Are you planning a trip to Grand Canyon with your horse? We've got you covered. Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. With our help, you'll find the best Arizona equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
Mather Campground is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. Grand Canyon is one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth and draws over five million visitors per year to its spectacular scenery. The campground is large and can accommodate a variety of needs and comfort levels. It is the only campground within Grand Canyon Village. Scenic overlooks, the park's free shuttle bus system, the Visitor Center, the general store and hiking and biking trails are all within a few miles from the facility. The campground is at an elevation of approximately 7,000 ft. Summers are sunny with high temperatures generally in the 80s. Thunderstorms frequently occur in July, August, and early September. Fall and spring are mostly sunny and cool with the occasional snow. Weather is variable; visitors should come prepared.
From the campground, campers can access the Greenway, a paved walking and biking trail that leads to scenic overlooks and the Visitor Center. The Rim Trail, a paved walking trail, is one mile away and runs for 14 miles along the edge of the canyon. Leashed pets are allowed on both trails, but are not permitted below the rim. Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails descend into the canyon. Their trailheads are a short shuttle bus ride from the campground. The park's concessionaire also offers day and overnight mule riding trips into the canyon and along the rim.
Mather Campground lies beneath a mixture of a tall canopy of Ponderosa pine, Pinyon, and Juniper trees, providing most campsites with ample shade. The campground is one mile from the rim of the canyon. A visit to the canyon during sunrise and sunset yields spectacular views of yellow, orange, red and violet hues in the canyon walls. Layers of rock display billions of years of geologic history. Campers can take a short shuttle bus ride from the campground to the Visitors Center. Visitors can also visit Yavapai Geology Museum, where they learn about the forces that formed the canyon. Below, visitors can see the mighty Colorado River, which flows 277 miles through the bottom of the canyon. Wildlife abounds on the South Rim, including elk, mule deer, coyotes, lizards, songbirds and the endangered California condor. Although condors nest below the rim, they can be seen soaring several thousand feet above the canyon in search for carrion.
Numerous visitor centers, restaurants, museums and shops are within a shuttle bus ride from the campground. Beyond the village, Desert View provides one of the widest views of Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. The Desert View Watchtower displays the talent of architect Mary Jane Colter. Tusayan Ruin and Museum provide glimpses into the life of a small Ancestral Puebloan village 800 years ago. Both are within 25 miles from the campground.
$25 / night
Elevations range from 6,000 feet to over 8,000 feet. The name originates from the profile of a prominent ridge that appears from the distance as a "saddle", horn and all. Vegetation is diverse. It ranges from pinyon pine - Utah juniper in the lower areas to mixed conifers in the highlands. The lower elevations provide valuable mule deer winter range, whereas the higher elevations of the southern portion provide summer habitat for deer and blue grouse. In the upper portion of House Rock Valley a herd of buffalo roam.
Arguably, one of the most stunning natural sights in the American Southwest is spectacular Havasu Falls, which tumbles over a redrock cliff and into a vivid turquoise pool. The brilliant colors and contrast of the scene make it appear surreal and otherworldly. But this is no roadside attraction. The only way to enjoy this sight is to work for it—namely, by making the 10-mile hike down into Havasu Canyon, a tributary of the Grand Canyon. But before you can make the hike, you have to obtain a permit from the Havasupai Tribe (not the national park). Due to the sensitive nature of the canyon, and the limited space in the canyon to accommodate visitors, permits are very, very limited—and dayhiking into the canyon is not permitted. Permit reservations become available on Feb. 1, with camping available from Feb. 1 through Nov. 30. Permits are $100–$125/night; all reservations are for three nights.
If you’re fortunate enough to obtain a coveted Havasu Canyon permit, the journey starts with an 8-mile trek from Hualapai Hilltop down to Havasupai Village. The route is waterless and mostly shadeless, where summer temps can soar above 100 degrees. The village has a lodge, cafe and small store. From the village, the “campground” in Havasu Canyon is another 2 miles down the canyon, and is not a traditional campground. Instead of designated campsites, the camp area is a mile-long stretch along the banks of Havasu Creek where you can pitch your tents wherever you like—however, you should choose sites away from the creek, and that don’t damage vegetation or nearby cliffs. There are picnic tables and vault toilets located in the camp area, and water can be obtained from a nearby spring; this should be treated (boiled or filtered) before drinking. Campfires are not permitted, but contained camp stoves are allowed.
Campers in Havasu Canyon are invited to explore at will, but be courteous of their tribal hosts, and respect the land. Swimming in the brilliant blue pool beneath Havasu Falls is a must-do, especially on sweltering summer days. From the campground, you can hike 0.5 mile down the canyon to Mooney Falls, another spectacular waterfall in a sheer-walled amphitheater of red rock. Adventurers can continue down a series of ladders, steps and steep trail to follow the creek up to 8 miles down the canyon, where it empties into the Colorado River. This trail is strenuous and not recommended for children.
Scout
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!
Scout
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ScoutCould not get to it as the road is blocked by a fallen tree that has been there for a while
GuideWe spent two nights back in end of May in our campervan and it was the perfect camping experience. Bathrooms were scattered around the campsite and close by. Showers were hot located at the main office with laundry, all coin operated. Elk were at the water station which was so cool! We had our own fire pit and picnic table. FYI if you travel in May- pack warm clothes for nighttime. It dropped into the 40s at night outside and we were very cold. Also the general store was a couple min drive away, great selection of merch and groceries. The butcher has great quality meat for sale, the burgers were amazing. Starbucks is in the lodge next door for a special treat :) There’s also a free shuttle service from the camp to different lookouts/trails around the Grand Canyon
Traveler
Woodgrove mall
TravelerThe month of March is awesome here if you like cold snowy sticky mud
GuideSpots are a little close but quiet and clean. Fire pit and picnic table included. Flush toilets nearby. Showers and laundry mat at the entrance.
GuideLOTS of tree coverage. Can hang a hammock. Sites are big and not on top of each other. Central to everything on the south rim. And friendly to people on big trips that are wandering.. they always seem to have a site for you, the rangers are exceptional. And don’t feed the fat squirrel at the visitor center… he lies, he can find his own food.
Guideevery summer I go on a road trip thru national forest all over the us and Kaibab is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen , so much wildlife and elk and obviously the Grand Canyon , such a great camping spot and the sunrise there is like nothing you have ever seen + the crows that live in the Grand Canyon
TravelerThe initial camping trip and fell in love with it
LegendAfter spending three nights at Trailer Village, we moved to this campground for the next two nights. It is so much better and affordable so if you don’t need hookups, this is the better choice! (but be aware there is a 30-foot limit).
Sites are all paved, some are pull-thru and some back-in. Not all are completely level, but we made it work in Site 5.
The bathroom was basic but clean and had an ADA-accessible stall. Certainly in better shape than the one in Trailer Village! If you need showers or laundry, both are close by in Camper Services. Didn’t use either during our stay but nice to know they are there.
You can catch the shuttle bus to various points in the park at the entrance to the campground. Shout out to Ranger Diego at the check-in window – had a great conversation with him!
Wherever you decide to stay in the park, make sure you make reservations in advance– it was completely full on a weekday in early April (and we woke up to snow!).
GuideStayed in Mather proper for two nights and Trailer Village for one. Both require reservations well in advance even in late October. Both were full. It was cold (24 degrees in the morning) and lots of campfires were burning. Nice shower and laundry facilities. Centrally located and within easy access to the shuttle buses. Pretty close quarters for my style of camping but tolerable.
GuideThis place is truly amazing, you can pitch your tent 5 feet away from the start of the canyon, not to mention the beautiful sunrises and sunsets! It is a long gravel road on the way here 4WD definitely recommended
GuideGenerally the spots are pretty close together and you can see the road in many places (definitely from our spot!). Bathrooms are nice, including a water spigot and dish area. There’s a shower and laundry spot at the front of the campground and the check-in/out process was easy!
The no generation loop (juniper) was pretty quiet, and it was surprisingly rainy and cool during our visit. Close to the visitor center, shuttles, market area, and a short drive to the Grand Canyon village
GuideFar enough off the paved road that not too many people go there, and a great view. Only a few spots at the top, and some are quite small. Overall, this was one of my favorite spots so far.
RangerLong drive over some rough gravel road, but what a view at the end. Big enough site for shorter off-road trailer. No toilets. Pack-in, pack-out.
Trailhead at the end of the road. Great for tent camping, car camping, campervans, short trailer.
30 degree difference in temperatures hi-lo.
Wonderful sunset.
ScoutPros: bathrooms with flushing toilets are pretty close to all sites and always had soap and TP; washing sink for dishes right outside the bathrooms to cut down on disposable product waste; drinking water stations at multiple locations; had showers & laundry available; check in was easy and staff was incredibly friendly & helpful with finding us a level campground for our rooftop tent; plenty of trees for hammocks and hanging shower bags if you have one; campsite located within the park and you can get multiple good views of the canyon from under an hour away. they also had a free shuttle; campfire rings with grates to cook food and SMORES!!
Cons: campsites pretty close together; showers cost $2.50 for 5 mins run time (quarters only, change machine on site); only ~20 showers (10 mens room, 10 womens room) in 1 location (could be 1+ mile round trip to walk to them depending on site location) for the whole park, we didn't have any problems but it could be; showers weren't as clean as other facilities considering they're paid for; showers also not 24/7 which sucks for night owls like my husband and I who prefer to shower right before bed
TravelerWe arrived here on a road trip through AZ to find that the sign said full. When we asked though the host checked some things and found a spot for us thank God.
It is a massive campsite right in Grand Canyon park. There are multiple loops and each site has a nice little campsite with a pull in, table, fire pit, etc. Bathrooms and showers here as well.
The sites are close together but you can't beat the proximity to the rim and village. There is a bus stop out front of the campsite that can take you wherever you need in the Grand Canyon village as well. Super convenient.
On my next road trip I will definitely book this site ahead of time. 9/10 recommend
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.
GuideIf you want to camp relatively close to the rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the spot. For “car camping” these are very spacious sites, all close proximity to a nearby restroom with flushing toilets, and also drinking water. Near the main entrance to the campground is a shower and laundry facility, should you need them. And a roughly 15-20 min walk to the rim. Or catch one of the frequent free shuttles. Also frequent elk wander the area and often pass right through your site.
Traveler
The adventure of Havasu Falls is out of this world. It's back in time. It's a wonderful place. You must visit.
ScoutCampin
TravelerBeautiful campground inside GC park. Quite and clean. No hookups. Easy access to sites inside park. Sites spread out nicely.
Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique opportunity to explore stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Grand Canyon, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Grand Canyon, AZ is Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 188 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Grand Canyon, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Grand Canyon, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
