Overview

Mather Campground is located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, draws nearly five million visitors per year to its spectacular scenery.

The facility is large and can accommodate a variety of needs and comfort levels. It is the only campground within Grand Canyon Village. Scenic overlooks, the park's free shuttle bus system, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, the general store and hiking and biking trails are all within a few miles from the facility.

The facility is at an elevation of approximately 7,000 ft. Summers are pleasant with high temperatures in the 70s and 80s, though there are frequent thunderstorms in the afternoons. Fall and spring are mostly sunny and cool with the occasional snow. Weather is variable; visitors should come prepared.

Natural Features:

Mather Campground lies beneath a tall canopy of Ponderosa pine trees, providing most campsites with ample shade. The campground is one mile from the rim of the canyon. A visit to the canyon during sunrise and sunset yields spectacular views of yellow, orange, red and violet hues in the canyon walls. Layers of rock display billions of years of geologic history.

Campers can take a short shuttle bus ride from the campground to the Yavapai Geology Museum, to learn about the forces that formed the canyon. Below, visitors can see the mighty Colorado River, which flows 277 miles through the bottom of the canyon.

Wildlife abounds on the South Rim, including elk, mule deer, coyotes, lizards, songbirds and the endangered California condor. Although condors nest below the rim, they can often be seen soaring several thousand feet above the canyon in search for carrion.

Recreation:

From the campground, campers can access the Greenway, a paved walking and biking trail that leads to scenic overlooks and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The Rim Trail, a paved walking trail, is one mile away and runs for 14 miles along the edge of the canyon. Pets are allowed on both trails, but are not permitted below the rim.

Trailheads for the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails, which descend into the canyon, are a short drive or shuttle bus ride from the campground. The park's concessionaire also offers day and overnight mule riding trips into the canyon and along the rim.

Facilities:

With 327 sites, this is one of the larger facilities. Campsites include a campfire ring with a cooking grate, picnic table, parking space and room for up to three tents. There are flush toilets and drinking water pumps throughout the campground. There is a free dump station but no hookups available (Trailer Village, located next to Mather Campground, has hookups and can accommodate larger RVs). Almost all of the RV spaces are pull-through. Pine loop (sites 265-319) is a tent-only area and generators are not permitted.

Nearby Attractions:

Numerous visitor centers, restaurants, museums and shops are within a shuttle bus ride from the campground. Beyond the village, Desert View Watchtower displays the talent of architect Mary Jane Coulter and provides one of the widest views of Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert on the South Rim. Tusayan Museum and Pueblo Indian ruins take visitors back in time to a community that lived in the area 800 years ago. Both are within 25 miles from the campground.

Grand Canyon Visitor and Information Centers