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Saddle Mountain in Kaibab National Forest offers free dispersed camping with direct access to North Rim views of the Grand Canyon. Located approximately 45 minutes from the main road on gravel Forest Road 22, this area accommodates both tent and RV camping with no size restrictions. The sites positioned closest to the canyon rim provide the most dramatic views and fill quickly, especially during peak season. Campers should arrive by early afternoon to secure prime locations. The dispersed sites feature existing fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. The area gets particularly cold at night, with temperatures dropping into the 30s even in summer months and teens during winter.
Forest Road 248 provides additional horse-friendly dispersed camping options in the Kaibab National Forest. The dirt access roads require careful navigation, especially during or after precipitation when 4WD becomes necessary. Most sites can accommodate horse trailers with adequate room for setting up portable corrals or highlines. Water is not available at these dispersed locations, so equestrians must pack in all necessary water for themselves and their animals. The terrain offers excellent riding opportunities with numerous unmarked trails connecting to established routes. Winter access becomes limited as seasonal road closures affect the area from approximately December through April depending on snowfall and conditions.
"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 Availability"Full hook ups, clean bathrooms (the shower was not open when we visited) Grocery store, deli, and restaurant are also only a few minutes walk away. Elk and deer in the campground in the morning."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Although the sites are a bit close to one another, it's a nice area and $30/night quite reasonable (plus park entrance fee). Just inside the South entrance to Grand Canyon National."
"Bathrooms are close by and shuttles stop at the campground to take you throughout the park. No complaints"
"Very pretty location and it would’ve been a 5 star but someone carried their new born baby down into the canyon and it was crying all night our finale night leaving us with little to no sleep but other"
GuideOne of the most unforgettable campsites ever. Stunning views of the Grand Canyon as you camp just feet away from the edge. Dirt road was easy (2W will have zero issues), fires were not allowed for us but there are fire pits, and tons of space between campsites. Gets a little windy at night but no bugs. If you are staying near the North Rim, you would be a fool not to camp here. Big love
LegendWell worth the time it takes to get there. 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
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutOthers said the same - this campsite is on the North Rim and has dispersed camping right on the edge of the canyon for incredible views (not so close that you worry about your safety). We arrived Wednesday afternoon, and there were only two sites left, so recommend staking your claim early. In early-October, the sun rose around 6:15am, and highly recommend you take advantage of the views this campsite provides by waking up early. Got very cold in the evenings, so pack warm!
GuideI stayed here overnight on my way to North Rim and thought for the price and location to the village it's hard to beat. Only limited sites are available during the off season when i was here in December. Site are decent spacing between eachother but not super far. Cell service on VZ was excellent here if that is a concern. $15/night in the off season too!
RangerThe Ranger rebooked us so we didn’t have to change lots during our 4 night stay. We ended up at an Equestrian site. Good cellar reception. Not too many neighbors. Raven, deer, elk around with coyote yipping at night.
GuideWe did group camping at site 6 in the Sage Loop. Site was spacious with great stone picnic tables and plenty of room. Adjacent to horse site but wasn’t an issue. Bathrooms with toilets were close but showers were very far and pricey at $2.50 for 5 min. The campground is very dark which is great for star gazing but tricky for getting around at night.
RangerMost 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.
GuideIf you want to camp relatively close to the rim of the Grand Canyon, this is the spot. For “car camping” these are very spacious sites, all close proximity to a nearby restroom with flushing toilets, and also drinking water. Near the main entrance to the campground is a shower and laundry facility, should you need them. And a roughly 15-20 min walk to the rim. Or catch one of the frequent free shuttles. Also frequent elk wander the area and often pass right through your site.
Dispersed camping around the North Rim offers access to Grand Canyon views at elevations ranging from 8,000-9,000 feet, creating notably colder nights than South Rim camping areas. During summer months, temperatures in these forested areas typically reach 70°F during the day but drop significantly after sunset. The North Kaibab National Forest provides multiple forest roads leading to dispersed camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility.
Hiking to viewpoints: From Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF), campers can access several trails with minimal crowds. "There is a trail right super close that leads down into the canyon as well," notes Eric E., while another camper mentions "hikers I met said there was good camping from a trail that goes down into the Grand Canyon from here."
Wildlife observation: Large mammals frequent the camping areas around North Rim. The forest roads provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Trailer Village RV Park, one camper reports, "Female elk roamed all around the campsites, and one even wandered up while we cooked dinner to snack on the bush next to our truck."
Stargazing sessions: The dark skies above North Rim dispersed sites create excellent stargazing conditions. Forest Road 248 campsites are situated in pine forest clearings that provide framed night sky views. "We loved the forest feel and the trail riding as we typically come with ATVs," reports one camper about the Forest Road 248 area.
Weather contrast: The high elevation provides relief from summer desert heat. "We were there in mid June and it was still 39 that night with a nice breeze," reports Tammy G. about Saddle Mountain. This temperature pattern is consistent across the North Rim area.
Natural separation: Forest Road 248 Campsite offers "Great dispersed sites if you get about 1/2 -1 mi from 89a. The pines offer shade. Great cell service for some weird reason (verizon 4 bars?!) 80F summer temps are wonderful with the breeze and shade. Peaceful."
Morning vistas: Early risers particularly appreciate the sunrise views. "Amazing views of the Grand Canyon and my spot was right on the edge of the north rim. Absolutely breathtaking," notes Monte W. about the Saddle Mountain area, while another camper mentioned the "Stunning sunset and sunrise."
Road conditions: Prepare for variable road quality when accessing dispersed sites. At NF-22 Dispersed Campsite, visitors note "Quite a few good places to park your RV" but access can be challenging after precipitation. Saddle Mountain visitors report "The road was pretty bumpy in areas. I can def see where in rain or snow you'd need 4WD and a little offroading capability."
Arrival timing: Most dispersed sites fill early, particularly during peak season (May-September). "We arrived around 4 pm and all but the spots along the rim were gone. We got the last spot on opposite side of road which was fine for our needs. So if you want the step out tent/van view, get there early," advises a Saddle Mountain camper.
Supply preparation: No services are available at dispersed sites. The nearest supplies are often 30+ minutes away. "There is a gas station 5 minutes from the site" near Forest Road 248, but most areas require bringing all necessary supplies, especially water.
Weather planning: Pack for cold nights even in summer. "We camped there in mid June and it was still 39 that night with a nice breeze," reports a Saddle Mountain visitor. The temperature drop requires additional layers for everyone, particularly children.
Site selection for safety: When camping with children near canyon edges, choose sites set back from rim edges. Alternative Clear Creek Area Dispersed sites offer family-friendly options with "Lots of grass areas and hiking trails for families and pets to roam. The creek near by was a huge plus and a cute and fun little bridge to play on with kids."
Activity alternatives: Plan non-rim activities for windy days when canyon edge access might be unsafe for children. "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!!" suggests a Clear Creek camper.
Site positioning: At Trailer Village RV Park, "Sites are easy access to shuttle bus, and a short walk to visitor center. Bath houses are clean sites are a bit close but shaded and nice." For dispersed options, position RVs strategically for protection from prevailing winds.
Road navigation: Most dispersed sites require careful RV maneuvering. "It was a big RV and tent park close to the South Rim and quit neat. Recommended to book beforehand," advises one camper about established facilities. For equestrian camping near North Rim, Arizona, Forest Road 248 provides sufficient space for horse trailers and camping rigs together.
Hookup alternatives: Mather Campground provides more amenities than dispersed sites but fewer hookups than commercial campgrounds. "Plenty of bathrooms within walking distance. Freshwater available at spigots but check with camp host of it's turned on," advises Tory B. This creates a middle option between fully dispersed equestrian camping opportunities near North Rim and full-service RV parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near North Rim, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near North Rim, AZ is Mather Campground — Grand Canyon National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 211 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near North Rim, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near North Rim, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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