If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near North Rim, look no further. Finding a place to camp in Arizona with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
The area is characterized by the river delta where Bright Angel Creek meets the Colorado River. There is a ranger station, emergency phone, pay phones, year-round potable water, and toilets. To reach this campground you can travel the South Kaibab Trail (and cross the black bridge) or the Bright Angel Trail (and cross the silver bridge) from the South Rim, or travel the North Kaibab Trail from the North Rim. Cottonwood trees shade Bright Angel Campground and the creek is a wonderful place to cool off. Deer, ringtail cats, gray foxes, and squirrels are often seen. Popular activities include relaxing, wading in Bright Angel Creek, stargazing, fishing (license required), and day hiking. Day hike destinations include the River Trail and Phantom Overlook. Seasonal ranger programs are offered. Snack items and meals are available for purchase at Phantom Ranch Lodge (meals must be reserved in advance 303-297-2757).
Cottonwood Campground is a small campground 6.8 miles below the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on the North Kaibab Trail. Bright Angel Creek runs nearby. Seasonally (mid-May to mid-Oct) potable drinking water is available, but at other times of the year campers must be prepared to filter/treat water obtained from the creek. Cottonwood has an emergency phone and toilets. From the campground, day hikes may be made to Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, and Manzanita Canyon.
Phantom Ranch is a historic oasis nestled at the bottom of Grand Canyon. It is on the north side of the Colorado River tucked in beside Bright Angel Creek. Make sure to put in your Phantom Ranch reservations, as its the only lodging below the canyon rim, and can only be reached by mule, on foot or by rafting the Colorado River.
The rustic cabins and main lodge are built of wood and native stone blending with the natural beauty of the setting.
Our cabins and dorms do not have phones or televisions, but a pay phone is available at Phantom Ranch (credit card or phone card ONLY).
The Phantom Ranch Canteen serves breakfast and dinner, which must be reserved in advance. If you have special dietary needs, such as glucose intolerance or food allergies, please advise the reservation agent at the time of booking. Phantom Ranch will do their best to accommodate all special requests.
You must hike out your own trash.
$52 - $253 / night
$10 - $40 / night
$140 / night
The vast majority of all three ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest is open to dispersed camping unless specifically restricted for reasons such as proximity to developed campgrounds or other natural or cultural resource concerns. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a developed campground. If you plan to disperse camp on the Kaibab National Forest, please review our Dispersed Camping Guidelines and Restrictions.
Guide
This was such a quaint friendly campsite. The woman here was by far the sweetest. They sell ice cream treats and ice too, with pristine vault toilets and sinks. We had such a nice quiet stay. The tent sites are all very close together but because it was empty, we had a wonderfully quiet stay camped between some trees. And yes fire rings were amazing considering the no fire restrictions all around the area. It’s about an hour from North Rim Grand Canyon which is highly recommended. We went out onto Bright angel point. There were other camp sites further in toward the rim, but they didn’t come up on the Dyrt so not sure their availability. Overall it was a great spot.
Ranger
Grand Canyon is a professional setup. They know how to do things, while this is the most popular park in the US, they are very organized. Yes, we had to make reservations and we were camping in a tent 3 nights and had to change campsites each night. Plenty of bathrooms with running water/flush toilets, showers are in a central location close to the check in site, and showers were $2.00 for 8 minutes. Shuttles arrive frequently to take you where you need to go, or the marketplace is a short walk. We got our water refilled at the marketplace for free. Mather is a tent campground, RVs are at a separate site.
GuideRV's & Tents. Hosts were awesome and helpful. Firewood available on site for purchase. Vault toilets but kept clean. Campsites were nice and space apart. Fire rings and very nice picnic tables. About 50 miles from North Rim of Grand Canyon.
TravelerThis is an awesome campground within a short walk to the south rim of Grand Canyon. RVs and tents are allowed. There’s no electrical hook-up at tent sites, but you have fresh dirt, a picnic table and a small charcoal pit with grill rack. Bathrooms are centralized and showers cost $2. Dog friendly, and fun! Just be advised it’s monsoon season in the summer if you plan to tent camp. Also, when we went no campfires were allowed.
Guide
This is a great place to camp on the south rim! Walk to Navajo point snack bar/camp store and watchtower! Tent camp sites have shade and a picnic table. Go catch sunset at the tower! But get there before 6! Very quiet campground off tourist path just far enough out of high traffic areas. Highly recommend!
Traveler
I took away one star because there is no showers. This was our favorite campground on our trip through Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon and Sedona. We were tent camping. The campground was very quite and the tent sites level with table and fire pit. There are pit toilets which can really smell bad in the summer. It was really cold when we were there and we were across from the toilets and it was not a problem. In the summer I would make sure to pick a site far away from the toilets. This place was much nicer than the Park campgrounds we stayed in. Also there is a small town near by for food and restaurants. Only a short drive to the South Rim.
Guide
Anyone interested in National Parks has the Grand Canyon on their list. But, I’ll admit, that it wasn’t one I prioritized.
It far exceeded my expectations, especially the North Rim and the campground associated with it. It’s a must see for anyone with a love for the outdoors. It’s stunning.
The campground itself was the best campground I’ve ever been to, at least for what it is trying to be.
This isn’t a rough-it campground. It has immaculate bathrooms with flush toilets, dish cleaning stations, a general store just a few hundred feet from campsites with virtually anything you would need from groceries to camping supplies, the sites are decently dispersed, and the staff is attentive and caring. The setting is beautiful. You are surrounded by pine tree forest at 8,000+ elevation. You can tent camp or RV camp. We tent camped.
For a camping experience that still feels like camping but has amenities too, this spot can’t be beat.
LegendIt's quite amazing to wake up in the morning with the Grand Canyon within a stones throw of your tent! Campsites are more secluded than I expected, but you can still see other campers. It is a great experience to sleep next to this fabulous part of creation, even if only for a night! I highly recommend seeing the Grand Canyon from the North Rim and camping if possible.
Ranger
It was $18/night for a tent site with access to pit toilet bathrooms and showers (though if you want to shower you have to pay an extra $5). There was a large group there at the same time that I was, which made for a less peaceful experience. Offers full hook-ups for RV's, which made it popular with big rigs. The best part about it was the proximity to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is said to get only 10% of the crowds compared to the much more crowded South Rim.
GuideThe staff was so sweet and friendly, felt welcomed from the start. Beautiful wooded area, fire rings but no grates, we brought our own.. (still great to have fire ring considering the no fire restrictions for boon-docking anywhere else). Camp was pretty empty for tent campers so we easily got a spot. Normally all tent sites are very close together, but not much traffic or people up here so it was perfect to ourselves with hardly anyone around us in June. Pristine vault toilets and sinks. Ice and ice cream treats can be bought on property, made for a great treat after a campfire dinner. The campsite is about an hour from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and we passed other campsites closer to the canyon that weren’t on The Dyrt and meant to go back to get the names, sorry. But overall we would highly recommend and loved our quiet pretty stay. Visit bright angel point at the rim. Insane and this north rim is underrated! Less people and more nature. Five stars.
GuideAmazing place to camp! If you've seen the south rim it's time to venture to the less crowded forested North Rim! The camp grounds were well spread out, quiet, amazing staff, and clean restrooms, showers, and coin laundry. 1 mile hike to the lodge (you can also drive) - I've added a picture to the map. We were in 10, but I would reccomend any of the T (tent) sites - they were on their own peak with wonderful views - but the park has strict generator rules so it won't be loud even if you're next to an RV. Be prepared for a long drive in and a long touring drive to see all the views, it is amazing but a little harder to navigate. The staff at the visitors center is wonderful though and they'll help you see what you want to see.
Ranger
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.
TravelerJust spent one night tent camping, but it was a wonderful experience.
GuideBecause it's a large, park, multipurpose campground, it can be crowded and noisy. Especially if you are tent camping. Easy access to all amenities and rim of canyon.
GuideThe tent sites are very nice, with lovely trees for shade. This is an amazing park, I can't wait to go back!
Scout
Clean, hidden sites away from others to camp. Be careful of driving far in as there are many rocks and holes. Filled up fast by the time we got there at 7pm on a Thursday. Good free place to tent camp!
RangerLong drive over some rough gravel road, but what a view at the end. Big enough site for shorter off-road trailer. No toilets. Pack-in, pack-out.
Trailhead at the end of the road. Great for tent camping, car camping, campervans, short trailer.
30 degree difference in temperatures hi-lo.
Wonderful sunset.
ScoutReally enjoyed this place. As our first time tent camping (as apposed to RV-ing) we had an awesome time here. Loved how spacious the sites were. Far enough from neighbours so there wasn’t too much noise. Bathrooms were clean and staff was friendly. Not too far of a drive from viewpoints. Would absolutely stay here again.
Traveler
Very conveniently located just outside of the Grand Canyon’s southern rim. Stayed here due to Kaibab Nat. Forest being closed with forest fire. Easy after hours site reservation. Had to wait until the morning to buy shower tokens, but that was okay as they opened at 8am. Had an elk stroll right up to our tent site. Obviously very comfortable with people.
GuideTent camp in an officially recognized International Dark Sky Park!
Bathrooms and drinking water are located through out each loop. Shower and laundry a little walk at the entrance to the campgrounds.
By day there is plenty of shade and trees. The National Park shuttle system has a stop a the front of the campsite to get you anywhere you need to go.
Nights are cool and the starts are incredible, one the the best star gazing locations in the nation.
Scout
This is the perfect Rv/tent campground! Mixed uses and late night after hours first come first serve full hook up spots available! Conveniently located within walking distance to general store, restaurants and the shuttle service into the Grand Canyon! Highly recommend
TravelerMy partner and I parked our van in one of the tent sites and were surprised at how spacious and private they were! The location is close to the Visitor Center and some shopping. We got in pretty late so we didn’t get to enjoy the scenery too much, but we made some s’mores around the fire ring and did some stargazing. Perfect spot to situate yourself for an early morning hike into the canyon!
LegendWe were so pleased to find this camp on the way to the South Rim (about 15 min from Grand Canyon NP). There was only 3 other campers on the entire site when we arrived in Sept. WE were greeted by a stunning stellar Jay at the sign in station (self pay). Sites were large and clean (we were tent camping) there are rural toilets. Other than that there are no facilities. There are 70 single sites and 2 group camping sites on the property. Beautiful hiking trails with elk and other wildlife all around. GPS Coordinates are 35.93694, -112.12306 35°56'13"N, 112°7'23"W Full information available at recreation.gov
GuideI highly recommend this campground. Not only were the people working there so nice the grounds themselves were immaculate. The sites were so big with plenty of room to spread out and have some distance from your neighbors. We stayed Memorial weekend and it was still so peaceful minus once incident with a loud radio from the neighbor who turned it down at 10. If you’re in the area this is a must stay. Be prepared for the cold nights though. We happened to stay during a freak cold snap but it still gets pretty chilly especially if you’re tent camping. PS make sure you’re staying bear safe as they are clearly in this area.
TravelerThe tent sites are big, and the sites in general are well spaced. The campground was pretty quiet, even though it was fully booked. The bathrooms are clean, but spare - typical NPS bathrooms. We enjoyed the birdwatching in the campground, and the elk that came to graze. There are tons of trees in the sites, great for hammocks! Each site has a big concrete picnic table, and a fire ring with a grill. Showers are available for a fee at the entrance to the campground. We spent some time sitting amongst the trees in our site, and escaping the crowds on the South Rim.
LegendStayed at site 142. Absolutely wonderful campground - largest in the Grand Canyon NP. When we arrived, the campground was technically full with “No Vacancy” signs posted. We actually pulled in thinking that we could ask them where else to stay for the night, but one of the park admins was kind enough to check for cancellations and told us that there was an administrative site available - wonderful! My dad was able to use his National Park senior citizen pass, so we paid a whopping $9 for the site. Very nice, private gravel tent sites with a great picnic table fire ring - all the standard stuff. Really appreciated the quiet and respectful nature of the campground as well. Right in the park, so obviously very close to everything that you want to do. Amazing!
Guide
I was able to make last minute reservations. Staff is great. Property is clean and well maintained. Showered $3 for 7 minutes and i felt very exposed- no locks on main door or shower area. Washer and dryer $5 each per load ($10 total for 1 load), restaurant with bar style food- had the pizza and it was delicious. Little shop with snacks, drinks and souvenirs. Not sure if there’s a quiet time, I’m tent camping and the rv 2 spots down was up and hanging out with children playing until at least 11pm. Only real complaint is it’s right off the main highway that goes in and out of the park so there was a lot of street noise and the closest restroom someone has a large tent pitched that butts up almost against the womens door so a little weird going in and out. Paid $19 a night plus tax for non electric site. I think fairly priced and would return again with more cash for the shower / laundry.
Tent camping near North Rim, Arizona offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon, with various campgrounds providing essential amenities and breathtaking views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near North Rim, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near North Rim, AZ is Bright Angel Campground — Grand Canyon National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near North Rim, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near North Rim, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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