Arizona Nordic Village offers a variety of glamping options near Gray Mountain, Arizona. The property sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation in the Coconino National Forest, where temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months. Visitors can choose between front country accommodations close to the main lodge or backcountry locations requiring hikes of 1-3 miles.
What to do
Hiking from your accommodation: At Arizona Nordic Village, multiple trail networks extend from the property. "There's a nice trail that you can take from the campground along the rim to the visitors center (about 1.5 miles)," notes a visitor at North Rim Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Gray Mountain support diverse wildlife populations. "Loads of elk walking through the campsite!" reports a camper at Mather Campground. Bears are occasionally present in the area - "We were told there is a black bear that roams the area but we did not see it," notes a visitor at Arizona Nordic Village.
Stargazing opportunities: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. "If you are lucky enough to be there during a thunderstorm, you'll get to listen to thunder roll through The Grand Canyon," shares a camper at North Rim Campground.
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: Despite seasonal closures at some sites, the region offers glamping close to Gray Mountain throughout the year. "Stayed here in March of 2016. The campground was clean and well kept. The lots were well sized and located close to the general store," notes a Mather Campground visitor.
Temperature variations: The pine forests provide natural cooling. "I was a little surprise how wet and cold it was in late June. Rain and sprinkles came in late afternoon/early evening. Wasn't terrible, but it really cooled things down," explains a camper at North Rim Campground.
Off-season experiences: Visiting during non-peak times provides a different perspective. "If you come here at the ends and beginning of the seasons. It is awesome. Hardly anyone here and its the Grand Canyon son!" shares another Mather Campground visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. At Ten-X Campground, "Sites 1-13 are FCFS. Rest are in the Reservation System. Some pull through sites and some just off the edge of the roadway."
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary widely between sites. "Pit toilets are clean. No hand sanitizers available and did not see any sanitizing going on for cleaning," notes a Ten-X visitor. At Woody Mountain, "Bathrooms were backed up and smelled like sewage the entire time."
Water availability: Access to drinking water varies by location and season. "The bathrooms were clean but don't have any kind of solar light so you'll need a light if you need to go in the dark :) make sure to bring your own hand sanitizer," advises a Ten-X camper.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal activities: Different seasons offer varied family experiences near glamping sites close to Gray Mountain. At Flagstaff KOA, "This is a great place if you have children. Lots for them to do and lots of kids to play with."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. A Flagstaff KOA visitor notes, "You can hear road noise and lots of dog barking. There is a trailer park on one side of the campground."
Temperature preparation: Night temperatures can drop significantly. "It was cool, rainy, and overcast while I was here, but I didn't let that stop me from hiking. The trees did a great job of sheltering me from most of the rain," shares a North Rim visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary significantly in quality across campgrounds. At Woody Mountain, "My pull through site wasn't completely level and was a tight fit even with my small trailer."
Dump station access: Not all sites offer convenient waste disposal. "The pump-out station was backed up and unusable while we were there," reports a Fort Tuthill visitor.
Power limitations: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. At Raptor Ranch RV Park, "There was 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."
