National park · Grand Canyon · Arizona

Mather Campground

Mather Campground is the National Park Service campground on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, set in mature ponderosa pine forest at about 7,000 feet, one mile from the rim. Our full review calls it the workhorse of the park and the strongest in-park choice for RVers who fit the 30-foot limit and can dry camp. It suits hikers, families, budget campers, and winter visitors; the shuttle, Greenway Trail, market, and restaurants of Grand Canyon Village are all within reach without moving the rig.

Mather Campground at a glance

Hookups None
Sites 319 sites; most accommodate rigs up to 30 feet, a few handle up to 40 feet
Max RV length 30 ft
Cost $30
Fees Park entrance is separate; winter uses reduced loops.
Reservations Recreation.gov
Dump station Available within the campground

Source-backed: NPS Mather page (checked 2026-07-18). Rates and site details change — verify with the operator before you book. Compare it with every other park we track in the price index.

Why RVers stay here

Mather Campground is the National Park Service campground on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, set in mature ponderosa pine forest at about 7,000 feet, one mile from the rim. Our full review calls it the workhorse of the park and the strongest in-park choice for RVers who fit the 30-foot limit and can dry camp. It suits hikers, families, budget campers, and winter visitors; the shuttle, Greenway Trail, market, and restaurants of Grand Canyon Village are all within reach without moving the rig.

The practical picture: no hookups at any site, with generators allowed only 7 to 9 AM and 6 to 8 PM. Just over 300 sites across seven loops, a campground-wide 30-foot maximum for motorhomes and trailers, and a $30 nightly rate ($15 with a Senior or Access Pass). Coin-op showers and laundry sit at the adjacent Camper Services building, along with a free dump and water fill. It is open year-round with reduced loops in winter, booked on Recreation.gov six months out for March through November. The trade-off is dry camping plus recurring South Rim water restrictions, so arrive with full fresh tanks.

  • One mile from the rim with free shuttle and Greenway Trail access
  • Coin-operated hot showers and laundry next door, rare for a national park
  • $30 a night under mature ponderosa shade
  • Open year-round, with a quiet winter season in Pine and Sage loops
  • Free dump station and water fill at Camper Services
  • !No hookups; generators only 7-9 AM and 6-8 PM
  • !30-foot maximum for motorhomes and trailers
  • !Recurring South Rim water restrictions can shut loop spigots and showers

What our guides say about Mather Campground

Excerpts from the RV Parks Guide articles that cover this campground. Each links to the full guide.

Regional guide

Arizona RV Parks: The Snowbird's Complete Guide

The National Park Service campground on the South Rim, Mather is a more traditional camping experience with pine trees, dirt sites, and a campground feel instead of a parking lot. No hookups, though, which limits your stay length unless you're comfortable with generator-and-tank management.

Read the guide →

Our verdict

Book Mather if your rig is 30 feet or under, you can dry camp for a few nights, and you want to be a shuttle ride from the rim. Skip it if you need hookups or run a larger rig; compare Trailer Village next door.

Mather Campground: frequently asked questions

Does Mather Campground have electricity or hookups?

No. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at any site. Trailer Village next door is the only powered option on the South Rim.

How much does Mather Campground cost per night?

$30 per night for a family site in 2026, or $15 with an eligible Senior or Access Pass.

What is the max RV length at Mather Campground?

30 feet for motorhomes and trailers, and only certain sites fit equipment at that maximum. Check the exact site's listed length on Recreation.gov.

How far is Mather Campground from the Grand Canyon rim?

About one mile. Mather Point is roughly a 20-minute walk on the Greenway Trail, or take the free Village shuttle.

Is Mather Campground open year-round?

Yes, with reduced capacity in winter when only the Pine and Sage loops operate.

How do you reserve Mather Campground?

Through Recreation.gov with a six-month advance window for March through November. Summer weekends book quickly; midweek is much easier.

More campgrounds around Grand Canyon

Compare alternatives before you book — or browse the whole Arizona hub.