Best Camping Near Grand Canyon National Park

Camping Near Grand Canyon National Park

By Nathan Swartz

To say that the Grand Canyon is the most famous natural landmark in the entire universe, known or otherwise, may indeed be a stretch; but until Martians land with live photos of their Grander Canyon, the Eighth Wonder of the World reigns supreme.

Every year over 5 million people (more than the entire population of Los Angeles) flock to this exceptionally stunning hole in the ground to fill up their smartphones with photos and burn cramps into their calves. Elk clatter drum beats down asphalt paths and the few remaining California condors left in the world spread their 10' wings to cast shadows over the Colorado River thousands of feet below.

Of course, all of those travelers don't come at once, and many will trade credit cards for room keys or just glance into the canyon on a day trip. But for those of us who find traveling to distant lands most enjoyable when we bring our own beds, the options for pitching a tent or dropping a hitch are resplendent.

So, where to camp? See map of all Grand Canyon camping.

Camping on the Grand Canyon's South Rim

The edge of Grand Canyon National Park closest to Phoenix and the busy Interstate 40 as it runs through Arizona is the most popular for tourists. This means more conveniences, including those in the park itself (think bars, restaurants and full hookup RV camping). It's also the home of the two most popular campgrounds in the park.

What is the best campground in the Grand Canyon?

Trailer Village is the main RV park near Grand Canyon. It's right in the park proper, the layout resembles the typical sardine can setup found in private parks, you get full hookups, and it's as close to the rim as you can get on the southern end of Grand Canyon National Park.

You'll pay the premium that comes with this type of convenience--both in actual dollars and the dedication you have to have to get a spot at what may be one of the most popular campgrounds in the entire country.

Didn't make that reservation in time? Just want a more spread out, tree-covered experience? Nearby Mather Campground may be your characteristically woodsy ticket to staying in the park, though you'll sacrifice hookups for it.

Note that very few people have ever gone to the Grand Canyon in search of excellent cell phone reception.

Just under twenty minutes outside of the park, Forest Road 302 is likely the closest spot to camp that delivers natural pine smell and comes free of charge. It boasts a smidgeon of cell service should that be a requirement for your particular journey.

National Forest Camping on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The Kaibab National Forest grows like a big hug around the national park itself and offers a plethora of camping--typically free--for everyone from the fifthest of wheels to the cocooniest tent campers. While Forest Road 302, mentioned above, is the closest to the park's entrance, three more places to camp hang out just down Arizona Route 64.

Ten X, one of the few national forest sites in Kaibab that isn't just named for a forest road, comes with a small fee and promises a vault toilet in exchange, but otherwise expect unadulterated boondocking at the low, low cost of absolutely nothing but the breath it takes you to enjoy the views.

For the worker types out there who rely on an Internet connection to keep their travels going, you may have to hunt for even mediocre reception without a booster.

Camping on the Grand Canyon's North Rim

If the south rim is the shining jewel of the national park, it's only because it naturally was easier to get to from existing points of civilization. For the true adventurer, the north rim is the real playground.

You'll have more elbow room, the same option to access the canyon floor, and that sense of satisfaction that can only come from camping far away from any chance of an electrical outlet.

You don't have to get lost in some primitive nowhere, though. The North Rim Campground offers basic dry camping with a side of services like laundry, flush toilets and showers.

Grand Canyon RV Parks

While you can enjoy full hookup camping right in the park via Trailer Village, privately owned RV parks exist outside of Grand Canyon National Park as well.

Grand Canyon Camper Village has everything from a general store to a dump station, plus they can refill your propane tanks and help you get online with their free WiFi.

While the Grand Canyon rarely disappoints those visitors who take the time to explore the flora, fauna and daunting falls that comprise this All American locale, choosing the type of camping that works for you can make all the difference between another good memory and something that will remain painted on the insides of your eyeballs for a lifetime to come.

portable computer displaying map of camping locations
mobile device showing map of camping locations
Roadpass Pro
Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps.
Unlock pro campendium features
Ad Free Experience
Cell Service Overlays & Reports
Public Land Map Overlays
Trail Maps
Filter by Elevation
Pro icon Join Roadpass Pro

Recent Grand Canyon National Park Campground Reviews

Nov 20, 2023

"Everything you need for free near the Kaibab trailhead"

active staractive staractive staractive staractive star
Halfway along the road from the West entrance; we stayed to get an early start on the Kaibab trail the next day. We used the fire ring with wood we had and some left by others. Ground was a little wonky but the sites were mostly flat. Plenty of room. Unpaved access road but well maintained. Literally a hundred yards off the rim road. You...
Read More

camper-879499
5 reviews
Nov 20, 2023

"Minutes from the GC with bus into park season"

active staractive staractive staractive starinactive star
Busy but it's a bigger area than we saw as we had a Class C hired rv we didn't want to go too far down the track, which was a little bumpy. Nice and quiet and minutes from the GC offering a great location if you couldn't get a camp elsewhere. No facilities though, just a nice surrounding cool forest.

camper-879499
5 reviews
Grand Canyon, AZ

Mather Campground

Nov 02, 2023

"Elk!!!"

active staractive staractive staractive starinactive star
There is an abundance of elk and they love to graze in the campground! Pick out your campsite very carefully! They are mostly pull through sites and the road is one way! As a result, we were unable to really enjoy lounging around because our entrance door had to face the street. It was very nice camping right in the National Park. Generator...
Read More

Oct 30, 2023

"Beautiful Secluded Campsites, Road Closed After Parking"

active staractive starinactive starinactive starinactive star
Road very rough for first half mile off Highway 64. Beautiful and quiet camp sites. They closed the road the morning after we arrived with our 43’ fifth wheel. Had to take fire road 302 for 16 very bumpy miles to get out. Very frustrating as there was no signage letting us know the road in was going to be closed and for at least 2 months!

camper-870907
1 review
Grand Canyon, AZ

Mather Campground

Oct 23, 2023

"Great Experience In Grand Canyon"

active staractive staractive staractive staractive star
Great setting with large sites, albeit dry camping. Elk roam the area and the skies are dark. Pads are somewhat level and paved. Dump station (single station) with water. Showers are poor. Small, dirty, and $2 for 5 minutes. 5 stars because overall because great sites and atmosphere.

Chris Angel
70 reviews