Grand Canyon by RV: Campgrounds, Rules, and Tips

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park welcomes RVs at several official campgrounds, from the South Rim to the North Rim. The short answer is yes, you can stay overnight in your RV. The main limitation isn't access. It's the length of your rig. Some sites won't accept vehicles longer than 30 feet, and sites fill up quickly between March and October. Reserve through Recreation.gov as soon as booking opens.

The park stretches across strikingly different elevations, from about 2,500 feet at the bottom of the canyon to 8,400 feet on the North Rim. Temperatures in the canyon are generally 20°F to 31°F warmer than on the rims, which makes a major difference depending on the season. Our Grand Canyon weather guide explains what that means in practical terms for each time of year.

Can you drive and camp in an RV at the Grand Canyon?

The two rims work differently, so it's worth knowing what to expect before you leave.

• South Rim: Open year-round and accessible from Williams, about 60 miles north via Route 64, or Flagstaff, about 81 miles northwest via Route 180. This is the main area, with RV campgrounds, full services, and free shuttles to the overlooks.
• North Rim: Open only from about mid-May to mid-October. Route 67, which leads there, can remain snow-covered into June in some years. There are fewer people, a wilder setting, and a forested atmosphere.

Most RVs can handle the South Rim's main roads. Hermit Road, the scenic road on the west side, is closed to private vehicles from May through November. The park shuttle takes over at no charge. In winter, the road reopens to private vehicles, including RVs, depending on road conditions.

RV Restrictions and Regulated Roads

Unlike Zion, Grand Canyon doesn't require an RV tunnel permit. The main issues are logistical:

• Length per site: Each campground sets its own limit. Be sure to check before booking. The information appears in the Recreation.gov listings.
• Parking at overlooks: Several overlooks have short parking areas that aren't well suited to long rigs. Park in designated areas and walk or take the shuttle to the viewpoints.
• Vehicle with a trailer or toad: The combined length may rule out some sites. Include your setup details when you book.
• Hermit Road in winter: Large Class A motorhomes have few opportunities to turn around along this route. Check out the road before taking a large vehicle onto it.

Check road alerts on the official NPS website before you arrive. Conditions can change quickly, especially at the North Rim in the off-season.

Official Campgrounds in the Park

Mather Campground (South Rim)

The park's largest campground is in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. RV sites have no electrical hookups, and the maximum length on dedicated sites is generally 30 feet. Potable water and restrooms are available on-site.

Reservations are available through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. From March through November, RV sites disappear within the first few hours after booking opens. Outside peak season, some sites remain first-come, first-served, but don't count on finding one in summer or on weekends from May through September.

Trailer Village RV Park (South Rim)

Next to Mather, Trailer Village is the only option inside the park with full hookups, including water, electricity, and a dump station. It accommodates longer RVs than Mather, including large Class A motorhomes. It's the obvious choice if your vehicle is longer than 30 feet or you need a permanent electrical connection. Rates are higher than at Mather. Reservations are handled by the park concessioner.

Desert View Campground (South Rim's Desert View Entrance)

Open seasonally, generally from May through October, this campground is in the Desert View area near the east entrance. It accommodates tents and small RVs, with no hookups. Sites are first-come, first-served. It's convenient if you're arriving on Route 64 from Cameron after crossing the Navajo Nation. The campground offers beautiful first views of the canyon and the Colorado River.

North Rim Campground

Open from about mid-May to mid-October, this campground is surrounded by spruce and fir forests at an elevation of 8,200 feet. There are no electrical hookups, but potable water is available during the season. The atmosphere is much quieter than at the South Rim. Generator hours are restricted, so if you rely on a generator, find out the rules before you leave. Reservations are recommended through Recreation.gov.

Boondocking and Dispersed Camping Around the Grand Canyon

Camping outside designated areas is prohibited in the national park. The Kaibab National Forest, which surrounds both rims, does allow free dispersed camping. South and east of the South Rim, several roads accessible to standard-size RVs make it possible to find a spot away from the crowds at no cost. To the north, BLM land toward Utah adds options for travelers visiting several parks in a row. Our regional guide provides an overview of the areas around the park where you can stay in an RV.

Before heading out on a dirt road, check ground conditions for the season. Forest roads can be muddy in spring or impassable after heavy summer rain.

Dump Stations, Water, and Services

Inside the park, dump stations are available at Mather Campground and Trailer Village RV Park. Potable water is available at both South Rim campgrounds. Locate the station closest to your site as soon as you arrive, before you need it urgently.

Outside the park, Williams, about 60 miles from the South Rim, and Flagstaff, about 81 miles away, offer dump stations and RV service centers. If you're entering from the east via Desert View, Cameron, on US 89, can provide some basic services before or after your time in the park.

Which Campground Fits Your Travel Style?

• Family with kids and priority shuttle access: Mather Campground, in the heart of Grand Canyon Village, within walking distance of shuttle stops and the Rim Trail.
• You need electrical hookups: Trailer Village, without hesitation.
• You want peace and a different landscape: North Rim Campground, from mid-May to mid-October.
• Arriving late from the east after Page or Monument Valley: Desert View is convenient for a first night on the way.

To choose the season that best fits your travel style, our Grand Canyon seasons guide explains the advantages of each time of year.

Renting an RV to Visit the Grand Canyon

If you don't have your own rig, the Phoenix and Las Vegas airports, about 4 hours and 4.5 hours away respectively, are home to most specialized rental agencies. Here are a few things to check before you sign:

• Vehicle length: A 23- to 30-foot Class C can access every campground in the park without size restrictions.
• Included mileage: Regional loops through Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Page fit naturally into a Grand Canyon trip. Negotiate a generous mileage allowance when you book.
• Pet policy: Check with the agency if you're traveling with a dog (see below).

For lodging options beyond RV camping, including lodges inside the park and nearby hotels, see our Grand Canyon accommodations guide.

RVs, Pets, Budget, and Reservations: What to Know

Pets. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds but must be leashed, with a maximum leash length of 6 feet. They can't use most trails or go down into the canyon. Check the current rules on the NPS website before you leave, since they can change.

Site budget. Rates vary by campground and season. Check Recreation.gov for Mather and Desert View prices, and the concessioner's website for Trailer Village. The park entrance fee, $35 per vehicle in 2025, is added to the site fee. If you're visiting several national parks on the same road trip, the America the Beautiful pass, $100 per year, covers entrance fees and pays for itself starting with the third park. Our National Park Fees and Passes page provides an overview of entrance fees and passes.

When to book. Book as soon as Recreation.gov opens reservations, up to six months ahead for Mather. RV sites on weekends from May through September disappear within minutes of booking opening.

Overnight parking. Overnight parking is prohibited outside official campgrounds. A vehicle left overnight in a park parking lot without a reservation may be ticketed or towed.

In Summary: Our Grand Canyon RV Plan

Our practical recommendation for a successful trip is to reserve Mather Campground or Trailer Village on the South Rim at least three months ahead during peak season, plan on two to three nights to cover the main overlooks without getting back behind the wheel, and locate the dump station as soon as you arrive. A Class C under 30 feet gives you access to every campground in the park. For a longer Class A, Trailer Village remains the only option inside the park with full hookups.

To plan your entire trip, see the complete Grand Canyon guide.

Frequently Asked Questions