Looking for dispersed camping near Grand Canyon? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Arizona camping adventure.
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.
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
Dispersed camping in the Kaibab National Forest - south rim area
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
Off FR 611.
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
Scout
I was shocked at how close this free, dispersed camping spot was to the entrance to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon!
The location is off the main road, headed to the canyon, about 1 mile south of the Demotte campground.
This spot is only a few miles from the entrance to the Grand Canyon (but about 23 miles to the rim).
Located off a gravel road, somewhat rough but our minivan did fine.
Several dispersed camping spots available along the road as you head into the area. About 3 miles back is a view point of the East Rim with camp bathrooms. Will take about 15 mins to drive there from main road.
I did feel rather secluded here with a large distance between camping spots and not many people camping at the time. We were there in mid June. Weather was nice and cool for us at night at that time to be able to sleep comfortably in our van.
Overall, great spot for free camping!
Guide
We have been traveling and paying for camp sites as well as using free dispersed camping. THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST IN 3 WEEKS ACROSS THE USA. We went back to this site a week after staying here and got married here! It’s a special spot with spectacular views!
Ranger
Free dispersed camping in the pines along forest road 248. Several good sites 1/2 to 1 mi from road
Traveler
Great free dispersed camping immediately outside the Grand Canyon! There are an abundance of sites here, we spent about 45 minutes just picking and choosing our favorite. Please be mindful of the spots that work best for bigger rigs, we just had a tent so we left the pull through spots for the RVs. The sites do have nice fire pits but no established fire rings. There are no facilities here but the Grand Canyon entrance sign which is still outside the park has pit toilets and is very close. We were spending our days in the park so we took our trash to Mather campgrounds over flow parking lot dumpster, otherwise there are gas stations about ten minutes south. We actually found the sites here to be more free of trash then the Mather campground sites we stayed in the two nights before.
Pros -Proximity to Grand Canyon NP -Beautiful high desert forest -Privacy from other campers -Close enough to facilities
Cons -No established fire rings -No facilities -Some litter
TravelerAs a former GCNP employee, I wanted to add a few tips for dispersed camping at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. There is no dispersed camping inside the park but the park is bordered by the Kaibab National Forest and you can dispersed camp on several of the surrounding forest service roads between the park and the Jacob Lake area.
The most popular roads for dispersed camping are FS633 on the East side of 67 north of DeMotte Campground and a cluster of FS roads off FS22 on the west side of 67 south of DeMotte Campground.
As of Summer 2022, dispersed camping was also allowed along FS610, 611, and 219 which are closer to the National Park. This is where the park rangers and staff at the Visitor Center would direct campers when the campgrounds were full. However, these roads are not designated as dispersed camping areas on the new MVUM (motor vehicle use map) that was printed Feb 2023, so you may want to call ahead or stop by the USFS office and doublecheck before dispersed camping there as illegal camping is subject to a $5000 fine and/or up to 18 months in jail.
If it is still allowed, some of the sites on FS611 are right on the rim overlooking the Saddleback Mountain Wilderness. If you head south on FS610 (towards the park boundary) there are only a couple of dispersed sites which could accomodate small to mid-sized travel trailers/RVs. I would not advise going down this road with a Class A unless you scout ahead first as there are limited places to turn around.
If you continue down FS610 south, you will have the national forest on your left and the National Park on your right. The road starts to narrow here and you will eventually come to Saddle Mountain which is a popular spot for tents, truck campers, and small travel trailers (GoPro sized or smaller) and also serves as a parking area for the Nankoweap Trailhead.
If you have a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle, you can continue past the Saddle Mountain area on 610 or 219 which both dead end at a bluff, but these roads are very narrow with large ruts and jutting rocks at the end. We parked our vehicle near the bottom of the incline and walked up to the bluff where there is nice flat open area with a view of the Saddleback Mountain Wilderness. There are also a few smaller dispersed camping areas along the road leading up to the bluff that would be perfect for tent camping.
If you don't mind a longer drive to the park, there are a lot more dispersed camping otpions for larger rigs around Jacob Lake. Our favorite spot is off FS257 on the north side of 89A. We boondocked here for 10 days in May before the park opened. There are only a handful of sites here but if you are lucky enough to get one, they are great!
Just be aware that as of Summer 2022, much of the dispersed area on the south side of 89A around Jacob Lake was closed due to damage from a recent forest fire. Again, it's always a good idea to call or stop in the USFS to get the most up to date information. Their office is located at the intersection of 67 and 89A at Jacob lake. The number is (928) 643-7298. They're super helpful!
Here is a link to the Motor Vehicle Use Map for the area.
LegendCould only get one night at the Mather CG in Grand Canyon, so we went boondocking just outside of the National Park in Kaibab NF. It was only a few minute drive from the park entrance, and had nearby access to shops.
This is a primitive campsite so no facilities, bathrooms, water, and pack in pack out. There were a handful of campers here but enough space along the road to find a private spot. There were a few other nearby forest roads that offered dispersed camping but this one had fewer people.
Would certainly camp here again if we can't get a spot in the park.
TravelerWe are on our way home to Tulsa from Grand Canyon and needed to stay overnight. Perfect secluded spot
Guideevery summer I go on a road trip thru national forest all over the us and Kaibab is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen , so much wildlife and elk and obviously the Grand Canyon , such a great camping spot and the sunrise there is like nothing you have ever seen + the crows that live in the Grand Canyon
Ranger
Great dispersed sites. Probably at least 15 or so sites. Most have fire pits and plenty of space. Nothing extra special other than the fact that it’s free camping not even 5 minutes from the South Gate of Grand Canyon NP.
ScoutAbout 10min driving from Grand Canyon south rim entrance. Very close to the grocery store and coffee shop and other stores. Lots of spacious spots to choose from.
ScoutThe marker shown for the dispersed camping on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is incorrect, according to what we experienced this past weekend. The marker that we got here was inside the national park boundary, and dispersed camping is not allowed inside the park.
Dispersed camping is accessed from any of the roads that go east or west off highway 67, the main access road to the North Rim, outside of the park boundary (i.e. north of the park entry gate).
One of the main areas for dispersed camping access is just south of the De Motte campground, which is well marked and visible on the highway.
Unfortunately we didn't get to try out the dispersed camping because we had limited time and stayed in the developed campground at the North Rim. That was an exquisite experience, even though the campground was booked solid. There's plenty of room between sites and you're literally a couple hundred yards from the rim of the Grand Canyon. I'll write a separate review on that site and see if I can get the waypoint marker shown for this entry changed to be more accurate.
Traveler
so many spots! If you pull off of 64 and follow the road back to the Kaibab Forrest sign and there are a lot of dispersed camping spots. There are some trails back there too.
Some people left trash so we picked it up, just remember to pack it in and pack it out.
ScoutThis was the most dispersed camping I think we’ve ever done! We came to see the Grand Canyon and didn’t realize just how many places there would be to stay at! This location is not the only dispersed camping area FYI! You’ll see as your driving among the highway that there is many signs pointing you to national park camping! Exactly as the other reviews explained it, you get to experience the great outdoors with all the animals around! Super cold here, but it wasn’t that bad and we were tent camping! Many people around everywhere you went! Cell phone reception was good-right next to the village. We picked up pizza and beer and enjoyed our night here!
TravelerAs others have said, this is situated right in between the Grand Canyon gates and the little town of Tusayan. This makes it super easy to drive into the park for a sunrise hike down into the canyon!
The spots are dispersed really well and we were pleasantly surprised to not have any “neighbors” within sight. It felt like a safe place to leave our tent and several belongings while we ventured inside the park. It was very quiet at night, and the view of the stars on a clear night is incredible here!
If you’re looking for boondocking, this is as good as it comes! It’s hard to believe that fee free places like this still exist!
Guide
We headed in for a night of dispersed camping before heading into Grand Canyon NP. There were lots of available spots to choose from being January. It was easy to find and the drive in was fairly smooth.
We went in after dark but did some exploring in the morning before leaving. We found lots more sites available, some large, some small. Most having fire rings.
Cell service was spotty but we were camping so it was to be expected.
Guide
You turn off for this site in the Grand Canyon national park. The road then takes you just off the national park onto national forest land - make sure you go through the gates and see the forest signs. Room in the trees for a few vehicles, it was just us for the night and silently quiet.
TravelerThis is an awesome camping spot just outside of the Grand Canyon! It is bery secluded and quite! The only downside is how fast people drive down the road. It really stirs up the dirt.
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutOur first time boondocking and this was a beautiful, quiet, safe place right outside of the Grand Canyon. About 15 minute drive from Bright Angel Lodge. Drive past all the No camping signs on Moqui road, go past the stables and you will find many spots to set up camp. Some big spot for RVs and small spots for cars & tents. Each site had a fire circle made with rocks, some even had wood gathered. We did 2 nights Saturday and Sunday. There were 6 horses grazing near our site which was awesome to see up close. Fellow campers are friendly and wave as you drive past. I can’t believe this place is free!
Scout
So many dirt roads to access private, dispersed camp sites. Plenty of tall junipers to get shade and hang a hammock.
GuideFirst of all this campground was easy to navigate and the roads are accessible to all vehicles(I drove my 2016 Ford Escape)! You cannot camp the first 1/4 of a mile but it’s clearly marked. Pass the stables you’ll begin to see sites pop up. I cannot begin to describe how pretty it is out here. You are far enough from the main road you can barely hear any road noise. The wildlife here is abundant!! I ran across a herd of elk while leaving the site early in the morning but you can hear them calling in the evening and in the morning. Plenty of birds too! The sites are very easy to find and range from right off of the road to tucked back into the woods. I highly recommend this dispersed camping! And it’s only half an hour from the south rim of the Grand Canyon
GuideI tried looking for this site but never found it. Instead I was able to find dispersed camping right near the Evans for the north rim of the grand canyon.
Coordinates: 36.4017930, -112.1290934
There aren't any street names but I will post a photo of a sign that is present once you turn into the street. If your driving towards the entrance of the park, it will be past the gas station and you turn left onto the street. There was alot of options for camping. The further back you go is where you find the great view sites. The road is a bit bumpy. The last site which is where we stayed is the most beautiful with 180 degrees view of the canyon and vermillion cliffs but it will need a medium to high clearance vehicle to get to that site only but it's worth it.
Legend
This is FS road #205/225 and is the access to an Arizona Trailhead. The FS road is very good graded gravely and runs along a wide flat forested ridge. Dispersed camp sites are scattered along this main road and down open FS spur roads. Nite that FS rules note that dispersed camping needs to be 1 mile away from developed recreation sites on open FS roads per the MVUM (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kaibab/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd490027) but not sure if the Arizona Trailhead counts...there are several great camps within first mile on this FS road. Cell signal is mixed and dependent on your provider and line of sight to Jacob lake area. Verizon and Tmobile worked for me, but my att phone did not. This area is about 7 miles south on hwy 67 from Jacob lake on way to the GC north rim. The nonmotorized Arizona Trail is adjacent to the FS road and runs close to many of the dispersed sites, so this area is great if you want to hike or mt bike the trail.
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!
LegendWe absolutely LOVED camping here. We were able to enter Grand Canyon National Park super early before the crowds and enjoy the views uninterrrupted. This is such a great spot to camp for anyone on a budget who is just looking for a place to rest their head. We couldn't believe how close this was to the Park and that it was completely free. It's also quite beautiful if you can get past the mud and loud humming of generators. If you're in an RV, this place is the dream. We woke up the next morning to the entire campground covered in snow. It was absolutely stunning! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Legend
Aspens are nice but small. This area is part of the Warm Fire that burned in 2006. It is all young aspens now. No shade and somewhat exposed. No cell signal either. This area is also a trailhead for the Arizona trail but no vault toilet here. This is not a good site for dispersed camping IMO. Do not know why anyone would add this area to the dyrt database. A much better dispersed camping area is back toward the north a few miles on hwy to the FS road #205/225. Another Arizona TH is there but area is nicely forested and the TH has a vault toilet. Note that dispersed camping rules say a camp has to be 1 mile from a developed recreation site, and on an open FS road via the Forest MVUM, but not sure if that includes a TH only.
Ranger"Visited": 10/6/2020
Site: N/A
Vehicle: Hyundai Rogue
Equipment: Tent
This is located along Grand Canyon Highway - Highway 67, within Kaibab National Forest.
We were looking for a place to stay near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We scoped this area out before going into the park, to decide if we wanted to stay here or go further along our route. We decided to risk it, and drive further towards Marble Canyon later that afternoon.
We didn't really notice any sites on the drive that we took through. There was another road that took a left, and seemed like there might be more room there - although that was a different named FR. The colors were pretty in the fall, but there weren't any big trees and privacy and shade could be an issue. It was in a burn area and everything was thin and bare.
We gave up after not finding any open spaces and not loving the vibe. It didn't seem like anyone really camps here. The Arizona Trail cuts through here, and that was the only tiny open area that we saw.
Great location to North Rim, maybe we just needed to keep driving further.
**Checkout the video I posted. This is from the North Rim of GC, not the actual Forest Road, but it gives you an idea of what it looks like. The right-hand side of the video is what all of FR-241 looked like. Again, pretty color when it was there, but burned and bare.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near the Grand Canyon, Arizona, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With numerous options available, you can find the perfect spot to relax and explore the stunning landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grand Canyon, AZ is Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 92 reviews.
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