Photo: Grand Canyon National Park / CC BY 2.0

Campgrounds 6,998 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

Due to high demand, Mather Campground recommends reservations during peak season: March 1- November 30. You may book reservations up to 6 months in advance. Mather Campground is on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Grand Canyon is one of the most inspiring landscapes on Earth and draws over five million visitors per year to its spectacular scenery. Mather Campground is large and can accommodate a variety of needs and comfort levels. It is the only campground within Grand Canyon Village. Scenic overlooks, the park's free shuttle bus system, the Visitor Center, the general store and hiking and biking trails are all within a few miles of the campground.. The campground is at an elevation of approximately 7,000 ft. (2134 m). Summers are sunny with high temperatures generally in the 80s. Thunderstorms frequently occur in July, August, and early September. Fall and spring are mostly sunny and cool with occasional snow. Visitors should come prepared for changes in weather. Recreation From the campground, campers can access the Greenway, a paved walking and biking trail that leads to scenic overlooks and the Visitor Center. The Rim Trail, a paved walking trail, is one mile away and follows the edge of the canyon for 14 miles (23 km). Leashed pets are allowed on both trails, but are not permitted below the rim. Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails descend into the canyon from the South Rim (trailheads are a short shuttle bus ride from the campground) and other Day Hiking trails are available. The park's concessionaire also offers day and overnight mule trips into the canyon and along the rim. Facilities Mather Campground strongly recommends advanced reservations during peak season, March 1- November 30. Mather Campground is a large facility with 327 campsites. Each site includes a campfire ring with a cooking grate, picnic table, parking space and room for up to three tents. The campground also has approximately 15 first-come first-served campsites available on the day of the sale for one night only. Check availability in person with rangers during open hours. These sites usually sell out by 11:00 am. Visitors without camping reservations may not take an unoccupied site. Unoccupied sites are not first-come, first-served. These sites have reservations, but the campers have not arrived yet. This rule is strictly enforced by law enforcement rangers. There are flush toilets and drinking water spigots throughout the campground. There are no hookups available but there is a free dump station near by at Camper Services. Trailer Village, located next to Mather Campground, has hookups and can accommodate larger RVs. Almost all of the RV spaces are pull-through. Generators are NOT permitted in Pine Loop (sites 265-319). Natural Features Mather Campground lies beneath a tall canopy of Ponderosa pine, Pinyon, and Juniper trees that provide most campsites with ample shade. The campground is one mile (1.6 km) from the rim of the canyon. A visit to the canyon during sunrise or sunset yields spectacular views of yellow, orange, red and violet hues on the canyon walls. Layers of rock display billions of years of geology. Campers can take a short shuttle bus ride from the campground to the Visitor Center. Visitors can also visit Yavapai Geology Museum, where they learn about the forces that formed the canyon. Below, visitors can see the mighty Colorado River, which flows 277 miles (446 km) through the bottom of the canyon. Wildlife abounds on the South Rim, including elk, mule deer, coyotes, lizards, songbirds and the endangered California condor. Although condors nest below the rim, they can be seen soaring several thousand feet above the canyon in search for carrion. Nearby Attractions Numerous visitor centers, restaurants, museums and shops are within a shuttle bus ride from the campground. Beyond the village, Desert View provides one of the widest views of Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. The Desert View Watchtower displays the talent of architect Mary Jane Colter. Tusayan Pueblo Museum provides glimpses into the life of a small Ancestral Puebloan village 800 years ago. Both are within 25 miles (40 km) from the campground.

Near Grand Canyon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Mather Campground, Coconino

Being properly equipped turns potential hazards into manageable situations.

Pack for Desert terrain, Semi-Arid, and the wildlife considerations above.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Mather Campground, Coconino

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Whether you're here for birdwatching or looking to try something different, Mather Campground has options.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

birdwatching — Spot and identify birds in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
snowshoeing — Traverse snowy trails using wide snowshoes that distribute weight over soft terrain.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Mather Campground, Coconino

Part of visiting responsibly is understanding the wildlife safety considerations for this area.

Most visitors at Mather Campground never have a wildlife incident, but a danger score of 45/10 means preparation matters.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (169mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), Elevated (6,998ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.

Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
Make noise while hiking
Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Mather Campground, Coconino

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The Desert environment here supports 47 documented species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Trees (2)

Gambel Oak — The bark is gray and furrowed, while acorns develop singly or in small clusters.
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Needles grow in bundles of three and cluster toward branch tips.

Wildflowers (1)

Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Shrubs (3)

fernbush — Foliage has a strong resinous scent when crushed.
Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer.
Brown-spined Pricklypear — Bright yellow to orange flowers bloom in spring.

Other Plants (5)

Utah Agave
Colorado Pinyon
Apache plume
Banana Yucca
Utah Juniper

Mammals (7)

Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump.
Cliff Chipmunk — A small striped rodent with gray-brown fur and bold facial markings.

Birds (30)

Bushtit — Tiny gray bird with long tail
Wild Turkey — Large dark bird with iridescent bronze sheen
Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
Juniper Titmouse — Plain gray body
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Blue head and wings

Reptiles (10)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.

Amphibians (1)

Canyon Tree Frog

Insects (8)

Western Carpenter Bee
Painted Lady
Monarch
White-lined Sphinx
Kaibab Paper Wasp

Nature Bingo at Mather Campground, Coconino

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Wapiti (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
Utah Agave (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Mather Campground, Coconino Climate & Sun

Reference data: temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours by month.

The annual average temperature here is 49.7°F, with 15.3 inches of precipitation.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 49.7°F

Annual precipitation: 15.3 in

With an average annual temperature of 49.7°F and 15.3 inches of precipitation, Mather Campground has cool, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 70°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Winter 33°

1.6"

Spring 46°

0.7"

Summer 70°

1.6"

Fall 51°

1.3"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	33°F	1.6 in
Feb	35°F	1.5 in
Mar	40°F	1.7 in
Apr	46°F	0.7 in
May	55°F	0.7 in
Jun	65°F	0.3 in
Jul	70°F	1.6 in
Aug	68°F	2.2 in
Sep	62°F	1.6 in
Oct	51°F	1.3 in
Nov	40°F	0.8 in
Dec	32°F	1.3 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.6 hours in summer — a difference of 4.9 hours.

Summer: 5:10 AM – 7:46 PM

Winter: 7:31 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:31 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:35 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:46 PM Golden hour from 7:08 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:41 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:09 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

Mather Campground, Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Here's the practical side of visiting Mather Campground.

Mather Campground is 169 miles from Las Vegas — here's what to budget for the trip.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (169 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $42.19 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 136.3 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Mather Campground, Coconino

The area around Mather Campground has plenty more to offer.

If you're exploring this part of Arizona, these nearby spots complement a visit to Mather Campground.

Nearby Trails

Mather Campground (spur) Trail, Grand Canyon National Park 0.08 mi
Trailer Village (spur 1), Grand Canyon National Park 0.08 mi
Trailer Village, Grand Canyon National Park 0.13 mi
Trailer Village (spur 2), Grand Canyon National Park 0.19 mi
Mather Campground Trail, Grand Canyon National Park 0.3 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Mather Campground - South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park 0.12 mi
Trailer Village Rv Park - South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park 0.37 mi
Indian Garden Campground, Coconino 1.94 mi
Bright Angel Campground, Coconino 3.82 mi

Nearby Attractions

Stargazing & Night Sky at Mather Campground, Coconino

After a day outdoors, the evening sky here is worth a look.

On clear nights, the Bortle class 1 skies above Mather Campground reveal constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

From Mather Campground, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Mather Campground, Coconino

The time of year you visit changes what you'll see and do.

Timing your visit to Mather Campground around seasonal highlights can make a major difference in what you experience.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: April - May

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 6998ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Mather Campground, Coconino

Before planning your trip, it's worth recognizing the Indigenous peoples connected to this land.

Before this became a recreation area, this land belonged to Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai).

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Havasupai, Hopilavayi, Diné Bizaad.

Data from Native Land Digital

Mather Campground, Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Mather Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Permian sedimentary rocks
Formation: Kaibab Formation; Toroweap Formation; Coconino Sandstone
Lithology: Major:{sandstone,limestone}, Minor:{chert}
Age: Permian

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 285
Unique Species: 114
Oldest: 1000 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 14
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Copper, Uranium, Silver, Zinc, Cobalt, Antimony

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 120°F (2021-07-10)
Record Low: -32°F (1990-12-23)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 121
Largest Fire: Obi (11,435.8 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Grapevine Creek-Colorado River
Water Quality (Good): 1.291%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 6 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 2 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 32/100

Mather Campground, Coconino Safety & Conditions

The weather data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening right now.

Before visiting Mather Campground, verify current conditions through these authoritative sources.

Nearest weather station: GRAND CANYON VISITOR CENTER, AZ US (0.91 mi)