Grand Canyon Camping and Campgrounds

Grand Canyon Camping

Ask anyone who is even slightly interested in outdoor recreation what the top ten camping destinations are worldwide and they will likely include the Grand Canyon on their list.  With 1.2 million acres of land, and hundreds of miles of roads the possibilities are endless.  This section is dedicated to the amazing campgrounds and camping destinations on the rim of the Grand Canyon.  To get more info on hiking and backpacking below the Rim check out our section on Grand Canyon Hiking.

There are several options when it comes to car camping at the Grand Canyon.  Sites like Mather Campground (the most popular campground) on the South Rim, have water and toilets, as well as access to showers, laundry, and a store within walking distance.  There is a fairly high fee to camp there, but it is close to everything including the South Rim shuttle system and much more affordable than a Grand Canyon hotel.   On the other end of the spectrum sites like Point Sublime on the North Rim have no facilities and take several hours of driving unpaved roads to access.  For those with the time and a 4X4 vehicle it’s well worth the scenic drive for a free campsite on the Rim of the Grand Canyon! Read the guide below to learn more or check out our Grand Canyon campsites map.

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South Rim Campgrounds

10 X Campground
10 X Campground
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This campground is right outside of Tusayan, AZ a few miles from the Grand Canyon South Entrance Station.  It is run by Kaibab National Forest and almost never fills up.
Desert View Campground
Desert View Campground
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Desert View is a seasonal first come first serve campground near the Parks East Entrance.  Desert View Campground space is limited, and RV hook-ups are not available. 
Mather Campground
Mather Campground
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Mather Campground is the only place for tent campers to stay in the Grand Canyon village.  This large campground also has space for small RV's, but hook-ups are not available.
SE1 Campground
SE1 Campground
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SE1 is a primitive campsite near South Bass trailhead on the South Rim and requires a high clearance vehicles to access.
SE2 Campground
SE2 Campground
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SE2 is a primitive campsite near South Bass trailhead on the South Rim and requires a high clearance vehicles to access.
SE3 Campground
SE3 Campground
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SE3 is a primitive campsite near South Bass trailhead on the South Rim and requires a high clearance vehicles to access.

Grand Canyon North Rim Camping

DeMotte Campground
DeMotte Campground
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DeMotte campground is a US Forest Service campground 16 miles/ 28km north of North Rim Village. No hookups or reservations, potable water and pit toilets are available.
Indian Hollow Campground
Indian Hollow Campground
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This primitive campground in Kaibab National Forest is near the North Rim and the trailhead for the Deer Creek/Thunder River hike into Grand Canyon National Park.
North Rim Campground
North Rim Campground
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The North Rim campground is a tent campsite located in the North Rim village.  This is your only option for a drive-in campground in the North Rim village area. 
Point Sublime Campground
Point Sublime Campground
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Aptly named Point Sublime is one of the best views in Grand Canyon National Park.  A small number of visitors make this off-road excursion, but very few spend the night.

Additional Grand Canyon Camping Options

  • Marble Canyon Camping and Campsites
    Marble Canyon is part of Grand Canyon National Park that is usually passed up by Park visitors.  Marble Canyon is bordered by Vermillion Cliffs National Monument and has some awesome campsites right along the Rim of Marble Canyon with an awesome vertical drop.  You'll have to do a little exploring to get to these sites, but it will be worth it, and you'll probably be the only one there.  The one designated campground is Badger Creek, a free BLM campground with no services or facilities. You can also camp at the trailheads to Several Marble Canyon hikes including, Soap, Ryder, and South Canyon.  Most of this is BLM land and no permits or special regulations apply.  This is not the best choice in the Summer time when it camp be downright toasty, but the rest of the year is great.  There are no facilities or water at these sites, and 4wd is necessary for most of these roads.

  • Lees Ferry Campground Grand Canyon National Park
    The campground at Lees Ferry is a great base camp to explore Marble Canyon, or a good layover between the North and South Rim.  Its right by the Colorado River and doesn’t typically get a ton of use.  This site is also a good campsite for river runners the night before they launch a trip through the Grand Canyon.  The campground is run by Glen Canyon NRA and contains 54 designated sites. Grills provided, but there are no open fires. Quiet time is 10pm-6am. Modern bathroom/comfort station, potable water available, launch ramp 2 miles. Gas and supply store at Marble Canyon, about 5 miles away. No reservations. $12 per site/per-night.

  • Tuweep Campground Grand Canyon National Park
    Located in the far reaches of the western Grand Canyon off the North Rim is Toroweap (Tuweep) Campground. There are nine sites available for 1-6 people and up to 2 vehicles on a first-come first-served basis. These sites typically don't fill up but may in the spring or fall season. Picnic tables, fire grates, and composting toilets are provided, but no electricity or water is available, and you must bring your own wood. The overlook area is for day use only, and there are no sites at the actual overlook. Free registration is required in the campground register. Camping is only allowed in the campground within the Toroweap vicinity.  One group site for up to 11 people and 4 vehicles is available via reservation only up until noon the day it is needed. The group site may be reserved - for no fee - up to four months in advance by contacting The Backcountry Information Center.

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