The nearby Saddle Mountain area in Kaibab National Forest offers free dispersed camping with sufficient space for horse trailers on maintained forest roads. Overnight horse camping requires adherence to Grand Canyon National Park regulations regarding feed storage, waste management, and trail use restrictions. Visitors should pack certified weed-free hay, portable water containers, and waste management equipment. The creek provides natural water access for horses at designated points, though seasonal water availability varies depending on rainfall and drought conditions.

Map showing campgrounds near Grand Canyon National Park, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Grand Canyon National Park (9)

    1. Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    205 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $6 - $50 / night

    "This was a really nice and surprisingly affordable campground inside Grand Canyon National Park. Amazing location for distance."

    "I feel like this is a park that you give up privacy and a 'back to nature' experience, so you can be in the heart of Grand Canyon National Park."

    2. Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park

    65 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-1006

    "Good campground in the Grand Canyon National Park. Great bike trails to get around. Bathrooms could use update but clean. Elk right in the campground… And I mean right in the campground!"

    "You would still need to pay the entrance fee into Grand Canyon National Park. Our site was 62 and we were close to the bus stop for the free shuttle bus around the park."

    3. Clear Creek Area Dispersed — Grand Canyon National Park

    16 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-2443

    "Parked & Hiked In Very Primitive located next to creek sandy Campsite with Primitive Stone Fire Pit"

    "Close to tons of activities, lots of hiking, wildlife, water sports. Campsite itself is nice, similar to many National Park Service and National Forest Service sites I've been to."

    4. Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF)

    25 Reviews
    North Rim, AZ
    19 miles
    Website

    "Right on the edge of the Canyon, watching the Arizona sunrises every morning. It was truly heaven on earth."

    "I can def see where in rain or snow you'd need 4WD and a little offroading capability. We arrived around 4 pm and all but the spots along the rim were gone."

    5. Mather Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    13 miles

    "Although the sites are a bit close to one another, it's a nice area and $30/night quite reasonable (plus park entrance fee). Just inside the South entrance to Grand Canyon National."

    "No problems at night, flat surface, toilets and drinking water nearby... just a great experience for a Costa Rican tourist learning about camping and traveling around USA."

    6. NF-22 Dispersed Campsite

    1 Review
    North Rim, AZ
    16 miles

    7. Havasu Falls

    1 Review
    Supai, AZ
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 448-2141

    8. East Rim AZT Dispersed

    1 Review
    North Rim, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-8200

    9. Forest Road 248 Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    40 miles

    "We loved the forest feel and the trail riding as we typically come with ATVs. There is a gas station 5 minutes from the site"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Grand Canyon National Park

22 Photos of 9 Grand Canyon National Park Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Grand Canyon National Park

316 Reviews of 9 Grand Canyon National Park Campgrounds

  • Corinna H.
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    Great location and facilities

    This was a really nice and surprisingly affordable campground inside Grand Canyon National Park. Amazing location for distance. There’s showers and laundry (paid, unfortunately, but I won’t complain too much). Friendly staff and easy access.

  • W
    Oct. 7, 2022

    Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park

    The Grand Canyon!

    Good campground in the Grand Canyon National Park. Great bike trails to get around. Bathrooms could use update but clean. Elk right in the campground… And I mean right in the campground!

  • M
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park

    Winter Visit to Grand Canyon

    The camp ground was not very well Maintained but check in was easy. All AMPs are 50 so they give you a converter if you have a 30 amp RV. If you do you end up having a converter the circuit may trip. You would still need to pay the entrance fee into Grand Canyon National Park. Our site was 62 and we were close to the bus stop for the free shuttle bus around the park. If your RV does not have a shower when you check in they will provide you shower tokens which is about 1/4 mile away from the site. The weather is cold and can be as low as 20 degrees at night.

  • Sara S.
    Jun. 30, 2016

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    close to the rim, lacks privacy

    I feel like this is a park that you give up privacy and a 'back to nature' experience, so you can be in the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. This campground is near the rim of the canyon, hiking, and other convinces. It's a great, close, place to spend the nights at during your park stay.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    Peaceful Pines and Perfect Proximity to the Canyon

    Mather Campground is a fantastic place to stay when visiting Grand Canyon National Park. The campsites are spacious, shaded by tall pines, and offer a wonderful sense of privacy and calm. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, with easy access to water, restrooms, and shuttle stops. The best part is how close it is to the South Rim—just a short walk or quick bike ride to stunning viewpoints and trails. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Mather provides that classic national park experience: quiet nights under starry skies and mornings filled with birdsong. Highly recommended!

  • R
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park

    Great for larger RV’s

    This is a great campground in the Grand Canyon National Park it is close to the village, you can bike and hike fom this location. There is also a bus stop at the entrance to this campground that will take you all around the canyon to see all of the sites. All of the spots are pull through and have water electricity sewer and cable. The cell service is ok depending on where you are at. There are a lot of people from other countries that stay at this campground so you meet a lot of nice people. The campground is very close to the rim and many amenities. There is also elk that will come through and graze. We stayed for seven days in August during the rainy season very pleasant.

  • Chris B.
    Feb. 10, 2025

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    A Perfect Grand Canyon Base with Family-Friendly Comforts

    During my recent stay at Mather Campground in Grand Canyon National Park, I was impressed by the spacious campsites and well-maintained facilities. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, providing a comfortable setting for meals and evening gatherings. The restrooms were clean and conveniently located, and the availability of drinking water stations throughout the campground was a notable convenience. The presence of elk wandering through the area added a unique and memorable touch to the experience. The campground's proximity to shuttle services made it easy to explore various parts of the park without the need to drive. While some sites are closer together than others, the overall atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. For families traveling with children, it's worth noting that the nearby general store offers a variety of supplies, including snacks and games, which can be useful for keeping young ones entertained during downtime. For instance, bringing along an iPad with engaging apps like Getting Over it can provide children with creative and educational activities during quiet moments at the campsite. Overall, Mather Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Grand Canyon.

  • R
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    A Perfect Stay at Grand Canyon National Park,great experience

     recently visited Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park, and I had an amazing experience! This campground is the perfect place to stay if you're looking to explore the Grand Canyon. It’s very close to the South Rim, so getting to the viewpoints and trails is super easy. The campground itself is spacious and surrounded by beautiful trees, which gives it a peaceful and relaxing vibe. There are picnic tables at each site, and I loved having a fire ring to enjoy a cozy campfire in the evenings. The restrooms were clean, and there’s fresh water available, which made things very convenient. I also appreciated how easy it was to make a reservation ahead of time. Since Mather Campground can get busy, especially during peak seasons, booking early is a great idea. It was nice knowing I had a spot waiting for me when I arrived. Although it can get a little crowded during the busy months, the atmosphere was still calm, and I met some friendly fellow campers. I would definitely recommend Mather Campground to anyone visiting the Grand Canyon. It’s a great place to stay, and the location couldn’t be better for accessing the park’s attractions. I'll definitely return on my next trip!

  • D
    May. 24, 2023

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    Great quiet dark!

    We did group camping at site 6 in the Sage Loop. Site was spacious with great stone picnic tables and plenty of room. Adjacent to horse site but wasn’t an issue. Bathrooms with toilets were close but showers were very far and pricey at $2.50 for 5 min. The campground is very dark which is great for star gazing but tricky for getting around at night.

Guide to Grand Canyon National Park

Horse camping near Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed options available, equestrian enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to set up camp.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like picnic tables and fire pits

Equestrian campgrounds include stunning views and natural beauty

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for bringing your own horse to Grand Canyon?

Bringing your own horse to Grand Canyon requires advance planning and adherence to specific regulations. You must obtain a backcountry permit for overnight trips, and day use requires checking in with park rangers. Horses must be fed certified weed-free hay for at least 24 hours before entering the park to prevent invasive species. Camping with private horses is limited to designated areas, and riders must stay on approved horse trails. Clear Creek Area Dispersed and Forest Road 248 Campsite can provide staging areas for those bringing their own horses. All feed must be carried in, and manure must be scattered away from water sources, campsites, and trails.

How much do guided horseback rides cost at Grand Canyon?

Guided horseback rides at Grand Canyon vary in price based on duration and route. One-hour rim rides typically start around $60-80 per person, while two-hour experiences range from $90-120. Half-day canyon rides can cost $150-200, and full-day adventures may exceed $250 per rider. The famous mule trips to Phantom Ranch with overnight stays can cost $500-700 per person. Trailer Village RV Park is conveniently located near booking offices for these rides. Prices typically include basic equipment, but gratuities for guides are additional. Advance reservations are strongly recommended as these popular trips fill quickly, especially during peak season.

Can you ride horses in Grand Canyon National Park?

Yes, horseback riding is allowed in Grand Canyon National Park through designated areas. The park offers guided horseback trips operated by authorized concessioners. Mather Campground is adjacent to the South Rim horse site, making it a convenient base for visitors planning to enjoy horseback excursions. Trails are well-maintained and offer spectacular views of the canyon. For most visitors, guided trips are the easiest way to experience the Grand Canyon on horseback, though private horse use is also permitted with proper permits and following specific regulations.

What trails allow horses in Grand Canyon National Park?

In Grand Canyon National Park, several trails are open to horses. The Bridle Path along the South Rim is specifically designed for equestrian use. The South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails allow horses and mules but have designated use times to separate hikers and equestrians. The North Kaibab Trail also permits horse use with restrictions. Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF) offers excellent access to horse-friendly trails on the North Rim. East Rim AZT Dispersed provides backcountry access to Arizona Trail sections that allow horses. Always check current trail conditions and regulations before riding, as seasonal closures may apply.

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