15 Grand Canyon Camping Tips with Photos

Here are photos of campers in the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Camping Stats & Facts

Size: The Grand Canyon National Park spans over 1.2 million acres.
Visitors: Approximately 6 million people visit the park each year.
Established: The Grand Canyon National Park was established in 1919.
Elevation: The South Rim’s elevation averages around 7,000 feet, while the North Rim averages around 8,000 feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many campgrounds are there in Grand Canyon National Park?

There are three developed campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park:

Mather Campground: Located on the South Rim, open year-round.
Desert View Campground: Located on the South Rim, open seasonally.
North Rim Campground: Located on the North Rim, open seasonally.

In addition to these developed campgrounds, there are several backcountry camping options that require permits.

How far in advance should I make campground reservations?

Reservations for Mather Campground and North Rim Campground can be made up to six months in advance. Desert View Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand, it’s recommended to make reservations as early as possible.

What are the rules and regulations for camping in the Grand Canyon?

Some general rules for camping in the Grand Canyon include:

Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
Maximum of six people, two tents, and two vehicles per site.
Campfires are allowed only in designated fire grates.
Pets must be leashed and are allowed only in developed campgrounds and on specific trails.

Camping Locations in the Grand Canyon

South Rim Campgrounds

Mather Campground: Offers 327 campsites with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities available nearby. Open year-round.
Desert View Campground: Features 50 campsites with basic facilities such as pit toilets and water spigots. Open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October.

North Rim Campground

North Rim Campground: Offers 90 campsites with flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities available nearby. Open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping requires a permit and allows you to explore more remote areas of the park, such as the inner canyon and wilderness areas.

Grand Canyon Temperatures & Weather

South Rim: The South Rim experiences mild to cool temperatures during the day and colder temperatures at night, with the possibility of snow during the winter months.
North Rim: The North Rim has cooler temperatures than the South Rim, with daytime highs ranging from the 60s to 80s in the summer and much colder temperatures with significant snowfall during the winter.