The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Kaibab National Forest. Kaibab National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"Luckily there is a gas station that is walking distance. Pool and spa were nice. Bathrooms were clean.
The only downside is the noise from the highway. Oh, cell service is not good."
"Stayed a week here to have access to GCNP and the surrounding NM and NPs within 2 hours of Flagstaff.
The private bathrooms were cleaned daily in the AM and the sites were relatively level."
"This KOA is very clean and has ton's of amenities on site, very nice showers and bathrooms, some of the amenities are mini golf, pan for gems, trails, go karts, peddle cars, playground, laundry room, store"
"Lots of forest roads to play on near by as well if you have off-road toys."
$25 - $75 / night
"Right by the roadside but en route to Grand Canyon, staff are super helpful and emailed bathroom code quickly despite my late arrival."
"Sites are pretty close together, and you don’t have much distance between you and the main highway. They do have a propane fill up which is very handy."
"It is just North of Williams, which is a pretty neat little town, and about an hour away from the Grand Canyon South entrance, on highway 64. Follow GPS/Google Maps to get here. "
"Plenty of room to spread out, different scenery depending on where you park & how far in you drive."
$26 - $52 / night
"There is no dog park but there is a walk around path. There are a lot of weeds around the perimeter"
"Williams is a step back in time to when US HWY 66 with IT. The town embraces the era of pre freeway. The park is excellent! Hookups are great."
$6 - $50 / night
"We flew into Vegas and we got to drive through the Kaibab National Forest to get to Mather campground (if you can’t find any available campground reservations within the GCNP itself I would recommend checking"
"If you want to camp relatively close to the rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the spot."
$32 - $225 / night
"We camped in the Kaibab National Forest in Williams, AZ for my friend's birthday and it was absolutely amazing! So peaceful and relaxing! I will definetly go again!"
"The Kaibab National Forest is a beautiful area; roads leading all directions, not all of them connect. We were pretty excited to camp under the stars. The skies here are BIG!"
$30 - $300 / night
"We came in late on a Saturday evening and had to settle for a roadside spot with no shade."
"The campgrounds are surrounded by trees next to the lake. Although camp is not right next to the lake you can see it from most campsites."
"Could only get one night at the Mather CG in Grand Canyon, so we went boondocking just outside of the National Park in Kaibab NF. "
"The sites are pretty big and private, I recommend tucking yourself as far back as possible to stay away from the dust kicked up by passing cars."
$26 / night
"Primitive camping in beautiful, cool Arizona forest. Most campsites offer a lot of privacy. Dirt roads are a bit rough, so SLOW is an important word!"
"Had to walk around to avoid bee entering mouth while eating. And putting away washed dishes was a challenge to keep none from entering storage bag. Otherwise the ospreys were awesome."
ScoutEverything you need is at the KOA and if it isn’t, it’s near by. There’s also access to Mount Elden/Fat Man’s Loop trails in the Coconino National Forest from the park. Kids also have activities available to them at the park, including an inflatable inground trampoline. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Roads are narrow but I’ve seen big rigs maneuver them without too much trouble. Sites are close together but that’s expected with most RV parks. Definitely staying here again!
TravelerIt was hard to find a flat surface but we arrived at night. During day time should be easier.
GuideA prime spot. We were completely alone in the middle of the forest with our motorhome. The area is so huge that everyone can find their own spot. We really enjoyed the night. We didn't have an internet connection with T-Online. Access is via a gravel road and is easily manageable even with a 2WD vehicle.
TravelerSuper easy access, shared big flat parking campsite, blue restrooms (cleaned). Excellent to crash at nights between Sedona hikes.
ScoutWe are traveling from GA to Utah. This place looked nice in pictures. The pictures do it NO JUSTICE!! Village Camp met all of our expectations and all of our wants! The pizza at the bistro was GREAT! The bar was a fun environment, and everyone was super nice! The bathrooms and showers were very spacious and clean!
RangerReally amazing. Sites are huge so you don’t feel like you are right on top of each other. We were warned about the elk rut. Elk were everywhere in the park. A bull bugled throughout the late afternoon into the evening. Hearing that sound in nature was on my bucket list. Amazing. We are going to try the shuttle system. Loving it.
GuideCamping on north and south side. North side was way busier. Stayed at both. I enjoyed both as a tent camper.
GuideContrary to the last review, access to Sunset Crater National monument is not possible via the back entrance. The road to this site states that at the beginning and we verified (by driving around) that the fence on the side of s Sunset Crater is closed. Not a through road. We ended up camping not here, but at the far side of Sunset Crater along the O'Leary peak loop (not listed, and app doesn't allow me to add it). That is a beautiful spot!
TravelerI first came here to campsit for a friend and I ended up staying a few days. I can't speak to solar as it rained every day, but when it was sunny, it was limited to this specific area for a couple of hours. We were close to Lava Cave, so there were lava rocks everywhere and I was really limited in finding a good place to park within the site. IF YOU DECIDE TO GO HERE: Do not take 245 of 180. It is a nightmare of washboard roads-- really the worst I've seen. Take 222 off 180, and let Google Maps guide you from there.
Camping near Kaibab National Forest, Arizona, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Kaibab National Forest, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With a mix of established and dispersed campgrounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Kaibab National Forest?
Kaibab National Forest offers excellent camping opportunities with both developed and dispersed options. Coconino Rim Road Dispersed Camping is highly recommended for its beautiful trees, dark skies for stargazing, and proximity to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. For those seeking dispersed options with easy access, Forest service Road 688 Dispersed Camping provides spacious sites among Ponderosa Pines with wildlife viewing opportunities. If you prefer developed campgrounds, White Horse Lake Campground and Kaibab Lake Campground are excellent choices with designated sites and basic facilities. The forest also features numerous unmarked dispersed camping areas along forest roads that offer privacy and a true wilderness experience.
When is the best time of year to camp in Kaibab National Forest?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant camping weather in Kaibab National Forest. Summer months provide warm days and cool nights at the forest's higher elevations, making it a perfect escape from the desert heat. Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam is popular during holiday weekends like Labor Day when the weather is typically ideal. Fall brings spectacular colors as aspen trees change. Winter camping is possible in lower elevations, but many forest roads become impassable with snow, and higher elevation campgrounds typically close. Spring can be unpredictable with occasional storms. The forest's elevation (5,000-9,000 feet) creates milder summer temperatures compared to nearby desert areas, making it a refreshing summer destination.
Do I need a permit for camping in Kaibab National Forest?
For dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest, no permit is typically required. You can camp for free at areas like Coconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest without formal permits. However, developed campgrounds such as White Horse Lake Campground do require payment of camping fees. For dispersed camping, follow the 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that seasonal fire restrictions may apply, especially during dry summer months. Check with the Kaibab National Forest ranger stations in Williams or Tusayan for current regulations, as requirements can change based on conditions and time of year.
What amenities are available at Kaibab National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities vary significantly between developed and dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest. Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas offers drinking water, vault toilets, designated sites, and lake access for fishing and small boats. Some developed campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. For those seeking more amenities, Dogtown Lake Campground And Group provides similar facilities with boat-in access options. Dispersed camping areas like Forest Service Road 328 have no facilities—you'll need to bring all supplies including water and pack out all waste. Cell service is limited throughout the forest, especially in remote areas, so plan accordingly. Most developed campgrounds don't offer hookups, making them suitable for tent camping or self-contained RVs.
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