Grand Canyon National Park, AZ is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Grand Canyon National Park is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Grand Canyon National Park camping trip.
$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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
GuideThis 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.
GuideGood 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!
ScoutThe 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.
LegendI 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.
GuideThis 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.
ScoutDuring 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.
Scoutrecently 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!
GuideWe 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.
RangerMost amazing experience we’ve ever had tent camping. Right on the edge of the Canyon, watching the Arizona sunrises every morning. It was truly heaven on earth.
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.
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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