Best Campgrounds near Jacob Lake, AZ

Camping near Jacob Lake, Arizona features a mix of established campgrounds and free dispersed sites within the pine forests of Kaibab National Forest. The area sits at approximately 7,900 feet elevation, providing a cool forest retreat that contrasts with Arizona's desert regions. Jacob Lake Campground offers developed sites with basic amenities, while numerous Forest Service roads around the area provide free dispersed camping options. The location serves as a strategic base for exploring the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, approximately 45 minutes south via Highway 67. Campers note the area's spacious sites and well-maintained facilities, with one visitor describing Jacob Lake Campground as having "immaculate" vault toilets and helpful camp hosts.

Most camping options in the area operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, closing during winter months when snow is common at this elevation. Forest Service roads used for dispersed camping include FS roads #225, #247, #205, and #257, with varying conditions from well-graded gravel to rougher two-track spurs. Cell service is available but spotty, depending on line-of-sight to towers near Jacob Lake. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should check current regulations with the Kaibab National Forest office. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer, and October visitors should be prepared for potential snow and freezing conditions.

The camping experience varies between established and dispersed sites. Jacob Lake Campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while Kaibab Camper Village offers full hookups for RVs, including electric, water, sewer, and shower facilities. Dispersed camping follows Forest Service regulations requiring sites to be at least one mile from developed recreation areas and along designated open roads per the Motor Vehicle Use Map. The Jacob Lake Inn, located near the main intersection, provides amenities including a restaurant, bakery, general store, and fuel station, making it a convenient resource for both developed and dispersed campers. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, coyotes, and owls in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Jacob Lake, Arizona (157)

    1. Jacob Lake Campground - Kaibab National Forest

    42 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (928) 643-7770

    $8 - $225 / night

    "We stayed here with our travel trailer in a FF first come/first serve site for 2 nights to explore North Rim area (visitor center and lodge are about 45 miles or, a one hour drive, south)."

    "While Jacob Lake Campground is pretty basic - you get a tent/Rv site, fire pit with a grill, and a cement picnic table, it is also very scenic. The campsites are nestled into the pine trees."

    2. Kaibab Camper Village

    21 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (928) 643-7804

    "This private RV campground is a short distance away from the GS campground. 1/4 mile gravel road to access. Nice shady spots in the pine trees."

    "The campground we were hoping for was full but they mentioned this one was nearby and luckily they had openings! Long dirt road in and the staff was super friendly!"

    3. Forest Service #247 Road Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    2 miles

    "Cell signal was surprising ok due to close proximity to the towers just north of Jacob Lake."

    "But cell signal works great, quiet (even if it was close to the highway), no one bothered me."

    4. Forest Service #225 Road Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    3 miles
    Website

    "This is FS road #225 and from hwy 89a jct on way to Jacob lake about 2-3 miles away."

    "Convenient for any adventures in Arizona/Utah border area!"

    5. Jacob Lake 89A Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    0 miles
    Website

    "Within walking distance of the Jacob Lake Inn (have to walk on the side of the highway but traffic is not bad). It is a beautiful spot, lots of flat level room under the trees."

    6. Forest Service Road #205 Lower Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    2 miles
    Website

    "FS Road #205 at Hwy 89ais also a trailhead for the Arizona Trail. There is a kiosk and a vault toilet of at the trailhead area. The dispersed sites are along FS road #205 as you head west."

    "I only saw one other person turn off the highway and travel down the road while I was there."

    7. Jacob Lake Group Campground and Picnic Area

    3 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 643-7395

    $5 - $103 / night

    "This site has a day use picnic in front and then two group areas with a closed gate behind. Group A and Group B."

    "A great location with good amenities. Don’t get gas across the street."

    8. Forest Service Rd #205/225 Upper Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    6 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "This site offers dispersed camping along forest road with drive up sites."

    9. Forest Road 248 Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Jacob Lake, AZ
    2 miles

    "We loved the forest feel and the trail riding as we typically come with ATVs. There is a gas station 5 minutes from the site"

    10. DeMotte National Forest Campground

    21 Reviews
    North Rim, AZ
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-1960

    $30 / night

    "This area makes you think that you are in Montana instead of the desert state of Arizona."

    "The parks inside the north rim were closed because of renovation and this camp is just outside the main entrance ...16 miles. Nature lovers will Love this dry camp."

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Recent Reviews near Jacob Lake, AZ

1404 Reviews of 157 Jacob Lake Campgrounds


  • Jim M.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Page Lake Powell Campground

    Quiet camp spot

    Clean bathrooms campground was very well maintained and staff was very friendly

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park

    Convenient, clean and wildlife galore.

    A great location with shuttle bus every 15mins to surrounding sites. So much wildlife around. Laundry and showers are not located within the amenities blocks which is a little disappointing, they are a bit of a hike away. Very handy picnic table at each site. Wonderful spot.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    FS328 Dispersed Campsites

    Lovely For a Crash

    Me and my boyfriend took a weekend trip to see whatever for his birthday we used this spot before driving into the Grand Canyon and it was so easy to get to an not scary at all

  • Matt M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park

    Affordable tent camping with ammenaties

    Im tent camping and this is a great spot. Only $29 after tax with showers, wifi, nice sites, bathrooms, and fire pits. This is my second time here while traveling and the folks are great.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Jacob Lake 89A Dispersed

    Great Spot! Quaint and Private

    Really nice private spot just off the main road. Basically only one spot per group (lots of room, but really only one fire pit). Some road noise but easily accessible and great cell service.

  • Perry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Parunuweap Canyon

    Secluded oasis

    A fun 4x4 drive from elephant cove to the South and large sand hill near the end drop you into a lush canyon where the trail crisscrosses the riverbed. Plenty of places to set up camp!


Guide to Jacob Lake

Camping near Jacob Lake, Arizona, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, like the ones leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. One camper mentioned, “There are lots of trail heads within walking distance,” making it easy to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Fishing: The Colorado River is close by, providing great spots for fishing. A review highlighted, “You can drive down a bit to enjoy the beautiful Colorado River,” perfect for those looking to cast a line.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor shared, “I heard wolves howling in the forest,” which adds a unique touch to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Beautiful Views: Campers rave about the scenery. One review stated, “The views are just stunning,” which is a common sentiment among those who visit the area.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Jacob Lake Campground - Kaibab National Forest, are noted for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, “It was, in all seriousness, the cleanest campground we have ever stayed in.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts are often highlighted for their hospitality. One camper said, “The hosts were delightful and it was a great experience,” making your stay even more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • No Reservations at Some Campgrounds: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor noted, “No reservations taken, so first come first served,” which is important to keep in mind when planning your trip.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lees Ferry Campground, have basic facilities. One review mentioned, “There are no showers; showers, laundry, and other services are available at the Marble Canyon Lodge,” so plan accordingly.
  • Road Conditions: Accessing some campgrounds may require a vehicle with good clearance. A camper warned, “It was a long gravel road on the way here; 4WD definitely recommended,” so be prepared for the drive.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. One family shared, “Each site is spacious enough with some divider,” which is great for kids to play without being too close to neighbors.
  • Pack Snacks: Having easy snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Jacob Lake Campground mentioned, “Do NOT miss out on the cookies over at Jacob Lake Lodge!!”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained. One visitor noted, “The common area was very nice and new with many yard games,” which can be a hit with families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A review stated, “There are a handful of spots here that fit 40’+ rigs,” which is helpful for larger vehicles.
  • Be Ready for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Kaibab Paiute RV Park, offer full hookups, but some do not. A camper mentioned, “Full hookups (except cable),” so check before you go.
  • Use GPS Wisely: Some campers have had issues with navigation apps. One visitor advised, “Do NOT use Google Maps to get here; Waze, however, works like a charm!”

Camping near Jacob Lake, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy your time in this stunning area!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Jacob Lake Campground located in Arizona?

Jacob Lake Campground - Kaibab National Forest is located in northern Arizona, approximately 45 miles or a one-hour drive north of the Grand Canyon North Rim visitor center and lodge. The campground is nestled among pine trees in the Kaibab National Forest, providing a scenic base for exploring the North Rim area. It's situated just off Highway 89A near the junction with Highway 67, which leads to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

What amenities are available at Jacob Lake Campground?

Jacob Lake Campground - Kaibab National Forest offers basic but well-maintained amenities. Each site includes a fire pit with a grill and a cement picnic table. The campground has clean facilities with on-site camp hosts who sell firewood. There's a short hiking path in the woods behind the campground, perfect for morning or evening walks, plus an amphitheater for programs. While not in the campground itself, Jacob Lake Inn is within walking distance and is famous for its delicious cookies that campers highly recommend.

Are there alternative camping options near Jacob Lake, AZ?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Jacob Lake. Forest Service Rd #205/225 Upper Dispersed Camping offers sites scattered along a well-graded gravel road that runs along a forested ridge. FS Road #257 Dispersed Camping provides good access on graded gravel with multiple flat, forested sites. For those wanting hookups, Kaibab Camper Village offers full RV services. Additionally, numerous Forest Service roads around the Kaibab National Forest border the Grand Canyon North Rim area, providing free dispersed camping options with varying access conditions.