Top 7 Grand Canyon National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon is the ultimate adventure! There’s something so magical about seeing the canyon’s vastness, from its endless desert views to the rocky cliffs that stretch as far as the eye can see. But if you’re really looking to immerse yourself in all that Grand Canyon wonder, camping is the way to go.

Imagine waking up to a sunrise that paints the canyon walls in shades of pink and orange or sipping your coffee with one of the world’s most famous landscapes as your backdrop. Sounds pretty good, right? However, finding a campground in the region can feel like a bit of an overwhelming task. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you. Below, you’ll find a list of 8 of the best campgrounds and RV parks near Grand Canyon National Park, along with details on their amenities and what you’ll find nearby.

Ready to get exploring? Let’s hit the road and see what’s on offer!

Mather Campground

If you want that classic Grand Canyon camping experience, Mather Campground is where it’s at. Right in the heart of the South Rim, this campground is bustling with energy all year round and is filled with fellow explorers who can’t wait to check out the incredible views and hiking trails.

Each campsite at Mather comes with a picnic table, a fire ring, and easy access to the bathrooms with flush toilets and potable water. Just keep in mind that there aren’t any RV hookups here, so be prepared to rough it a little bit. Don’t let this put you off, though – you can trust us when we say that the location makes it all worth it. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is just a short walk away, too, where you can hop on the free shuttle bus to different viewpoints and chat with park rangers about the best trails for your hiking style.

And when it comes to hiking, you’re in the perfect spot. The famous Bright Angel Trail is nearby, which lets you venture deeper into the canyon. It’s a challenging hike, but if you’re looking for something a little easier, head to the Rim Trail, which meanders along the edge of the canyon and offers unbeatable views.

Desert View Campground

For a quieter, more remote camping experience, Desert View Campground is a great choice. This campsite is located at the eastern edge of the South Rim, which usually means fewer crowds and more privacy, but still killer views of the Colorado River. One thing to note, however, is that sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s worth arriving early if you want to increase your chances of camping here.

Each site here has a picnic table, a fire ring, and access to restrooms with running water. There aren’t any hookups, though, so it’s more suited to the adventurous, self-sufficient camper. The trade-off for these basic amenities is panoramic scenery right outside your RV door, and a short walk will take you to Desert View Point and the historic Desert View Watchtower. From here, you’ll get some of the best canyon views for miles around.

And if you’re into stargazing, Desert View’s location away from the main hub of the South Rim means you’ll get spectacular, starry skies on clear nights that are particularly good for astrophotography.

North Rim Campground

Another good choice if you’re looking for a quieter, remote campsite, North Rim Campground is much less visited than the South Rim, and this means you’ll be able to enjoy peaceful trails, cooler temperatures, and some seriously epic views.

This campground is seasonal and is only open from May to October, and you’ll find picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water. There aren’t any hookups, but the spaces are big enough to accommodate larger RVs. It’s also a great home base if you’re hoping to explore trails like the Transept Trail and North Kalibab Trail, where you can hike into the canyon and enjoy the breathtaking views all to yourself.

There are lots of scenic overlooks based around the campground, too, and it won’t be too long before you spot deer, squirrels, or maybe even the elusive California condor, making it a wonderful place for wildlife lovers to camp. Just keep in mind that the North Rim’s elevation is much higher than the South Rim (8,200 feet, to be exact), so nights get pretty cold. As such, make sure you pack something warm to sleep in, even during the summer.

Trailer Village RV Park

If you’re rolling into the Grand Canyon in an RV and want all the conveniences of modern living, Trailer Village RV Park is the place for you. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the South Rim, it has full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), and is open year-round, so no matter what time of year you’re planning your road trip, you’ll have somewhere comfortable to call home for a few nights.

At Trailer Village, you’ll find paved pull-through sites, picnic tables, and have access to restrooms. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the free shuttle service that takes you straight to some of the South Rim’s best viewpoints and trails, so you’re never far from the action. It’ll also drop you back off at the campground when you’re done, so there’s no need to worry about driving anywhere to explore the area.

It’s not just some amazing trails you’ll be able to get to from Trailer Village. You’re also close to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, restaurants, shops, and even a grocery store. This is particularly good if you’re traveling with family or friends or simply want a hassle-free setup so you can focus on enjoying the canyon.

Grand Canyon Camper Village

Located just outside the National Park’s South Entrance, Grand Canyon Camper Village is a fantastic choice if you want to be close to the action but with a bit more flexibility. Both tent camping and RV camping is allowed here, and there are full hookups, making it suitable for all types of campers.

All the basics are covered here, including restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and even WiFi, so it’s perfect if you want some comforts or need to stay connected while you’re on vacation. It’s also close to the town of Tusayan, which is super convenient for grabbing a bit to eat, stocking up on supplies, or catching a movie should you want to mix things up a bit.

Being so close to the South Rim means you’re only a short drive from the park’s main attractions, including the Bright Angel Trail and the Yavapai Geology Museum. There’s basically something for everyone close to this camp, making it a very good base for trips with family or friends who might have their own interests.

Meadview RV Park & Cozy Cabins

Planning to explore the Grand Canyon’s western edge? Meadview RV Park & Cozy Cabins should be at the top of your list of potential campsites. It’s located right by Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon Skywalk, and this gives you a unique perspective of the canyon’s west side, along with some unmissable lake views.

There are full RV hookups here, as well as restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities, so it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Or, if you’re feeling like a slight change of scene, you can book one of their cozy cabins, which comes with basic private amenities and somewhere to relax after a long day of adventuring.

Since you’re so close to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, you can’t stay here without visiting it! This is a glass bridge that lets you “walk” over the Grand Canyon – a truly unforgettable experience, but one that isn’t for the faint of heart. If you prefer to keep your feet closer to the ground, head to Lake Mead, where you can fish, kayak, or kick back and just enjoy the water.

Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

If you love the idea of combining a classic train ride with your Grand Canyon adventure, this is the place to go. No, you did read that correctly! At Grand Canyon Railway RV Park, which is about an hour’s drive from the South Rim, you have the unique opportunity to board the historic Grand Canyon Railway for a scenic ride straight to the canyon.

Obviously, the biggest draw here is the railway, but this campground also has some great amenities. These include paved pull-through sites, a dog park, laundry facilities, and a convenience store. You’re also close to the town of Williams, which is packed with Route 66 nostalgia, some awesome restaurants, and interesting shops.

Whether you’ve spent the day exploring the Grand Canyon or Williams, this is a wonderful place to unwind and relax. There are also evening events here throughout, like live music and food festivals, adding to the excitement and offering you a bit of retro adventure.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing you’ll take away from a camping trip to the Grand Canyon, it’s memories that will last a lifetime. Every campground we’ve detailed above brings you close to the magic, and there’s truly no better way to experience the beauty of this National Park than by camping.

With a campervan from Travellers Autobarn, which comes with unlimited miles, hitting the road and exploring the Grand Canyon just got easier. All you need to do is grab your camping gear, load up the RV, and get ready for an adventure that is full of hiking, stargazing, and stunning scenery. Why not make the trip last even longer, too, with some of the top National Park campgrounds and RV parks to add to your must-visit list.