Mather Campground, located on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, offers horse enthusiasts an unparalleled camping experience amidst one of the world's most iconic landscapes. As the only campground within Grand Canyon Village, Mather Campground provides a perfect base for exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Canyon while enjoying the comfort and convenience of well-maintained facilities.
A Grand Experience
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth, drawing over five million visitors each year to its spectacular vistas and rugged beauty. Mather Campground, situated at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet, offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore this natural wonder from the comfort of a large and well-equipped campsite. Summers at the campground are typically sunny, with high temperatures generally reaching the 80s, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities.
Equine-Friendly Camping
For horse campers, Mather Campground offers the perfect combination of accessibility and adventure. The campground is a large facility with 327 campsites, each equipped with a campfire ring featuring a cooking grate, a picnic table, and ample space for parking and up to three tents. While there are no hookups available, the campground does offer flush toilets and drinking water spigots throughout the area, ensuring a comfortable stay for both campers and their horses.
Mather Campground is also conveniently located near Trailer Village, where larger RVs can find pull-through spaces with hookups. This proximity allows horse campers to enjoy the best of both worlds—rustic camping with easy access to essential amenities.
Explore the Grand Canyon's Scenic Trails
One of the standout features of Mather Campground is its proximity to the many scenic overlooks, hiking and biking trails, and other attractions that make the Grand Canyon a world-renowned destination. The park's free shuttle bus system, the Visitor Center, and the general store are all within a few miles of the campground, making it easy to explore the area without having to travel far from your campsite.
Horseback riding at the Grand Canyon is an experience like no other. The trails offer a variety of terrains and vistas, allowing riders to experience the majesty of the canyon from unique perspectives. Whether you're riding along the rim or venturing deeper into the canyon, the views are sure to leave you in awe.
Plan Your Stay
Mather Campground's combination of convenience, comfort, and access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world makes it a premier destination for horse campers. Whether you're looking for a challenging trail ride or a relaxing evening by the campfire, Mather Campground has something to offer everyone.
Book your stay at Mather Horse Camp today and embark on an unforgettable equine adventure at the Grand Canyon. With its ideal location, well-maintained facilities, and access to the park's many attractions, Mather Campground is the perfect choice for your next horse camping trip.
Directions:
Mather Campground is located within the park in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.
From the south entrance station: proceed for about three miles (5 km) and turn left on Center Road. Travel 1/4 mile (.4 km) and turn right onto Market Plaza Road. The campground is about one mile (1.6 km) down Market Plaza Road on the right.
From the east entrance station: follow the road 25 miles (40 km) and turn left at the "T" intersection onto South Entrance Road. Travel about 1/2 mile (.8 km) and turn right at the intersection onto Center Road. Travel 1/4 mile (.4 km) and turn right onto Market Plaza Road. The campground is about one mile (1.6 km) down Market Plaza Road on the right.
Mather Horse Camp offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Equestrian trails
- Dump Station
- Equestrian Sites
- Flush Toilets
- Pets Allowed
- Grills
- Paved Roads
- Picnic Tables
- Grills/Fire Ring
- Picnic Table
- BBQ
- Fire Pit
- RV Parking
- Utility Sinks
- Campfire Rings
- Water spigots
Horse Campsite
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. 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).
Cost Details:
- Standard Nonelectric - $18.00
- Tent Only Nonelectric - $18.00
- RV Nonelectric - $18.00
- Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric - $50.00
- Equestrian Nonelectric - $25.00
Notes:
- Due to high demand, Mather Campground recommends advanced reservations during peak season: March 1- November 30. You may book reservations up to 6 months in advance. First Come First Served Campsites: Mather Campground has about 15 first come first served campsites available for sale at the campground kiosk. Campers must report to the kiosk first and check the availability status of the rangers at the kiosk.
- The winter season runs from December 1-February 29. Starting in December 2023, reservations will be accepted through Recreation.gov There will no longer be a self-pay machine at the campground kiosk. During the holidays the campground could sell out.
- Thunderstorms frequently occur in July, August, and early September. Fall and spring are mostly sunny and cool with the occasional snow. Weather is variable; visitors should come prepared.
- Trailers that are 30 feet long should be booked into one of the following sites: 120, 121, 128, 172, and 185. Most of the other sites will NOT work for a 30' Trailer. One RV is allowed per site. Mather Campground does not have electric, sewer, or water hook-ups. There is a dump and water fill station next door at Camper Services. Generator hours are 7 am - 9 am and 6 pm to 8 pm.
- Generators are NOT permitted in Pine Loop (sites 265-319).
- One or Two standard-sized vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles) are allowed per site.
- For campground inquiries, please call: 1-877-444-6777
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Grand Canyon National Park - South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch
Mather Horse Camp does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Mather Horse Camp for more information