Mather Campground - South Rim
Open
— The campground is open year-round. Winter operations are in effect December 1 through February 28, with only Pine and Sage Loops open and first-come, first-served availability. Due to waterline repairs, water spigots throughout the campground are turned off, though bathroom faucets remain operational. Water is available at the check-in kiosk and at the Camper Services Dump Station. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit all wood and charcoal fires. Generators allowed during generator hours only.
About
Mather Campground sits at 7,000 feet elevation in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, just one mile from the canyon's edge. Named after the first director of the National Park Service, this large campground features 327 sites spread across multiple loops beneath a tall canopy of ponderosa pine, pinyon, and juniper trees. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with cooking grate, parking space, and can accommodate up to six people and three tents. Pine Loop is designated as tent-only with no generators permitted.
The campground provides modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, and a camp store with laundry facilities. A free dump station is available at nearby Camper Services. Most RV spaces are pull-through, accommodating vehicles up to 30 feet. From March through November, most sites are reservable via Recreation.gov, with 15-20 first-come, first-served sites available daily starting at 8am. During winter months (December through February), the campground operates first-come, first-served with only Pine and Sage Loops open.
Mather Campground connects to the park's Greenway trail system and free shuttle buses, providing convenient access to scenic overlooks, visitor centers, restaurants, and trailheads including Bright Angel and South Kaibab. The South Rim offers year-round access with summer temperatures in the 80s, frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July through September, and snowy winters requiring proper preparation.
Directions
From the south entrance station, proceed for about three miles and turn left on Center Road. Travel 1/4 mile and turn right onto Market Plaza Road. The campground is about one mile down Market Plaza Road on the right. From the east entrance station, follow the road 25 miles and turn left at the T intersection onto South Entrance Road. Travel about 1/2 mile and turn right at the intersection onto Center Road. Travel 1/4 mile and turn right onto Market Plaza Road. The campground is about one mile down Market Plaza Road on the right.
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