The total figures usually speak of 25 campsites, but as in all other parks and specially in the largest ones, the number varies depending on the source and most maps don't record every site. In theory, they should be booked in advance, but for public campsites it is possible to do it right at the reserve. Camping fees are paid at the gates, but if you want to hire a Maasai askari, you will pay his services directly to him.

There are campsites close to every gate. The one near Oloololo displays a nice view of the mountains. The Musiara campsite is very popular for being a safe area, shaded and with plentiful wildlife -lions included. Near Talek there are 10 campsites located east of the gate, bordering the river at the north bank, which at the same time is the reserve's limit. Several of them are nearly always booked up by safari companies. West of Talek Gate there is another campsite called Riverside Campsite.

Except for the latter, which is equipped with toilets and tap water, campsites are devoid of facilities, save perhaps drinking water.

In addition to those located by the gates, there are other campsites such as the Crocodile Campsite, a private site close to the outer limits; Naunerri Campsite, 3 km off Sand River Gate; and the Mara River Campsites, 4 of them, by the east riverbank outside the reserve. One of them is located right south of Mara Camp. Finally, near Olkurruk Mara Lodge there is another site, overlooking the plains from the mountains.