Mather Campground is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon inside Grand Canyon National Park, just a short drive or shuttle ride from the iconic canyon overlooks. It’s a large, well-organized campground with over 300 sites, nestled in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest that offers plenty of shade and a surprising amount of privacy considering its size.
Despite being within a busy national park, the campground feels peaceful and natural. Sites are non-electric, but there are water spigots, clean restrooms with flush toilets, and a dump station nearby. There’s also a laundry and shower facility close to the campground entrance, along with a general store for essentials—super convenient when you're staying several nights.
The best part, of course, is the location. It’s only a short walk or bike ride to the canyon rim, and the park’s shuttle system makes it easy to explore all the major viewpoints without worrying about parking. We watched the sunrise at Yaki Point and the sunset from Hopi Point—both were unforgettable.
Elk frequently wander through the campground, and at night it gets beautifully dark and quiet. The stargazing is phenomenal—clear skies and minimal light pollution mean you’ll see more stars than you thought possible.
Mather Campground is a fantastic base camp for exploring the South Rim.