Grand Canyon National Park South Rim travel and visitor guide

Grand Canyon South Rim Campgrounds

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 14, 2026.

Grand Canyon South Rim camping puts visitors close to overlooks, hiking trails, shuttle transportation and the services of Grand Canyon Village. Inside Grand Canyon National Park, campers can choose Mather Campground for tents and RVs without hookups, Trailer Village for full-hookup RV camping, or seasonal Desert View Campground near the park's East Entrance. Because campground rules, seasonal dates and availability differ, choosing the right location and reserving early can make a major difference in planning a South Rim camping trip.

South Rim Camping Overview
Compare Campgrounds
Mather Campground
Trailer Village RV Park
Desert View Campground
Reservations & Fees
Campfires & Water
Best Time To Camp
Camping Tips
Nearby Camping
FAQ

Tent camping among pine trees at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon South Rim Camping Overview

Three primary developed camping options are located inside Grand Canyon National Park on the South Rim. Mather Campground and Desert View Campground are operated by the National Park Service and do not provide RV hookups. Trailer Village RV Campground is a concessioner-operated RV park with full water, sewer and electrical hookups.

Mather Campground and Trailer Village are located in or near Grand Canyon Village and operate year-round. Desert View Campground is seasonal and is located near the East Entrance and Desert View Watchtower. Reservations are strongly recommended or required depending on the campground and season.

South Rim campground in Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Compare Grand Canyon South Rim Campgrounds

Mather Campground: Best for tent campers and smaller RVs who want year-round camping close to Grand Canyon Village and shuttle service.
Trailer Village RV Park: Best for RV travelers who need full hookups and larger pull-through sites inside Grand Canyon National Park.
Desert View Campground: Best for seasonal camping near Desert View Watchtower, the East Entrance and quieter eastern South Rim scenery.

Average Temperatures at the South Rim
Map of the Grand Canyon South Rim

Mather Campground

Mather Campground. Credit: NPS

Mather Campground is located in Grand Canyon Village near Market Plaza and is the primary National Park Service campground on the South Rim. It is open year-round and currently contains 327 campsites for tents, RVs, groups, hikers and bicyclists. There are no RV hookups.

Standard family sites accommodate up to six people, three tents and two vehicles. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with cooking grate. Flush toilets are available throughout the campground, and Camper Services near the campground provides additional visitor facilities when operating.

Reservations are recommended from March 1 through November 30 and can generally be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. A limited number of first-come, first-served sites may also be released at the campground office each morning.

RV and trailer capacity varies by individual campsite, so travelers with larger equipment should verify the specific site's listed length before booking rather than assuming every campsite accommodates the same size RV.

Open: Year-round
Campsites: 327 total sites
Hookups: None
Reservations: Recommended during most of the year
Standard campsite fee: Currently $30 per night
Maximum campers: Six people at a standard family site
Pets: Permitted under current park leash and pet rules
Nearby services: Market Plaza, shuttle stops and Camper Services

Current 2026 water advisory: Grand Canyon National Park is operating under water-conservation restrictions. Current NPS updates should be checked before arrival because campground water spigots, showers and other water-dependent facilities can be restricted or unavailable while pipeline repairs or conservation measures are in effect.

Campground Regulations and Campground Layout
See More Campground Pictures

Trailer Village RV Campground

Trailer Village RV Campground. Credit: NPS

Trailer Village is the only campground inside Grand Canyon National Park offering full RV hookups. Located near Mather Campground and Market Plaza, it is open year-round and provides water, sewer and electrical hookups with both 30-amp and 50-amp service.

The campground has 123 RV sites, including paved pull-through sites capable of accommodating vehicles up to 50 feet long. Picnic tables and other site amenities vary by campsite type.

Trailer Village is currently operated by Delaware North. Reservations can be made well in advance, and travelers planning to visit during the busy May-through-October season should reserve as early as practical.

A Grand Canyon shuttle stop is located at Trailer Village, allowing campground guests to leave their RVs parked while using the park's free shuttle system to reach other South Rim destinations.

Open: Year-round
Sites: 123 RV sites
Hookups: Water, sewer, 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service
Maximum RV length: Up to 50 feet at qualifying sites
Tent camping: Not available
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Shuttle service: Grand Canyon Village shuttle stop at the campground

Mather Campground And Trailer Village Location Map

Map showing Mather Campground and Trailer Village RV Park in Grand Canyon Village

Location of Mather Campground and Trailer Village RV Park. Credit: NPS

Desert View Campground

Desert View Campground is a seasonal National Park Service campground near the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park and Desert View Watchtower. It offers a quieter alternative to Grand Canyon Village camping with convenient access to eastern South Rim viewpoints and Desert View Drive.

Desert View Campground. Credit: NPS

The campground currently has 49 campsites and no RV hookups. Sites are limited to six people, two tents and two vehicles, or one vehicle with an RV, fifth wheel or trailer. The combined maximum vehicle length is 30 feet, and trailer length is limited to 20 feet.

For the 2026 season, Desert View Campground is open from April 11 through October 18. Reservations are required and may be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. The campground no longer holds sites specifically for first-come, first-served camping, although same-day reservations may sometimes be available online or by phone.

2026 season: April 11 through October 18
Campsites: 49
Hookups: None
Reservations: Required
Standard campsite fee: Currently $30 per night
Combined vehicle length: Maximum 30 feet
Trailer length: Maximum 20 feet
Showers: None at Desert View Campground
Cell service: Not normally available

See More Desert View Campground Pictures

Grand Canyon Camping Reservations And Fees

Mather Campground and Desert View Campground reservations are handled through Recreation.gov. Mather reservations are recommended during the main camping season, while Desert View currently requires reservations for all campsites during its operating season.

Standard National Park Service campsites at Mather and Desert View currently cost $30 per night. Eligible Senior and Access Pass holders may receive a camping discount. Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees are separate from campground fees.

Trailer Village uses a separate concessioner reservation system, and rates vary by campsite type and season. Because campground fees and policies can change, verify current rates before completing your reservation.

Campfires, Water And Campground Restrictions

Grand Canyon National Park maintains year-round Stage 1 fire restrictions, meaning campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings within maintained campgrounds unless stricter temporary restrictions are imposed. Fires are never permitted below the canyon rim.

Water availability can change because the South Rim depends on a long and vulnerable pipeline system. During water emergencies, campground spigots, showers or other services may be restricted. Always check current Grand Canyon National Park conditions before arriving.

Best Time To Camp At The Grand Canyon South Rim

Spring: Cool days and cold nights are common, with occasional late snow possible.
Summer: The busiest camping season, with generally mild rim temperatures but frequent afternoon thunderstorms during July, August and early September.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and fewer summer thunderstorms make early fall an excellent camping period.
Winter: Mather and Trailer Village remain open, but campers should prepare for freezing temperatures, snow, icy roads and reduced services.

Grand Canyon South Rim Camping Tips

Reserve early for spring, summer and fall visits.
Verify your RV or trailer length against the specific campsite before booking.
Remember that National Park Service campgrounds do not provide RV hookups.
Use Trailer Village if full water, sewer and electrical hookups are essential.
Check current fire restrictions before using a campground fire ring.
Keep food and scented items secured from wildlife.
Keep pets leashed and follow current park pet restrictions.
Bring warm layers because nighttime temperatures can be cold even during summer.
Check water availability and conservation restrictions before arrival.
Use the free South Rim shuttle system when practical instead of moving an RV between busy visitor areas.

Camping Near The Grand Canyon South Rim

Campers who cannot find an in-park campsite have additional options outside Grand Canyon National Park. The Tusayan area south of the park includes seasonal National Forest camping and private RV accommodations, while additional lodging and camping choices are available farther south toward Valle and Williams.

For additional RV options, see Grand Canyon South Rim Area RV Parks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Canyon South Rim Camping

What campgrounds are inside the Grand Canyon South Rim?

The three primary developed camping choices inside the South Rim are Mather Campground, Trailer Village RV Campground and Desert View Campground.

Is Mather Campground open year-round?

Yes. Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village is open throughout the year, although winter storms and seasonal service changes can affect campground conditions.

Does Mather Campground have RV hookups?

No. Mather Campground does not provide electrical, water or sewer hookups at individual campsites.

Which Grand Canyon campground has full RV hookups?

Trailer Village RV Campground is the only campground inside Grand Canyon National Park with full water, sewer and electrical hookups.

How large an RV can Trailer Village accommodate?

Trailer Village has qualifying sites that can accommodate RVs and vehicles up to 50 feet long.

Do you need reservations for Desert View Campground?

Yes. Desert View Campground currently requires reservations. Campsites can generally be reserved up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.

When is Desert View Campground open in 2026?

For 2026, Desert View Campground is scheduled to operate from April 11 through October 18.

How much does camping cost at Mather and Desert View?

Standard National Park Service campsites at Mather and Desert View currently cost $30 per night. Park entrance fees are separate.

Can you have a campfire at Grand Canyon campgrounds?

Campfires may be allowed only in designated campground fire rings and are subject to current fire restrictions. Temporary restrictions can prohibit fires even in developed campgrounds.

Are showers available near Mather Campground?

Camper Services near Mather Campground normally provides showers and laundry facilities, but water restrictions or maintenance can temporarily affect availability.

Can you camp anywhere along the Grand Canyon rim?

No. Camping outside developed campgrounds generally requires appropriate backcountry authorization and is subject to National Park Service regulations.

Related Information

Grand Canyon South Rim Map
Grand Canyon South Rim Directions
Grand Canyon South Rim Area RV Parks
About The Grand Canyon South Rim

The Spectacular Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park
Wildlife In The Canyon
Weather & Climate
Grand Canyon South Rim
Havasu Falls (Supai)
Desert View Scenic Drive
Grand Canyon RV Parks
Canyon de Chelly
Grand Canyon Pictures