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Dispersed Camping

Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed, near the Grand Canyon, Arizona, is a fantastic location for those seeking a bit of solitude in nature. This area offers a free camping experience with plenty of space to set up your tent or park your RV, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of reservations.

Visitors have praised the privacy of the sites, with many finding clean, tucked-away spots that feel secluded despite a few fellow campers nearby. One camper noted, “There were a few other people there but everyone was spread out enough where there was plenty of privacy.” The lack of amenities like drinking water and toilets means you’ll need to come prepared, but the trade-off is a more authentic camping experience.

If you're planning to explore, you're just a short drive from the south entrance of the Grand Canyon, making it easy to spend your days hiking and taking in breathtaking views. Some campers have mentioned the convenience of a nearby general store for stocking up on supplies, which is a nice perk for those staying a while.

While the roads can be a bit rocky, many have successfully navigated them with standard vehicles. As one reviewer put it, “Be careful of driving far in as there are many rocks and holes.” Whether you're looking to unwind by a campfire or embark on an adventure, Fire Rd 688 offers a unique and peaceful escape into the wilderness.

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Location

Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.92499266 N
112.12142255 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 14 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 14 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users

Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2025

Great location

The main road is well maintained. Sites are spread out, and many choices are available. The sites seem very level. We didn't need leveling blocks at our spot. Even the trees are spaced enough to provide enough sun for solar panels. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and drove past 10 open sites before we found one perfect for our needs.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 15, 2025

Beautiful Forest Service Area

Now, flat camping areas that go for miles! Check entrances and roads for extreme dips. Main road great. Close to the south rim for day trips. 14 day limit. AT&T cell not good but Starlink works as long as you can get it between all the amazing trees! Will definitely be back.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed by Leslie J., April 15, 2025
  • Review photo of Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed by Leslie J., April 15, 2025
  • Review photo of Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed by Leslie J., April 15, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2025

Quiet wooded camp site

Easy to navigate even towing a vehicle behind our RV. Quiet, wooded site away from road noise. Our site had a fire pit and wood provided when we pulled in. Approx 11 miles from the town Grand canyon village/ South rim of the grand canyon. 14 days consecutive stay limit. Dry camping. Leave no trace.

Site1
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2023

Great Spot

Stayed here for two nights found a nice spot a little ways back very accessible in our Honda Accord and still nice and tucked away. There were a few other people there but everyone was spread out enough where there was plenty of privacy. General store not too far away so you can stock up on supplies and a good location for going into the Grand Canyon during the day.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed by Justin C., June 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed by Justin C., June 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed by Justin C., June 23, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2023

Good spot

Clean, hidden sites away from others to camp. Be careful of driving far in as there are many rocks and holes. Filled up fast by the time we got there at 7pm on a Thursday. Good free place to tent camp!

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2023

Nice and quiet

Plenty of spaces. Even for big rigs. Some places with a firepit. If muddy might be difficult to get out of some spots.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed by Johannes S., April 24, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2023

Great dry camping for Grand Canyon

Look out for Fire Road 688. Space is dispersed so you have as much privacy as you want. Only 10 minutes to the south entrance for GC.

SiteNot numbered
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed by Aaron S., April 23, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Forest Road 688 dispersed camping located?

Fire Rd 688 dispersed camping is located approximately 10 minutes from the South Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. It's situated in a wooded area that provides campers with privacy and a peaceful environment. The dispersed camping area extends for miles along Forest Road 688, offering numerous spots to set up camp. A general store is located not too far away, making it convenient to stock up on supplies when needed. The location makes it an excellent base camp for day trips to the Grand Canyon South Rim, which is about 11 miles away.

What are the rules for dispersed camping along Forest Road 688?

Dispersed camping along Forest Road 688 follows standard National Forest dispersed camping regulations. There is a 14-day consecutive stay limit. This is a dry camping area with no hookups or services, so campers must pack in all necessary water and supplies. The area operates on leave-no-trace principles, requiring visitors to pack out all trash and leave their sites as they found them. Existing fire pits should be used when available, and proper fire safety must be observed. The area does fill up quickly, especially in the evenings, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a good spot.

Is 4WD required to access Forest Road 688 dispersed camping areas?

4WD is not strictly required to access the Forest Road 688 dispersed camping areas. The main road is well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles, including standard passenger cars like a Honda Accord. Even RVs and vehicles towing trailers can navigate the main road without significant issues. However, be cautious when venturing deeper into the side roads, as there are rocks and holes that could pose challenges. If conditions are muddy, some spots might become difficult to exit without 4WD. For general access and finding a suitable campsite, a standard 2WD vehicle is typically sufficient.