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Established Camping

DeMotte National Forest Campground

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from October 16, 2024 through May 14, 2025.

DeMotte National Forest Campground, near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s a cozy place to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained vault toilets and trash collection. Visitors have praised the picnic tables and fire pits at each site, making it easy to gather around for meals and stories. One camper noted, “The site was very spacious and the campground nice and quiet, clean and well kept.”

If you’re up for some adventure, you’re just a stone's throw from the stunning trails of the Grand Canyon. Many campers have enjoyed hiking the nearby Arizona Trail, with breathtaking views and plenty of wildlife to spot. Plus, there’s a store across the road for any last-minute supplies or snacks you might need.

While the campground doesn’t offer electric hookups or showers, the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings more than make up for it. Campers have shared experiences of hearing wolves howling at night and enjoying the serene beauty of the forest. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for a weekend escape, DeMotte National Forest Campground is a solid choice for your next outdoor adventure.

Description

National Forest

Kaibab National Forest

Overview

The DeMotte Campground is located within the North Kaibab Ranger District just seven miles north of the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim. This is about 25 miles south of the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center on Arizonas Highway 67.

Recreation

Visitors to the DeMotte Campground enjoy camping and picnicking, sight-seeing and wildlife viewing. Enjoy a visit to the North Rim from mid-May through mid-October; the road is closed during winter. Hiking trails, spruce-fir and Ponderosa pine forests and unparalleled views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Natural Features

Many species of wildlife call the Kaibab home, including the tassel-eared Kaibab squirrel, found nowhere else in the world, and numerous species of birds.

Nearby Attractions

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.

Reservation Info

Generally open mid-May to mid-October for overnight camping, depending on weather. For specific dates and reservations contact www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.

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Location

DeMotte National Forest Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Kanab, UT the facility is 40 miles (35 miles from Fredonia, AZ) south on U.S. Route 89A to AZ State Route 67, at Jacob Lake. Then south 25 miles on AZ State Route 67 to DeMotte campground. From Bitter Springs intersection of U.S. 89 and 89A. Take 89A north 55 miles to Jacob Lake. Then south 25 miles on AZ State Route 67 to DeMotte campground.

Address

HC 64 Box 65
Fredonia, AZ 86022

Coordinates

36.4111111 N
112.1347222 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

21 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2024

Close to GC North Rim and very wooded

Demotte was heavily wooded with fairly private sites. A variety of camping situations and equipment coexisted easily. The 15 min drive into Grand Canyon park was great (psssst cheaper gas inside of GC park than outside of it).
Pit toilets, potable water, and picnic table and fire ring were all appreciated. No showers and no Verizon cell service at all. I’d stay there again! Just wish there were more amenities.

Siteloop A site 12
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Carol B., October 12, 2024
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Carol B., October 12, 2024
Reviewed Nov. 28, 2023

Wolves

I’ve stayed here twice, the campground is beautiful and very secluded. The first stay we had a hummingbird follow us around the campsite, the second stay we heard wolves howling in the forest.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Lori D., November 28, 2023
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Lori D., November 28, 2023
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Lori D., November 28, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2023

Was it worth $30 a night???

I love going to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It only receives 10% of the annual visitors, compared to the south rim.

In this camping trip, I was traveling alone with another female friend and we didn’t want to disperse camp for safety reasons.

Since I’m used to dispersed camping this site was luxurious. We stayed on Loop B (the tent side) with our roof top tent.

There were 38 single campsites that each had tables and cooking grills. There was drinking water available, vault toilets and trash collection. We also were able to buy firewood from the camp host on site.

SiteLoop B, site 28
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Beth G., September 19, 2023
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Beth G., September 19, 2023
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Beth G., September 19, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2023

nice campground

I couldn't find any of the dispersed sites near the grand canyon, so I ended up staying here. It was self-service and I paid 26$ for my car for one night. It was the only really flat campsite I had on my two week vacation. 

There are toilets and Dumpsters, but I didn't find any running water.

There was no cell service.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2022

Blessed

I decided to go camping, as soon as I got there my car battery died. Carmen was so nice and beyond helpful. She helped me get a tow truck up there and I made it back to Utah for them to take a look at my car. Carmen and the other camp hosts made rounds during the day to make sure everyone was ok. I enjoyed the spot even though i had a little car hiccup. Will def go back again

Site030
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2021

De Motte USFS Campground

Looks like it has been updated over the last few years. Nice tent pads, tables, fire pit, lantern post.

Combo of sites adequate for larger trailers (ours is 30 ft), as well as car and tent only spots. Extremely clean pit toilets. Quiet and dark.

Set among the aspen and other trees. 6 miles from GC NP entrance Station. Store, food trailer and gas station across the highway.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Cliff , October 4, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2021

So close to the Grand Canyon

Very nice forestry park near the Grand Canyon north entrance. Sites and bathrooms were clean and a store across the road for those forgotten items.

Site2
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Oscar D., September 21, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Nice campground- no cell signal

Very nice campground in a very scenic area on edge of an open meadow park. $22/$11 senior, 38 sites and about 1/2 FF and reserved. Vault toilets, dumpsters, tables, fire rings. Pressurized water spigots scattered. No full hookups, no RV dump. Hosts onsite. Reason for 4 stars is no cell signal on any network and seems no wifi at the adjacent Country Store. The Country Store does have gas, food, ice, camping supplies etc but no wifi..strange.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Greg L., September 19, 2021
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Greg L., September 19, 2021
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Greg L., September 19, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2021

Stunning Campground

Surrounded by pines and aspens. So quiet and peaceful. Plenty of space. The perfect way to enjoy the north rim. Awesome camp host.

Site028
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Lauren , July 16, 2021
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Lauren , July 16, 2021
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Lauren , July 16, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 28, 2021

Beautiful, quiet, private

Half reservable sites, half first come first served. Some tent only and RV specific sites. Immaculate pit toilets. Flat sites. Large picnic/fire pit areas. Convenient location for visiting North Rim. Very quiet campground. Gas station, camping convenience store, propane, and coffee/food truck across the highway.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

The Best Affordable North Rim Camping

$22. Dennis is super-friendly and helpful, and it’s a comfortable, well-attended site super close to the North Rim without the big expenses. The sites come with picnic tables, fire pits, have clean bathrooms nearby, and dumpsters for disposal. If you’re planning on a long stay at the North Rim, try to get here for a couple of nights.

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2020

Beautiful rv park near the north rim

This was a great spot. The parks inside the north rim were closed because of renovation and this camp is just outside the main entrance ...16 miles. Nature lovers will Love this dry camp. No hookups but there are well kept vault toilets and access to water. Beautiful spacious spots . Wonderful . Great host too. General store nearby as well.

  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Todd S., August 1, 2020
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Todd S., August 1, 2020
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Todd S., August 1, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2019

Beautiful campground

Only minus is that the sites are a little close together, but the grounds are gorgeous; abundant wildflowers, grazing deer, and a wonderful campground host, Dave. Quick drive to GCNP entrance, general store with all the essentials PLUS lots of cool souvenirs right across the road from the campground.

  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Suzi F., August 26, 2019
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Suzi F., August 26, 2019
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Suzi F., August 26, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2018

Forest Feel But Close To The Canyon

I have camped at a number of campgrounds near the Grand Canyon in pursuit of finding the best fit for my many travel associates and followers of my blog. I found that this campground checked a lot of boxes for me in that it wasn't directly in the Grand Canyon and was a little smaller than the popular sites which can become a little overcrowded feeling during peak seasons. It is located in the Kalibab Forest just outside the of the Canyon area.

The area is green and full of life with nice pad sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. The area I pulled into was tent site #32 which was a couple sites over from the toilets and trash station. I like to be close enough to walk but not right beside where the traffic of other campers walking by constantly keeps me awake. This site was backed right into the trees and pretty clear overall.

The sites here feature drinking water near the restrooms but no hook ups on sites, which is perfect for my needs. I really enjoyed the layout of the campground and the loops which made it feel a bit smaller than many other campgrounds I had checked out.

I did notice this campground isn't one you can check out after mid October because of the weather in this area and road conditions, so I wouldn't recommend trying it out close to that deadline but when I was there in May it was perfect!!

TIPS:

  • Walk in VS Reserved is a big question people will ask so I always suggest doing your research in advance especially if you are traveling in the more limited RV sites. All reservations for this site are made through recreation.gov and I did notice that while several of the tent loops are walk in only the RV site are not.

  • There are animals in the area so remember to leave no items loose in your camp overnight. We saw several elk and raccoons.

Site32
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Crystal C., August 12, 2018
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Crystal C., August 12, 2018
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Crystal C., August 12, 2018
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2018

It's like Montana!

This area makes you think that you are in Montana instead of the desert state of Arizona. This campground is close to The North Rim, but far enough away that you are spared a lot of the hecticness of camping IN the park

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Michael J., July 31, 2018
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Michael J., July 31, 2018
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Michael J., July 31, 2018
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2018

Nice area, well placed campsites

Great campsite to stay out if you're planning on going to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Not too far, but far enough that it's not crazy busy. Nice campsites, trees provide some shading. Facilities are pretty decent, we had water right next to our site which was really convenient. BRING BUGSPRAY

Site015
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2018

Forest camping near the desert

This campsite is located in Kaibab National Forest, near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s pretty and primitive. It was fun camping in a forest after so much desert time. I’d recommend checking th S place out if you don’t want to deal with the crowds (and prices) that come with staying at the Grand Canyon. And as long as you have a Parks pass, you can come and go as you please. We asked about hiking and were told there really wasn’t anywhere to hike but there’s an old dirt road we could walk on. We tried it out and it was actually very pretty. And the road clearly had not been used for a very long time. It was remote and provided a lot of wildlife viewing. Some of the pictures are of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. You cannot see it from the camp ground but it is close by.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Elizabeth R., June 1, 2018
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Elizabeth R., June 1, 2018
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Elizabeth R., June 1, 2018
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2017

DeMotte Campground, North Rim Grand Canyon

I am still amazed that we were able to get a campsite at this popular campground just seven miles from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I loved how super clean it was with very attentive hosts. There are two loops and while it's a first come first pick set up, the campers and rigs seemed to stay in the lower loop and it was tents only on the upper loop while we were there. Just vault toilets and water, no showers, but showers were available at the campground in the Park. We had quite a few mule deer hanging out on the outskirts of our campsite, and even spotted some of those cool tassel-eared Kaibab squirrels. There is more shade in the upper loop than the lower loop, and while there wasn't really enough understory for a lot of privacy, the camp sites were nicely spaced apart. There was a nice little general store/gas station a little ways down the road if you need some supplies.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Annie C., June 9, 2017
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Annie C., June 9, 2017
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Annie C., June 9, 2017
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2016

Grumpy hosts

This camp ground was nothing spectacular-- we appreciated the hammock trees, and the night sky was breathtaking if you walk to one of the open meadows at the top of the campground. My only problem was the host. She was very surly, would drive by and tell us we were doing something wrong every loop. We couldn't have a line running anywhere on our site to dry clothes (we got caught in a rainstorm earlier while hiking in the GC and wouldn't have accessible drying facilities until Colorado.) then it was our dogs leash was too long (when we cook we generally put the dogs on a 10 ft leash so they can roam. There was literally no other people around and they weren't bothering anyone... They couldn't reach the road or anything.) and then she would just remind us to do obvious things- like to make sure our trash makes it into the bear sealed dumpster, don't swing too much on the hammock, ect. My brother and I are adults and we were with our parents. It's not like we were suspicious rowdy kids trying to trash anything! Anyway-- other than the host being unfriendly and naggy- this was a great spot to see such an amazing wonder!

  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Molly G., September 5, 2016
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Molly G., September 5, 2016
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Molly G., September 5, 2016
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2016

Meadows galore

The DeMotte Campground is the nearest organized campground to the North Rim, apart from the one inside the park. I think it's 16 miles from the front gate. It's open and lovely, set in a wide meadow. Nothing fancy, nothing exciting, but facilities available which is more than you will find in the dispersed camping of the Kaibab National Forest.

Across the road is the only gas/grocery in the area. Stock up before you get there, if you head out towards the main roads it could take hours across the back roads to get back to civilization. The space is quiet and peaceful, enjoy the North Rim of the Grand Canyon while you are there.

  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Shelley K., July 1, 2016
  • Review photo of DeMotte National Forest Campground by Shelley K., July 1, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at DeMotte National Forest Campground?

    DeMotte National Forest Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at DeMotte National Forest Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at DeMotte National Forest Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does DeMotte National Forest Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, DeMotte National Forest Campground does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at DeMotte National Forest Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at DeMotte National Forest Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at DeMotte National Forest Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at DeMotte National Forest Campground?

    There are 38 campsites at DeMotte National Forest Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts