Arizona Nordic Village is just one glamping option in the vicinity of Cameron, Arizona. Located at over 8,000 feet elevation in ponderosa pine forest, glamping accommodations near Cameron range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups to climate-controlled yurts. Sites generally sit between 35-60 miles from Cameron itself, with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than in the desert below. Most visitors use these accommodations as bases for exploring the Grand Canyon, which is approximately 50-90 minutes driving time depending on the campground location.
What to do
Explore quiet North Rim trails: North Rim Campground at Grand Canyon National Park offers significantly fewer crowds than the South Rim. "VERY cool campground that is spread out through old growth pines and is within walking distance of The North Rim, which is by far the best side of the Gran Canyon! If you are lucky enough to be there during a thunderstorm, you'll get to listen to thunder roll through The Grand Canyon," notes a reviewer at North Rim Campground.
Search for wildlife: Early morning and evening offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities at Ten-X Campground. "Lots of elk and deer in the area. Gets you away from the tourists and visitors of the grand canyon," explains a camper at Tusayan-Montane. The campground sits in dense forest with frequent animal sightings.
Hike to river access: For those able to secure permits, hiking to Phantom Ranch provides access to the Colorado River. "We soaked in the stream alongside the ranch which was a much needed cool down... bunkmates were full of info and funny stories," reports a visitor. Water temperatures remain cool year-round, providing relief from canyon heat.
What campers like
Self-contained amenities: Glamping options at Arizona Nordic Village provide surprising comforts in remote settings. "The yurt was equipped with some extra potable water, water to douse your fire, a propane grill, comfy floor sleeping mats, a couple of chairs, and a wood burning stove," shares a reviewer at Arizona Nordic Village.
Diverse accommodation types: Village Camp Flagstaff offers multiple glamping setups. "RV or tiny homes…this place is AMAZING. We were in the RV side very clean, level elite back in with a concrete patio. Picnic table AND propane fire pit provided," notes a visitor at Village Camp Flagstaff.
Proximity to attractions: Locations balance access to Grand Canyon with escape from crowds. "The perfect campground for last minute trips to the Grand Canyon South Rim... It is just 4 miles south of the Canyon entrance, and costs next to nothing," explains a camper about Ten-X Campground. Most glamping options provide strategic positioning for day trips.
What you should know
Extreme temperature swings: Canyon-area campgrounds experience dramatic daily temperature changes. "It was pretty cold when we were there, but the fireplace kept it toasty inside," notes a visitor about Arizona Nordic Village. Daytime highs can exceed 90°F while nighttime lows drop below 40°F, even in summer months.
Limited services: Many glamping locations operate seasonally with restrictions. "Sites 1-13 are FCFS. Rest are in the Reservation System... Pit toilets are clean. No hand sanitizers available and did not see any sanitizing going on for cleaning," explains a camper at Mather Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites near Cameron require advance planning. "If you win the lottery, this is the place to stay... the only way to get here is by winning a random lottery for a room," explains a Phantom Ranch visitor. For prime locations, reservations should be made 4-6 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Choose front-country options: For families with young children, front-country accommodations provide easier access to amenities. "We previously stayed in a back country yurt in the summer months, this time we decided to stay in a cabin in the front country... The cabin is stocked with firewood for the stove, has a small table and two chairs," shares a visitor about Arizona Nordic Village.
Look for family-focused amenities: Some sites specifically cater to families. "KOAs this place is very nice. Lots to do for kids. Clean sites and helpful friendly staff," explains a camper at Flagstaff KOA.
Consider proximity to bathrooms: For family comfort, bathroom access matters. "Allocated sites on a series of one way roads... Toilets are clean and flush. Not long drops. Rubbish skips spread around," notes a Mather Campground visitor. Front-country glamping options typically offer more developed bathroom facilities.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many glamping locations have tight turns or limited space. "Sites can vary in shape size and fitment. But most are shaded... The roads in the campground are very confusing, arrive with daylight to spare and walk to your site before you try to turn down any roads," advises an RVer at Woody Mountain.
Water and power limitations: RVers should understand hookup restrictions. "No water at the RV sites. A shower cost $3 in quarters w no change machine... There is no cable. There is one dump station - no site dump for grey water," reports a visitor at Raptor Ranch. Most glamping sites near Cameron have only partial hookups.
Weather considerations: High elevation sites require preparation. "We were afraid the forest roads might get too muddy," notes a camper about Ten-X Campground. RVers should check road conditions during monsoon season (July-September) when afternoon thunderstorms can create challenging driving conditions.
