North to South Rim so Close Yet so Far Away

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and the mile deep canyon separates the North Rim from the South Rim. Although the average distance across the canyon is 10 miles is take 5 hours to drive 215 miles between the park’s South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.

North Rim Campground

The North Rim is located on the “Utah” side of the Canyon, is harder to get to is more wild and secluded. The North Rim Park is only open from May thru October due to it’s 8,000 ft elevation and reservations are strongly recommended because of the shorter season that the park is open. After mid-October, weather permitting, a limited number of sites with limited services (potable toilets) will be available on a first come – first serve basis until the snow closes Highway 67.

There are no hook-ups but there is a dump station within the campground. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted in the provided campsite grills. Gathering downed wood is not permitted, wood can be purchased at the general store. There are coin operated laundry and showers at the campground entrance.

Campsite fees are $18 – $25 with a maximum of two vehicles, six people, three tents are allowed per site. A vehicle towing a trailer, pop-up, tent trailer, fifth wheel or motor home pulling a vehicle is considered two vehicles.

South Rim Campgrounds

The South Rim Campgrounds are the most popular campgrounds because they are open all year, has a local airport and rail service, is located on the “Arizona” side of the Canyon, close to Interstate 40 and easier to get to.

Mather Campground is open year-round, it is Located in Grand Canyon Village. This campground offers tent and RV camping. RV Camping, there are no hook-ups and there is a 30 foot trailer or RV maximum. Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash at all times and not left unattended. Wood and Charcoal fires are permitted in provided campsite grills only. There are laundry and showers located near the campground for a fee.

This campground is extremely busy during the summer months and reservations are strongly recommended from March 1 through mid-November. Fees are $18 per site per night, a maximum of two vehicles, six people, three tents are allowed per site. A vehicle that is towing a trailer, pop-up, tent trailer, fifth wheel, or motor home pulling a vehicle is considered two vehicles. Group sites are $50 per night, maximum of 50 people and 3 vehicles per group site.

During the winter mid-November through February 28 reservations are not available, family campsites are $15 per site per night and group campsites are $30, this is on a first-come first-serve basis.

Desert View Campground is open May through mid-October (Schedule will be updated in spring 2010) and has a total of 50 campsites located 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. This campground is on a first come – first served – self registration basis and will accommodate tents, smaller RV’s or Travel Trailers (30 ft maximum length). Fees are $12 per space, per night, there is a limit of 6 persons, two tents, or two vehicles or one RV/Travel Trailer per site.

There are no utility, water or sewer hook-ups, each site has a campfire grill for fires and cooking use and a picnic table. There are two water faucets located within the campground, restrooms have flushing toilets and sinks, no hot water and there are no showers.

Travel Village is adjacent to the Mather Campground and is operated by Xanterra Parks and offers RV sites with hook-ups. Advance reservations may be made by calling (888) 297-2757; for same-day reservations call (928) 638-2631. A dump station (closed during the winter months) is located near Mather Campground. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times, and may not be left unattended.

Visit our Friends at U.S. National Forest Campground Guide for more information on campgrounds in the U.S.