Best Campgrounds near North Rim, AZ

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.

Detours Nearby

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Forest Road 611

Forest Road 611

1 hr 22 min away

North Rim

North Rim

2 hrs 35 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near North Rim, Arizona (115)

    1. Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    201 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $6 - $50 / night

    "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."

    2. Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed

    119 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    16 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."

    3. North Rim Campground (Closed for Remainder of 2025)— Grand Canyon National Park

    39 Reviews
    North Rim, AZ
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-7814

    $6 - $50 / night

    "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."

    4. Trailer Village RV Park — Grand Canyon National Park

    60 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-1006

    "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."

    5. Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF)

    25 Reviews
    North Rim, AZ
    7 miles
    Website

    "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. Clear Creek Area Dispersed — Grand Canyon National Park

    16 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-2443

    "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."

    7. Grand Canyon Camper Village

    42 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-2887

    "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."

    8. Desert View Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    38 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-7081

    $30 / night

    "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."

    9. Bright Angel Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    13 Reviews
    Grand Canyon, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 638-7888

    "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."

    10. DeMotte National Forest Campground

    21 Reviews
    North Rim, AZ
    14 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 North Rim, AZ

978 Reviews of 115 North Rim Campgrounds


  • L
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Forest Road 320 Dispersed

    Amazing views

    Amazing views of the prairie and mountain behind. Easy dirt road to follow. Different places available on a Friday night in September.

  • L
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Fire Road 310 Dispersed Camping

    Lots of sites

    Easy to find, just make sure you keep on driving past the cattle gate. I cannot imagine there ever not being a private place here.

  • C
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Kaibab Forest Dispersed FR 682

    Amazin hidden spot

    We stayed here for 1 night. We made a campfire which was so easy because of the firepits and all the wood. We drove pretty far down so we were all alone.

  • 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.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Kaibab Forest Dispersed FR 682

    Beautiful, quiet spot

    Great spot! Here in mid-Aug and we have only seen a few other campers and there are plenty of spots with total privacy still available. No issues getting a Winnebago in up the bumpy road!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Tusayan Dispersed Camping FS Road 302

    Perfect spot, shady and easy access

    Would stay again, great spot in the Forrest super close to town for a quick run in to the toilets at the gas station if need be. Lots of helicopters flying over from about 9am. Only 2 other vans there when we were and very spread out. Easy and roomy

  • K
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    Amazing

    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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Desert View Campground — Grand Canyon National Park

    Quite campground

    When we pulled in most spots were vacant. We went to dinner and returned to a full campground. With that being said, everyone was very kind and respectful to each others privacy. The sites are small and it would not be suitable for large RVs (signs say 30’ max). We have a truck camper and are hauling a trailer and barely fit into the pull through sites. Lots of wildlife! Great spot overall!


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, North Rim, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 115 campgrounds and RV parks near North Rim, AZ and 65 free dispersed camping spots.

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 201 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Rim, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 65 free dispersed camping spots 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.