Grand Canyon RV Camping: Campgrounds & RV Parks
When and where to book your Grand Canyon campground, plus the RV amenities you’ll find at each one.
RV camping at the Grand Canyon is a popular way to see this incredible national park (about 300,000 of the park’s nearly 5 million annual visitors stay in RVs). Campgrounds book months in advance and RV size limits vary by site, so start planning now.
This guide covers everything you need to know about RV camping in Grand Canyon National Park, from choosing the right campground to navigating reservation systems and preparing for high-elevation conditions.
Drive times from Blacksford RV rental locations:
South Rim vs. North Rim: What’s Better for Your Trip?
The South Rim (60 miles north of Williams, Arizona) is open year-round, has the most campgrounds, famous viewpoints, amenities, and a free shuttle system for getting around.
The North Rim (45 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ) is remote, cooler than the South Rim, and only open mid-May through mid-October in normal years. RV size limits are stricter (27 feet max at most sites).
Note: The North Rim is closed as of 2025 due to wildfire damage from the Dragon Bravo Fire. Reopening plans haven't been announced yet.
For first-time visitors or those with larger RVs, the South Rim is the better choice.
Choosing Your RV Campground
For South Rim camping, here’s how to decide where to stay:
Choose Mather Campground if:
You want to be in Grand Canyon Village with easy shuttle access
You’re comfortable with no hookups and using your generator
You prefer a wooded setting
Paying less matters ($30/night vs. $80-110 at Trailer Village)
Choose Trailer Village if:
You want full hookups
You’re traveling in a larger RV (up to 50 feet accepted)
You want year-round access with full amenities
You don’t want to deal with generators
Choose Desert View Campground if:
You want fewer crowds and a quieter experience
You’re entering from the east (Flagstaff direction)
You like sunrise viewpoints
You’re comfortable being 23 miles from Grand Canyon Village amenities
2026 Water Restrictions at South Rim Campgrounds
Grand Canyon National Park is operating under enhanced water conservation measures following repairs to its Transcanyon Waterline in late 2025.
Water spigots at Mather and Desert View campgrounds are turned off, though water is available at the Mather dump station and Trailer Village has water at individual sites.
Fill your fresh water tank before entering the park or plan to fill at Trailer Village if you are staying elsewhere.
South Rim RV Campgrounds
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Location: Inside Grand Canyon Village
Sites: 300+ gravel sites; many pull-throughs; RVs up to 30 feet
Season: Year-round
Cost: $30/night
Hookups: None (dry camping)
Reservations: Recreation.gov (required March-November; first-come, first-served December-February)
Generator hours: 7-9 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. only
Amenities: Dump station, water at dump station only (currently), nearby showers and laundry
Fuel: Available at Desert View Market (25 miles) and Grand Canyon Village
RV Life rating: 4.5/5Mather sits in a ponderosa pine forest within walking distance of the rim, visitor center, and shuttle stops. It's the most convenient location for exploring Grand Canyon Village on foot. The lack of hookups means you'll run your generator twice daily during the allowed windows. Sites are close together—expect to hear neighbors.
Reservation tip: Sites open 6 months in advance at 10 a.m. MST. Book exactly at the 6-month mark for peak season dates.
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Location: Next to Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village
Sites: 80 paved sites; some pull-throughs; RVs up to 50 feet
Season: Year-round
Cost: $80-110/night
Hookups: Full (30/50-amp electric, water, sewer)
Reservations:grandcanyonlodges.com (opens 13 months in advance)
Generators: Not allowed (hookups provide power)
Amenities: Cable TV, picnic tables, nearby general store, showers
Fuel: Available at Desert View Market (25 miles) and Grand Canyon Village
RV Life rating: 4/5Trailer Village is the only in-park option with full hookups. Given the current water situation, having water at your site is a significant advantage. The paved sites are closer together than at Mather, but the lack of generator noise makes it quieter overall. Same village access and shuttle connections as Mather.
Reservation tip: Books up fast for summer. Check for cancellations regularly if your dates are full.
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Location: East entrance area, 23 miles from Grand Canyon Village
Sites: 50 paved sites; a few accommodate RVs up to 30 feet
Season: Mid-April through mid-October
Cost: $30/night
Hookups: None (dry camping)
Reservations: Recreation.gov (required)
Generators: Allowed in designated areas during specific hours
Amenities: Water at dump station only (currently), no showers on-site
Fuel: Desert View Gas Station adjacent to campground
RV Life rating: 4/5Desert View offers the quietest camping experience in the park. You're away from the Grand Canyon Village crowds, near the Desert View Watchtower, and positioned for excellent sunrise viewing. The tradeoff is distance from most park amenities and attractions. Good choice if you're entering from Flagstaff or planning a more relaxed, less crowded visit.
RV Parks Outside the Park
If in-park campgrounds are full, these nearby options provide full services:
Grand Canyon Camper Village (Tusayan, ½ mile from South Rim entrance)
Full hookups, showers, laundry; Rating: 4/5 (RV Life)
Tusayan-Montane Campground (Kaibab National Forest, 2 miles from Tusayan)
No hookups, large sites, forest setting; Rating: 5/5 (RV Life)
Note: Book under "Ten-X Campground" on Recreation.gov—it's the same location
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park (Williams, 60 miles south)
Full hookups, Wi-Fi, pool; convenient for Railway experience; Rating: 4.5/5 (RV Life)
Flagstaff KOA (Flagstaff, 85 miles from South Rim)
Full-service resort; good base for day trips; Rating: 4/5 (RV Life)
Reservation Timeline and Strategy
South Rim Grand Canyon campgrounds book within minutes for peak season (March–October). Reservations for Mather and Desert View open 6 months in advance, so book on Recreation.gov as soon as your trip window opens. (Mather Campground and Desert View.
Reserve a Trailer Village site up to 13 months out on the Visit Grand Canyon site.
If campgrounds show full, check back regularly for cancellations. Many people make speculative bookings and cancel closer to their trip. Weekdays and shoulder seasons have better availability.
As a backup, Kaibab National Forest allows free dispersed camping on forest roads south of the park, just prepare to be off-grid.
RV Camping Tips
Size limits: Many South Rim sites cap out around 30 feet. Measure your full length with bumpers and racks. Trailer Village is the most reliable in-park choice for larger rigs.
Getting around: Parking fills fast at viewpoints. Plan to park at your campsite or in the village lots, then use the free shuttle to reach the main overlooks.
Connectivity: Cell service can be unreliable. Download offline maps and any reservation details before you arrive.
Fuel and water: There’s only one gas station inside the South Rim (at Desert View), so plan ahead. Top off before you enter and watch your tank levels. If you’re camping at Mather or Desert View, fill your fresh water before you enter, in case of restrictions
Weather swings: Both rims are at around 7,000–8,000 feet, so temperatures change quickly. Pack layers and make sure your heat and A/C are in good working condition.
Ready to RV Camp in the Grand Canyon?
Blacksford has two rental locations near the Grand Canyon—Phoenix and Las Vegas—making it easy to pick up your RV and head straight to the park. Our fleet includes RVs in various sizes, all equipped with generators that meet national park requirements.
RV models available to rent at Blacksford:
Under 25 feet: Winnebago Revel, Solis, EKKO (perfect for Mather and Desert View)
25–30 feet: Winnebago View, Thor Quantum, Nexus Triumph 24TS, Nexus Triumph 29T
All Blacksford rentals include basic kitchen supplies, bedding, and a detailed walkthrough of your RV’s systems before you leave the lot.