Top Free Dispersed Camping near Grand Canyon National Park

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Grand Canyon National Park? We've got you covered. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Grand Canyon National Park, AZ (50)

Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Grand Canyon National Park

238 Reviews of 50 Grand Canyon National Park Campgrounds


  • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kaibab Rd 302
    Oct. 26, 2024

    Kaibab Rd 302

    Great little place out of the way among many great places around here

    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.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 682
    Oct. 26, 2024

    Forest Road 682

    Nice, quiet place!

    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.

  • Mouni The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kaibab Forest Dispersed FR 682
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Kaibab Forest Dispersed FR 682

    Horrible Roads

    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.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Jim Loop Campground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Long Jim Loop Campground

    Great Location

    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.

  • Alice S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Grand Canyon Airport Forest Road - Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Old Grand Canyon Airport Forest Road - Dispersed Camping

    Lots of privacy

    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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service #225 Road Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Forest Service #225 Road Dispersed Camping

    Easy on, easy off, big open sites

    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.

  • Annisa A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Coconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Coconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest

    BEST spot ever!

    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.

  • Annisa A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 611
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Forest Road 611

    Perfect!

    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.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service Road 302 Dispersed
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Forest Service Road 302 Dispersed

    Nice stay close to Grand Canyon

    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.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed

    Great Spot!

    We 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!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 248 Campsite
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Forest Road 248 Campsite

    Free dispersed national forest camping in the pines

    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.

  • Ryan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 611
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Forest Road 611

    Stunning

    Beautiful 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.

  • Kelly B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 682
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Forest Road 682

    Fine for a quick sleep

    Needed 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 611
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Forest Road 611

    Best East Rim overlook

    This 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!

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Saddle Canyon Outlook North Rim Dispersed
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Saddle Canyon Outlook North Rim Dispersed

    Really challenging to get to, and worth every moment once you get there!

    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!

  • Lauren S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Jim Loop Campground
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Long Jim Loop Campground

    Right Outside South Rim Grand Canyon

    This 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.

  • Makayla Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Coconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Coconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest

    Super rad spot just outside GCNP

    We 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!

  • Megan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Jim Loop
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Long Jim Loop

    Convenient spot!

    We 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.



Guide to Grand Canyon National Park

Camping near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, offers a unique experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With stunning views and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the area.

What to do:

  • Explore the Grand Canyon: The breathtaking views from the rim are a must-see. Many campers recommend the short walk to the rim from Mather Campground, where one reviewer noted, "It’s about a 15-20 minute walk to the rim, or you can catch one of the frequent free shuttles."
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. A visitor at North Rim Campground mentioned, "Lots of trail heads within walking distance," making it easy to get out and explore.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife. One camper at Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed shared, "Elk were at the water station which was so cool!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A review for Desert View Campground highlighted, "A perfect campground for nature lovers. Elk came by to 'watch us.'"
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Jacob Lake Campground said, "This is our go-to place when camping near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper at DeMotte National Forest Campground noted, "Extremely clean pit toilets. Quiet and dark."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A review for Trailer Village RV Park mentioned, "Only two bathhouses for the entire 123-site campground."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds in summer. A visitor at Grand Canyon Camper Village remarked, "Our first stay we were packed in like sardines."
  • Weather Variability: Nights can get chilly, especially in May. One camper at Mather Campground advised, "Pack warm clothes for nighttime. It dropped into the 40s at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities. A parent at North Rim Campground appreciated, "The lodge area is spectacular. Greatest views from there."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly hikes. A camper at Ten-X Campground mentioned, "The price for the single size RV was $20. Toilets are new and clean."
  • Bring Entertainment: Keep kids engaged with games or books for downtime. A visitor at Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed noted, "Nice little tuck away. Definitely a bumpy road finding a good spot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. A review for Trailer Village RV Park stated, "All AMPs are 50 so they give you a converter if you have a 30 amp RV."
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved access. A visitor at Saddle Mountain mentioned, "It is a long gravel road on the way here; 4WD definitely recommended."
  • Plan for Water Needs: Make sure to fill up before heading to more remote sites. A camper at Ten-X Campground advised, "There is water on site, but you are NOT ALLOWED to fill your RV from it."

Camping near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, can be an unforgettable experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Grand Canyon National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grand Canyon National Park 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 National Park?

    TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Grand Canyon National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.