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Camping near Kaibab National Forest

2,023 Reviews

Kaibab National Forest and the surrounding area offer a diverse range of camping experiences, from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. The region includes several developed facilities like Kaibab Lake Campground and Dogtown Lake Campground, which accommodate both tent and RV camping. Forest Service Road 328 provides dispersed camping opportunities with free primitive sites for self-contained camping. Proximity to the Grand Canyon makes this area particularly popular, with options ranging from basic tent sites to cabin rentals at places like Williams-Circle Pines KOA. Most campgrounds in the Williams area serve as convenient basecamps for Grand Canyon exploration, situated approximately 30-60 minutes from the South Rim.

Seasonal operation affects most campgrounds near Kaibab National Forest, with many facilities open from May through September. Kaibab Lake Campground typically operates May 1 to September 30, while Dogtown Lake Campground runs from early May to late September. Winter conditions can limit accessibility on forest roads, particularly for dispersed camping areas. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water and vault toilets during their operational seasons, though hookups are limited to KOA and private RV parks. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds during peak summer months, especially on weekends. "This is the perfect spot for touring the Grand Canyon," notes one visitor about the area's camping options. "Full hook-ups, laundry, and good cell service."

The mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region cater to various camping preferences. Kaibab Lake and Dogtown Lake campgrounds receive positive reviews for their lakeside settings and access to fishing and water activities. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of Williams as a basecamp, with access to restaurants, supplies, and the Grand Canyon Railway. Campgrounds closer to the national forest boundary tend to offer more solitude and natural settings compared to those near town. While dispersed camping areas like Garland Prairie Road provide free options with fewer amenities, they typically offer more privacy and spectacular night skies. Visitors particularly appreciate the stargazing opportunities in the region, with one camper noting the "stars so bright that you'll want to reach out to grab them" at sites farther from town lights.

Map showing campgrounds near Kaibab National Forest, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Kaibab National Forest (211)

    1. Grand Canyon-Williams KOA

    26 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-2307

    "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."

    2. Williams-Circle Pines KOA

    30 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-2626

    "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."

    3. Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground

    18 Reviews
    Kaibab National Forest, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-3072

    $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."

    4. Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

    27 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-4224

    $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."

    5. Garland Prairie Rd Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-8200

    "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."

    6. Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    205 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $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."

    7. Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas

    14 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 699-1239

    $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!"

    8. Dogtown Lake Campground And Group

    24 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 699-1239

    $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."

    9. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed

    125 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    34 miles

    "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."

    10. Kaibab National Forest Kaibab Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Williams, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 635-5600

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Kaibab National Forest

702 Photos of 211 Kaibab National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kaibab National Forest

2023 Reviews of 211 Kaibab National Forest Campgrounds

  • Millena G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Nolan Tank Large Dispersed Area

    Good chill spot

    There was plenty of space for many different groups. You got a fair amount of privacy aswell. You cannot make a fire which was a bummer though. Weather was amazing just a little cold in the evening without the fire

  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Fire Rd 688 - Dispersed

    Open level camping

    Open space clear for starlink and solar panels. Lots of space for big rigs.

  • Brenda H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Schnebly Hill Rd, Fox Borough Dam

    Beautiful and quiet

    Drove 2.73 miles in on Schnebley Road. I have a ram pro master 2 Wheel Dr. I just drove slow around 10 miles an hour road had some spots that were rougher than others but it was doable. Just take it slow if you have 2 Wheel Dr., stopped at the top of a hill and camped right there the spot was wonderful. There was several off-road vehicles and 4 x 4’s going much farther down so there was a bit of noise from that but overall super quiet very peaceful. I was also there on a Saturday morning. Got there on November 1. Beautiful sunny warm day so nice and quiet very peaceful.

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Forest Road 535

    Not my favorite place

    We are towing a 33' fifth wheel. Many sites here are more than adequate to accommodate that size. However, the road in is very rough. You need to go up a hill, which isn't bad, but the road itself is super rocky. Even in just our truck, it's a very rough road. There are many other rigs on our little stretch of road, and there's a pretty regular flow of traffic going by. The site is pretty level, but it is heavily littered with broken glass. By the shimmer I've seen on other sites, this is a universal situation. It's not good if you have dogs. Plus, there's a pile of deer legs and carcasses just off in the woods. All in all, this is not our favorite boondocking spot that we've stayed in. Fortunately, we are only here 2 nights. We will not be back.

  • J
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Edge of the World (East Pocket)

    One of A Kind - Incredible Views

    We found this location on the Dyrt and it did not disappoint. The road was definitely unpaved, but not as bad as I expected it to be. It took about 2 hours to get to this site from both Flagstaff and Sedona. So I would not recommend it as a home base for these locations, but to be camping in a gorgeous unique location, it is unparalleled. We went on a weekday and got there around 2:00 p.m. and had no problem finding a spot. We didn't go up the road to see how many there were total, but we did find one pretty easily. Worst case there seem to be a lot of little spots along the road that didn't have the same views. And about halfway up we realized we forgot to buy a firewood, but had no problem shopping enough fallen trees up there to get us through the night! It was definitely chilly at night, and windy in the morning. But the rest of the time was gorgeous weather.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Grand Canyon Oasis

    Nice little place

    Boondocked the first night, full hookup next two nights. Nice club house with honor refrigirator with snacks, pizza and home grown eggs.

  • S
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Long Jim Loop Campground

    Easy accessible Site under the trees

    Easy accessible right behind the park entrance, outside of the park. Perfect to catch the sunrise at Mather point. There are a couple sites. There were 3 more C-Class RV (25-30 feet) beside us.

    Could be tricky during heavy rain because of the „soft“ Forrest soil.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Cave Springs

    Packed and not Rv friendly

    The sites are super small and close together. For camping with groups it may work but for RV I do not recommend. Such a tight fit in (we are 32 fr and barely fit in the site)

    No electric or water

    But it is a beautiful forest and creek and super close to slide rock state park which is a plus!!

Guide to Kaibab National Forest

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.

What to do:

  • Explore the Grand Canyon: The proximity to the Grand Canyon makes it easy to visit. One camper mentioned, “We camped here for 2 nights while visiting the Grand Canyon. Quiet spots tucked a little ways off the highway” at Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed.
  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy hiking and spotting wildlife. One review noted, “There is definitely A LOT of wildlife in the area as we heard mountain lions and coyotes” while camping at Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed.
  • Fishing at Dogtown Lake: If you’re into fishing, Dogtown Lake Campground is a great spot. A visitor shared, “Had great luck fishing the lake on our inflatable boat.”

What campers like:

  • Secluded Campsites: Campers appreciate the privacy at spots like FR 222 Dispersed. One reviewer said, “Nice spot not too far from the main road but still quiet.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy well-maintained campgrounds. A camper at Grand Canyon Railway RV Park remarked, “Beautiful ground and facilities. Clean amenities.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Ten-X Campground, one visitor noted, “Very nice host.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many dispersed campgrounds, like Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed, lack amenities. A reviewer pointed out, “No amenities but just a fantastic location for exploring GCNP.”
  • Road Conditions: Some roads can be bumpy or require a 4x4. A camper at FR 222 Dispersed warned, “Beware during Monsoon season, it will be flooded in some parts so 4x4 is recommended.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper shared an eventful night at Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed, saying, “We did end up having to move locations due to a grizzly being in our area.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Established Campgrounds: For families, established campgrounds like Grand Canyon Camper Village offer more amenities. A visitor mentioned, “Bathrooms were clean, nice laundry room, great pool and hot tub.”
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities nearby. One camper at Williams-Circle Pines KOA said, “Place has an indoor pool for those cold nights.”
  • Safety in Numbers: Camp in areas with other families around. A camper at Dogtown Lake Campground noted, “Nice place and low traffic at night.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Grand Canyon-Williams KOA mentioned, “Some sites were FHU. Some sites had hookups on 'wrong' side.”
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Grand Canyon Railway RV Park said, “Train whistle at night when trying to sleep.”
  • Explore Nearby Towns: Don’t forget to check out nearby towns for supplies and entertainment. A visitor at Williams-Circle Pines KOA noted, “A ton to do here! Also, there is a hiking trail just behind the campground.”

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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