Jacob Lake, Arizona sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet on the Kaibab Plateau, creating cooler summer temperatures compared to lower elevations in the region. The area receives significant snowfall during winter months, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October. Forest Service roads near Jacob Lake can become impassable during spring thaw when mud conditions prevent access.
What to do
Hiking near Grand Canyon North Rim: Camp at Kaibab Camper Village for easy access to North Rim trails. "Saw the north side of the Grand Canyon. Nice amenities. Not too expensive, and quiet," notes Brian M. about using the campground as a base for exploration.
ATV trails from RV parks: Kaibab Camper Village provides access to nearby off-road trails. "If you're looking to ride your dirt bike/ATV, this might be the perfect site. We didn't bring ours, but we wished we had since there are trails near by the site," explains Beth G.
Dark sky stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions. "The beauty of the night sky will turn your spot into a planetarium," reports Allison from Dark Sky RV Park & Campground, located just over the Utah border.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Shower quality varies across campgrounds, with some requiring quarters. "The bathrooms are port-o-potties with outdoor sinks, and everything was super clean. We paid $25 for a tent spot. The showers were super clean, plus had full lockable rooms enclosing them. It was $2.25 for 5 minutes," notes Reese W. at Kaibab Camper Village.
Affordable tent options: Kaibab Paiute RV Park in Fredonia offers cost-effective tent camping. "Tent spots were $12 and there were plenty of openings so we weren't directly next to anyone which was nice," reports Rachel who appreciated the site layout.
RV park community events: Some RV parks organize social gatherings. "Every Thursday evening the owners host a dinner for the campers. We enjoyed pizza and ice cream with a choice of beverages during our stay," writes Susan G. about Grand Plateau RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most Jacob Lake area campgrounds close during winter. "We stayed near the Showers and Bathrooms which was super handy. Showers are $2.25 for 5 minutes. Tall trees, super cozy," reports Erin T. about the seasonal Kaibab Camper Village.
Limited camping options: Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park serves as an alternative when primary campgrounds fill up. "We ended up here as a last resort from other campgrounds filling up, but it was honestly much better than what we had hoped," notes one camper about finding backup accommodations.
Distance considerations: Many campgrounds advertise proximity to national parks but require significant driving time. "45 minute drive to the rim. 'Jacob Lake' is a pond - set your expectations accordingly," advises Beth G. about Kaibab Camper Village's location relative to Grand Canyon North Rim.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Grand Plateau RV Resort offers family facilities including a pool and playground. "After a day of hiking, I enjoyed unwinding in the hot tub while gazing at the star-filled sky. The pool area is equally inviting," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local campgrounds provide access to wildlife observation. "On the drive into the park you can see deer (lots at twilight) and bison," reports Beth G. about routes near Jacob Lake.
Pack for variable weather: The high elevation means temperature fluctuations, even in summer. "A cool, high elevation park for hot weather stays," notes Les G. about Kaibab Camper Village, emphasizing the temperature difference from lower desert regions.
Tips from RVers
Level site importance: Hitch-N-Post RV Park provides flat parking areas. "Sites exactly fit a 36' motorhome with extra room. My Satellite 16KS and F150 short bed were longer than the site by 4 feet," notes Jack D. about space limitations.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds have high water pressure that can damage RV equipment. "Just keep in mind one thing: they have a high water pressure. So if you don't have a good hose or a pressure regulator, it might be blown. You can ask the host for lending you a reduction," advises Krzysztof at Hitch-N-Post RV Park.
Space between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between rv campgrounds near Jacob Lake, Arizona. "It's a nice campground, but the spaces are right on top of each other, which for me is undesirable.... but, if everything else is full, you'll welcome the spot!" explains Michael J. about Kaibab Camper Village.
