The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Kaibab National Forest. Kaibab National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"Luckily there is a gas station that is walking distance. Pool and spa were nice. Bathrooms were clean.
The only downside is the noise from the highway. Oh, cell service is not good."
"Stayed a week here to have access to GCNP and the surrounding NM and NPs within 2 hours of Flagstaff.
The private bathrooms were cleaned daily in the AM and the sites were relatively level."
"This KOA is very clean and has ton's of amenities on site, very nice showers and bathrooms, some of the amenities are mini golf, pan for gems, trails, go karts, peddle cars, playground, laundry room, store"
"Lots of forest roads to play on near by as well if you have off-road toys."
$25 - $75 / night
"Right by the roadside but en route to Grand Canyon, staff are super helpful and emailed bathroom code quickly despite my late arrival."
"Sites are pretty close together, and you don’t have much distance between you and the main highway. They do have a propane fill up which is very handy."
"It is just North of Williams, which is a pretty neat little town, and about an hour away from the Grand Canyon South entrance, on highway 64. Follow GPS/Google Maps to get here. "
"Plenty of room to spread out, different scenery depending on where you park & how far in you drive."
$26 - $52 / night
"There is no dog park but there is a walk around path. There are a lot of weeds around the perimeter"
"Williams is a step back in time to when US HWY 66 with IT. The town embraces the era of pre freeway. The park is excellent! Hookups are great."
$6 - $50 / night
"We flew into Vegas and we got to drive through the Kaibab National Forest to get to Mather campground (if you can’t find any available campground reservations within the GCNP itself I would recommend checking"
"If you want to camp relatively close to the rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the spot."
$32 - $225 / night
"We camped in the Kaibab National Forest in Williams, AZ for my friend's birthday and it was absolutely amazing! So peaceful and relaxing! I will definetly go again!"
"The Kaibab National Forest is a beautiful area; roads leading all directions, not all of them connect. We were pretty excited to camp under the stars. The skies here are BIG!"
$30 - $300 / night
"We came in late on a Saturday evening and had to settle for a roadside spot with no shade."
"The campgrounds are surrounded by trees next to the lake. Although camp is not right next to the lake you can see it from most campsites."
"Could only get one night at the Mather CG in Grand Canyon, so we went boondocking just outside of the National Park in Kaibab NF. "
"The sites are pretty big and private, I recommend tucking yourself as far back as possible to stay away from the dust kicked up by passing cars."
$26 / night
"Primitive camping in beautiful, cool Arizona forest. Most campsites offer a lot of privacy. Dirt roads are a bit rough, so SLOW is an important word!"
"Had to walk around to avoid bee entering mouth while eating. And putting away washed dishes was a challenge to keep none from entering storage bag. Otherwise the ospreys were awesome."
Scout1st loop of designated camp sites (24 in total) was easy to get to a site. Clearly marked with fire pits. Highway noise in the distance but not a issue. Peaceful area within the large trees.
ScoutWe stayed two nights in the weekend, so of course it got busy and a little noisy at times, but this will be much better on weekdays. Despite what the description says, they even have showers. But they have limited opening times and are blocked for long cleaning shifts several times a day. We didn’t have a tent but there were plenty so the ground seems alright for that. Easy to get to all Grand Canyon sites via shuttle.
GuidePlenty of spots to set up, road in isn't very manageable. Cell service was great too. Very pretty site to camp.
ScoutA 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.
Guideeasy access and easy enough to find a good spot, I could hear voices off in the distance from another spot but by 9pm it was quiet, unfortunately didn't take any pics but the spot I pulled in to had a fire pit and you could have easily pulled 4 or 5 vehicles in for those that have a group of vehicles on a road trip together
ScoutMe 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
TravelerAmazing views of the prairie and mountain behind. Easy dirt road to follow. Different places available on a Friday night in September.
ScoutI arrived after dark and there were several pullout spots. I chose to just park behind the trees which allowed privacy, but i could have followed the forrest road further in. There was a camper made rock fire pit. The area is packed rock and flat . I was just car camping but i feel i could have easily pulled my 24 ft rv as well and had plenty of room to turn around. I can hear distand traffic from I40 but not a single car came down this road. I would definitely come back here.
TravelerEasy to find, just make sure you keep on driving past the cattle gate. I cannot imagine there ever not being a private place here.
Camping near Kaibab National Forest, Arizona, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Kaibab National Forest, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With a mix of established and dispersed campgrounds, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Kaibab National Forest?
Kaibab National Forest offers excellent camping opportunities with both developed and dispersed options. Coconino Rim Road Dispersed Camping is highly recommended for its beautiful trees, dark skies for stargazing, and proximity to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. For those seeking dispersed options with easy access, Forest service Road 688 Dispersed Camping provides spacious sites among Ponderosa Pines with wildlife viewing opportunities. If you prefer developed campgrounds, White Horse Lake Campground and Kaibab Lake Campground are excellent choices with designated sites and basic facilities. The forest also features numerous unmarked dispersed camping areas along forest roads that offer privacy and a true wilderness experience.
When is the best time of year to camp in Kaibab National Forest?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant camping weather in Kaibab National Forest. Summer months provide warm days and cool nights at the forest's higher elevations, making it a perfect escape from the desert heat. Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam is popular during holiday weekends like Labor Day when the weather is typically ideal. Fall brings spectacular colors as aspen trees change. Winter camping is possible in lower elevations, but many forest roads become impassable with snow, and higher elevation campgrounds typically close. Spring can be unpredictable with occasional storms. The forest's elevation (5,000-9,000 feet) creates milder summer temperatures compared to nearby desert areas, making it a refreshing summer destination.
Do I need a permit for camping in Kaibab National Forest?
For dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest, no permit is typically required. You can camp for free at areas like Coconino Rim Road, Fire Road 310 Kaibab Forest without formal permits. However, developed campgrounds such as White Horse Lake Campground do require payment of camping fees. For dispersed camping, follow the 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that seasonal fire restrictions may apply, especially during dry summer months. Check with the Kaibab National Forest ranger stations in Williams or Tusayan for current regulations, as requirements can change based on conditions and time of year.
What amenities are available at Kaibab National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities vary significantly between developed and dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest. Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas offers drinking water, vault toilets, designated sites, and lake access for fishing and small boats. Some developed campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. For those seeking more amenities, Dogtown Lake Campground And Group provides similar facilities with boat-in access options. Dispersed camping areas like Forest Service Road 328 have no facilities—you'll need to bring all supplies including water and pack out all waste. Cell service is limited throughout the forest, especially in remote areas, so plan accordingly. Most developed campgrounds don't offer hookups, making them suitable for tent camping or self-contained RVs.
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