Garrett L.
Scout
ScoutNorth Rim Campground (Closed for Remainder of 2025)— Grand Canyon National Park
North Rim Campground Review
They are open for the season and are absolutely perfect 10/10 no complaints on the experience.
Camping near North Rim, AZ
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Camping opportunities near the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park range from established National Park Service campgrounds to dispersed sites on surrounding national forest land. North Rim Campground within the national park serves as the primary developed camping area with tent and RV sites, while Forest Service Road 328 and Saddle Mountain offer free dispersed camping options on Kaibab National Forest land. DeMotte National Forest Campground provides an additional developed option with amenities like drinking water and restrooms for those seeking facilities outside the main park boundaries.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping availability in this high-elevation region. The North Rim area, situated above 8,000 feet, experiences significant winter snowfall that closes most facilities from late October through mid-May. "The North Rim may be less 'grand' than the south rim, but it's way quieter with less tourists," noted one visitor who appreciated the more secluded experience. Reservations for North Rim Campground become available six months in advance and typically fill immediately upon release, especially for summer dates. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night even during summer months, with visitors reporting occasional snow even in late spring. Forest service roads accessing dispersed sites may become impassable during wet weather or winter conditions.
Campers consistently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular scenery as defining characteristics of the North Rim experience. The developed campground features clean facilities, picnic tables, and access to trails leading directly to canyon viewpoints. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the campground's proximity to the rim while still maintaining a forested setting that offers shade and wildlife viewing opportunities. Unlike the more heavily visited South Rim, the North Rim maintains a quieter atmosphere even during peak season. Those seeking solitude often prefer the dispersed camping options, though these primitive sites lack amenities like potable water or restrooms. Both tent and RV camping are supported throughout the area, though larger rigs may have difficulty navigating forest roads or finding level sites at some locations.
Best Campgrounds near North Rim (128)
1. Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
"We arrived late on Thursday (around 5 pm) and there are plenty of sites for $15. The toilets and potable water are on but the showers are off because of the north rim fire."
"I stayed here overnight on my way to North Rim and thought for the price and location to the village it's hard to beat."
from $6 - $50 / night
Check Availability2. Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park
"The spots are quite large and we were lucky enough to get one with a large treed area next to it. Full hookups and all."
"Walking distance to some amazing lookouts and to the dining hall. Drove to Keys Point lookout tower and left the park by that exit as we headed toward Lake Powell."
3. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed
"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."
4. North Rim Campground (Closed for Remainder of 2025)— Grand Canyon National Park
"site: SO close to North Rim. not very private sites. nice tent pads. amenities: decent facilites. attractions: VERY near North Rim. hiking along rim to main lodge. easy drive to main lodge."
"Campsites came with picnic tables, fire pit, water nearby, and toilets. Shower and laundry near the camp store/ restaurant."
from $12 - $65 / night
Check Availability5. Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF)
"Stunning views of the Grand Canyon as you camp just feet away from the edge."
"About a 45 minute drive on a gravel road, nothing too crazy. Once you get to the dispersed sites you will be amazed. The views are amazing and my spot was right on the edge of the north rim."
6. Grand Canyon Camper Village
"You can walk to the canyon rim or walk to shuttles that will take you anywhere in the park. Grocery store also within walking distance (10 min?). Wildlife wander through camp grounds."
"Bathroom and wash basin close by. Pretty quiet for the size of the crowd."
7. Desert View Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
"Our spot was directed next to the camp host and close to the restrooms. There was plenty of space between us and the neighbors with some privacy."
"Busy but quiet campground, just a 5-minute walk from the rim of the Grand Canyon and a 10-minute walk to the Desert View Watchtower."
from $30 / night
Check Availability8. Bright Angel Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
"I had never backpacked and slept in a tent without having some kind of civilization around or modern conveniences nearby. We began training by Keto diet and walking everyday."
"I don't think anyone is making this trip just for the opportunity to stay here, but Bright Angel Campground certainly doesn't take away from the overall experience."
9. Long Jim Loop Campground
"Road gets quite busy in the evenings with people looking for spots but if unable to find one, there is Mather Campground or a dispersed off road site 2 minutes down the road just past Smokey Bear sign"
"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."
10. Clear Creek Area Dispersed — Grand Canyon National Park
"Parked & Hiked In Very Primitive located next to creek sandy Campsite with Primitive Stone Fire Pit"
"Close to tons of activities, lots of hiking, wildlife, water sports. Campsite itself is nice, similar to many National Park Service and National Forest Service sites I've been to."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 34 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 27 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 hrs 39 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 6 hrs 26 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Recent Camping Photos near North Rim, AZ
410 Photos of 128 North Rim Campgrounds
J. Tom S.
North Rim Campground (Closed for Remainder of 2025)— Grand Canyon National Park
Christy C.
Cottonwood Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
Tara H.
Clear Creek Area Dispersed — Grand Canyon National Park
emily
Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF)
Bethany A.
Bright Angel Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
Courtney C.
Phantom Ranch — Grand Canyon National Park
john M.
NF-22 Dispersed Campsite
Troy W.
Horn Creek Campsites — Grand Canyon National Park
Leah W.
Havasupai Gardens Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
Argyl D.
Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park
Steve M.
Saddle Canyon Outlook North Rim Dispersed
Andre V.
Mather Campground
Recent Reviews near North Rim, AZ
1072 Reviews of 128 North Rim Campgrounds
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Tinesha C.ScoutTrailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park
Amazing
Easy check in. Lay out a little cramped but everyone is nice. Full hook ups for RV. Bus to various parts of the Grand Canyon. Store and restaurants on site. I think they have cabins as well.
Jo Ann F.
TravelerMather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
Enjoying our Stay
We are in site 40 in a 23 foot Class B. Our site is level. Our seating area faces a road with moderate traffic, separated by about 50 yards. There is no one to the right or left of us. I like this site, although there are better ones unoccupied. May be a lot of first come first serve sites unclaimed.
Anyway, the fragrant ponderosa pines cannot be beat. Lots of well-fed and loud ravens. Seeing a lot other birds too.
The shuttle is walking distance. It was not crowded at all at the visitor center yesterday about 3pm.
It’s hot during the day and the evenings cool down.
Jacob S.
GuideDesert View Campground — Grand Canyon National Park
Good Base Camp
Great spot for a base camp for the GC. Desert view area is walkable from the sites.
Site 36 where we stayed was pretty well space from other sites and had good shade.
shelby B.GuideNavajoland hotel & rv park of tuba city
Nice campground or hotel
There’s a hotel in front, rv park in the back. Tent sites also available. The bathrooms are nice, has showers & is clean. Also has a laundry room. Quiet at night.
Alexis S.ScoutNorth Rim
A corner of the North Rim to call your own
Gorgeous spot and view. Expect 1 hr of off roading. Easy but definitely have a 4x4 to save yourself getting stuck on sandy or muddy areas.
I was fortunate to have this spot all to myself for an overnight stay. Sunset and sunrise are unreal. Definitely worth the effort , I'll be coming back to this spot again for sure.
TROY M.Travelerlookout tower Dispersed camping
Nice shady spot!
Campsite had a great firepit. Very open and flat, can set up tents with ease. Amazing view from atop the watchtower at sunrise! Pit toilet next to watchtower.
Mia G.TravelerSoap Creek - Dispersed Camping
Best Camping Spot Ever!
This is the most stunning and out of this world view you will ever see! The camping spots are widely dispersed with small fire pits at each one. There is a convenience store 10 minutes before. At the last spot, there is about a 0.1 mile walk to the Vermillion Cliffs. I recommend this camping spot 1000000/10!!
BrittanyGuideCoconino Rim Road Dispersed Camping
Retreat into the pines
This is a great spot really close to Grand Canyon National Park. We brought our 25 foot trailer up here, the dirt road is a little bumpy but pretty well maintained. It was dry when we visited. There are fire pits and paths to follow.
Guide to North Rim
Dispersed camping near the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park offers opportunities on forest service lands that serve as alternatives to established campgrounds. Located in the Kaibab National Forest at elevations above 8,000 feet, these areas provide campers with different experiences depending on their preferred camping style. Winter conditions can make many areas inaccessible, with most North Rim roads closed between late October and May due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Hiking from camp to canyon edge: At Saddle Mountain, visitors can access unique canyon views with minimal crowds. "About a 45 minute drive on a gravel road, nothing too crazy. Once you get to the dispersed sites you will be amazed. The views are amazing and my spot was right on the edge of the north rim. Absolutely breathtaking," reports Monte W. Some sites offer immediate access to rim trails: "There is a trail right super close that leads down into the canyon as well," notes Eric E.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forested environment around North Rim camping areas supports diverse wildlife. At North Rim Campground, elk sightings are common. Michael J. reports, "VERY cool campground that is spread out through old growth pines and is within walking distance of The North Rim, which is by far the best side of the Gran Canyon!" For dawn wildlife spotting, Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed camping puts you in prime position where visitors report: "Been here couple days now. Plenty of room and other campers around. Feel isolated but not totally alone."
Water activities: While most people associate the Grand Canyon with dry conditions, camping at Clear Creek Area Dispersed provides water-based recreation. "The creek is right across from the campsites, and you can hear it babbling all night long. Bring a hammock! Sleep out under the stars!! And when the morning arrives, one of the best kept secret hiking trails is at your feet!!" shares Levi V. Water access is particularly valuable during hot summer months.
What campers like
Isolation with proximity: Campers consistently praise the balance of solitude and convenience offered by dispersed sites. At Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed, one camper noted: "Great spots. Long road with lots of pull offs. I doubt you would have any issues ever finding a spot here no matter how busy it gets. Closest free camping to the entrance of the grand canyon." These sites provide distance from crowds while maintaining reasonable access to park amenities.
Seasonal temperature variations: The high elevation creates distinct camping experiences throughout the operating season. At DeMotte National Forest Campground, campers enjoy cooler temperatures during summer months. "Great campsite to stay out if you're planning on going to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Not too far, but far enough that it's not crazy busy. Nice campsites, trees provide some shading," reports Danny W. This natural air conditioning provides relief from desert heat.
Celestial views: The remote location and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions. At Saddle Mountain, Taylor describes: "Most amazing experience we've ever had tent camping. Right on the edge of the Canyon, watching the Arizona sunrises every morning. It was truly heaven on earth." The combination of high elevation and distance from urban areas results in remarkably clear night skies throughout the camping season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near North Rim, AZ?
What camping is available near North Rim, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, North Rim, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near North Rim, AZ and 72 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near North Rim, AZ?
Which is the most popular campground near North Rim, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Rim, AZ is Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 212 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Rim, AZ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Rim, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 72 free dispersed camping spots near North Rim, AZ.
What parks are near North Rim, AZ?
What parks are near North Rim, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near North Rim, AZ that allow camping, notably Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest.
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