How to Camp in The Grand Canyon Part 3: Campgrounds on the Rim
There are three campgrounds on the rim of the Grand Canyon: two on the south rim, and one on the north rim. The south rim is the most visited rim. The north rim is typically more difficult to get to, and is closed in the winter due to heavy snowfall. Campgrounds on the rim do not require backcountry permits.
South Rim Campgrounds:The campgrounds on the south rim are Mather Campground (located in the Grand Canyon Village) and Desert View Campground (located on the eastern part of the south rim).
Mather Campground is more popular than Desert View Campground because it is located in the Grand Canyon Village, is easily accessed from the South Entrance, and has many facilities available. You can make reservations for Mather Campground by calling 1-877-444-6777 or by reserving online here.
Mather Campground costs $18 per site per night. A maximum of two vehicles, six people, three tents are allowed per site. For more information, check out the Grand Canyon National Park Campgrounds site.
Desert View Campground is more isolated than Mather Campground. It is more easily accessed from the East Entrance, and has less facilities available. Desert View Campground is 'first-come, first-served', so you cannot make reservations. It is located 42 km (26 miles) east of the Grand Canyon Village, and is only open from mid-May until mid-October. There are no showers available at Desert View, but there are restrooms with flushing toilets and sinks with cold water only.
Desert View Campground costs $12 per site per night. A maximum of two vehicles, six people, two tents are allowed per site. For more information, check out the Grand Canyon National Park Campgrounds site.
North Rim Campgrounds:
The campground on the north rim is called (appropriately) the North Rim Campground. It is accessed via the North Rim Entrance, and is only open from mid-May until mid-October. You can make reservations for the North Rim Campground by calling 1-877-444-6777 or by reserving online here.
The North Rim Campground costs $18-$25 per site per night. A maximum of two vehicles, six people, three tents are allowed per site. There are laundry and shower facilities available. For more information, check out the Grand Canyon National Park Campgrounds site.
