Looking for the best Grand Canyon dispersed camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Grand Canyon's most popular destinations.
Elevations range from 6,000 feet to over 8,000 feet. The name originates from the profile of a prominent ridge that appears from the distance as a "saddle", horn and all. Vegetation is diverse. It ranges from pinyon pine - Utah juniper in the lower areas to mixed conifers in the highlands. The lower elevations provide valuable mule deer winter range, whereas the higher elevations of the southern portion provide summer habitat for deer and blue grouse. In the upper portion of House Rock Valley a herd of buffalo roam.
Dispersed camping in the Kaibab National Forest - south rim area
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
IMPORTANT Please note: Camping and campfires are prohibited on National Park land. Camping is only allowed once on National Forest land approximately three quarters of a mile from Highway 64, past the cattle guard. Please make sure you are off National Park lands before setting-up dispersed camp. If possible, use existing campsites to limit resource damage.
Please refer to this document: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5313083.pdf
The vast majority of all three ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest is open to dispersed camping unless specifically restricted for reasons such as proximity to developed campgrounds or other natural or cultural resource concerns. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a developed campground. If you plan to disperse camp on the Kaibab National Forest, please review our Dispersed Camping Guidelines and Restrictions. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5313083.pdf
Ranger
I stayed at the top of the first Hill on the left near the information station. T-Mobile cell service is decent. You're far enough away from the road to not hear traffic noise however the helicopters go by from 8:00 a.m. until about 8:00 p.m.. they come by about every half hour. Being that it's the beginning of the road 302 you do get a little bit of cars driving for further spots. All in all great little place.
Guide
Nice dispersed area, no neighbors and lots of space. Almost zero road noise and close proximity to Grand Canyon South Rim Entrance made for a great stay! We had no trouble getting our 39 foot Class A back there, but there is a decent little hill in the driveway that could cause a problem for a longer-wheelbase vehicle, so if you're in a bus-conversion 40+ feet long, I'd scout ahead. You could probably use one of the sites closer to the road and avoid the little hill that we crossed, as an alternative. We stayed a little further back (35.97408272506218,-111.80320237150028) and had the place to ourselves.
Guide
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Traveler
I’ve been in some pretty bad roads for dispersed camping but this one takes the cake. These are by far the worst roads and not well marked spots for camping.
Traveler
Stayed for one night after visiting Grand Canyon, beautiful view and lovely clean toilet.
Legend
Super close to the Grand Canyon. Easy access. There are some rough patches in the road but even large rvs can still come and go easy as long as they slow down.
The location can be busy especially during tourist season. I went during the off time so it wasn’t too bad but it still had quite a few people.
The cell coverage was good enough for phone calls no problems but internet was really hit and miss. Mostly miss.
Legend
Very easy to find. The gravel road you go down to get there is extremely well kept and there are lots of sites to choose from.
If you are in a big rv I would definitely suggest stopping at one of the first few sites that are wide open field type. You won’t fit in any farther down the road.
The size of the sites vary and some are have narrow paths to get to but overall I think pretty much anyone could find a site that suits them. I really liked being able to get further into the woods so I had lots of privacy and could not see the road.
The cell signal fluctuated a lot but overall it was pretty good. The farther down the road you go the worse the cell signal gets.
Guide
The site was really easy to get to, right off the road. We ended up taking the first available campsite and it’s really nice big wide open area with an established fire pit. You can hear some road traffic but it’s sporadic. Two other vehicles passed us looking for campsites one was a bigger RV and the other was an SUV. Neither one came back down so they must’ve found a spot.
Traveler
We accidentally stumbled upon this camp spot on our way to the other one we planned to stay at just south of the national park. When we arrived, there was only one van in our proximity. So surprised that this area is a dispersed camping area (read that they are planning to make this spot paid). The best camping area we stayed at in our three weeks road trip.
Scout
Could not get to it as the road is blocked by a fallen tree that has been there for a while
Traveler
Very nice tranquil camping spot. We stayed here for two nights with our van when visiting the North Rim of Grand Canyon that's 10 minutes away.
Ranger
Stop before going to Grand Canyon.
Many, many sites. Some aren’t close to level but several are.
We got a good spot to relax, work on some solar, and sleep before going to Grand Canyon.
There is an airport very close and many helicopters coming over. Not too bad though , can’t really hear them in the trees until they pass over.
Saw some cows and heard an elk bugle.
GuideWe camped here for 2 nights while visiting the Grand Canyon. Quiet spots tucked a little ways off the highway. We didn’t have any trouble finding a campsite as there are numerous around. Definitely worth saving on the list!
There is also an RV campground in town, a mile or so down the road, where you can fill up water if you run out!
Ranger
Free dispersed camping in the pines along forest road 248. Several good sites 1/2 to 1 mi from road
Ranger
Great dispersed sites if you get about 1/2 -1 mi from 89a. The pines offer shade. Great cell service for some weird reason (verizon 4 bars?!) 80F summer temps are wonderful with the breeze and shade. Peaceful.
TravelerBeautiful site with plenty of space from other campers. It was a beautiful view of the Grand Canyon and surrounding valley. Camped on the edge of a cliff (other sites where more family friendly). We enjoyed the site better than the actual park. A little out of the way but only about a 15 minute drive to the north rim entrance gate. First turn off of 67 headed south after the country store. Just keep headed strait on the dirt road. Don’t veir right. There are still sites down there but not nearly as pretty. Would 100% recommend to any Grand Canyon visitors or if you’re just looking for an amazing spot to stay for the night.
GuideNeeded a place to stop after the Grand Canyon. This was fine. Not stunning, but campervan friendly, quiet, empty and close. We took the first fork to the left to find shade. Not a stunning spot but super close to the east gate.
Traveler
Very easy to find! Several other people, but enough space to not be too close together.
GuideThis site was stunning! Recommended by the Visitor Center!
We are here with a Camper van no 4WD and it was doable. Good gravel road, take it slowly and you will have no problems! Here we have 2 blocks LTE but most important… clear sky, fresh air, incredible overlook… we spontaneously stayed 2 nights than just one!
TravelerLot's of small spots for boondocking along the road.
Traveler
Great spot rite off hwy single site round about.
Ranger
FR611 north of Demott CG. Do not try FR610 unless you have a crazy Bronco or Range Rover or Hummer! I damn near got stuck all night there and just made it back because there are no turnaround points, especially for anything over 22 ft. Not for the faint of heart or low riding rigs. I have a 25 ft total car and Teardrop trailer length and it was challenging but I found one spot. The views are literally indescribable. I sat there and stood there for 12 hours watching the Grand Canyon change every 30 seconds due to clouds and sun. I highly recommend this if you can get there because it was an incredibly memorable experience. The people at the Grand Canyon Lodge on the north rim were very helpful in helping me find the route and it's only about 7 miles from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the entrance to the really rough road. And then, it's about 12 miles in!
TravelerThis is my favorite campground ever! It is so convenient, only 1 mile out from the South Rim entrance of Grand Canyon and was not crowded whatsoever. There are tons of sites and each one is private, shaded, and easily accessible. No bathrooms but it doesn’t really matter since you’re so close to Grand Canyon NP and there is also some shops down the road. For the most part the road is totally fine but there are areas with big potholes to get to some sites off the main road.
TravelerWe had a great time at this campsite! Spent all day at the Grand Canyon and by 6pm we were all set up making burgers at this site. Not too crowded even on the weekend. Plenty of space! The fire tower lookout and USFS bathrooms were an awesome bonus!
GuideWe loved how close we were to everything! Little town just a minute from the loop entrance for souvenirs, food and whatever else you need, and only a couple minutes from the south rim entrance of the Grand Canyon! The chicken alfredo from We Cook Pizza And Pasta was delicious! Only down side was the N Long Jim Loop road has a TON of potholes so you have to go like 5mph. Lots of spots for all different kinds of campers, rvs, tents. Fire places at each spot. Some sites have neighbors closer than others, our site felt pretty private! LOTS of wild elk in the area.
Camping near the Grand Canyon, Arizona, offers a unique experience filled with stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking comfort, there's something for everyone.
Camping near the Grand Canyon, Arizona, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can have an unforgettable experience in this stunning area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Grand Canyon, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grand Canyon, AZ is Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF) with a 4.8-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Grand Canyon, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Grand Canyon, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
