Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed camping offers free sites just 5 miles from the Grand Canyon South Entrance. These undeveloped sites accommodate tents and RVs without hookups or facilities. The forest road features multiple pull-offs with established fire rings and space for vehicles. Most spots remain accessible year-round except during heavy snow or monsoon season.
What to do
Rim hiking access: North Rim Campground provides direct trail connections to Grand Canyon viewpoints. "There is a nice trail that you can take from the campground along the rim to the visitors center (about 1.5 miles)," notes Annie C., who appreciates drinking water piped from Roaring Springs inside the canyon.
Wildlife viewing: Trailer Village RV Park offers opportunities to see elk within the campground. "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," reports Carlee S., highlighting the proximity of wildlife.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies at Long Jim Loop create ideal conditions for night sky observation. "The stars out here are beautiful," shares Emily K., who recommends using a 4x4 vehicle to access more remote sites for better views and fewer campers.
What campers like
Shower facilities: Kaibab Paiute RV Park offers clean, private showers that receive consistent praise. "They offer private showers with great water pressure, and they are super clean," writes SpentBrassOffroad B., who extended their stay specifically because of these amenities.
Cost savings: Tent campers find Kaibab Paiute RV Park surprisingly affordable. "Tent spots were $12 and there were plenty of openings so we weren't directly next to anyone," notes Rachel, appreciating the value compared to in-park options. The park also features a recreation center with bathroom facilities.
Temperature variations: DeMotte Campground sits at higher elevation, offering cooler temperatures during summer months. "It's in Arizona, but at 5000 feet so it's not super hot," explains Debbie H., who found the campground's location ideal for accessing both Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: North Rim Campground typically requires advance planning due to limited availability. "Just be sure to make reservations well in advance. They fill up quick," advises Charles P., emphasizing the importance of early booking, especially during peak season.
Water access considerations: Ten-X Campground provides potable water but not at individual sites. "The bathrooms were clean but don't have any kind of solar light so you'll need a light if you need to go in the dark," shares Melissa A., adding, "make sure to bring your own hand sanitizer."
Seasonal constraints: Most North Rim facilities close by mid-October. A visitor noted, "I wouldn't recommend trying it out close to that deadline but when I was there in May it was perfect!" The North Rim receives significantly less visitation than the South Rim—about 10% of the total Grand Canyon visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Mather Campground experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "We camped there the second week of March during spring break. It was perfect! Cold at night but the facilities were very nice and accommodating," shares Thad M., emphasizing the importance of packing warm gear even in spring.
Bathroom accessibility: Ten-X Campground offers clean facilities but requires planning. "Pit toilets are clean. No hand sanitizers available," reports Gary M., suggesting families bring sanitizing supplies and noting that sites 1-13 are first-come, first-served.
Space considerations: Camping areas vary in privacy levels. "Every spot is a nice size and has plenty of room," writes Caitlin S. about Grand Canyon Camper Village, though other reviewers note some campgrounds can feel crowded during peak seasons.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up options: Grand Canyon Camper Village provides full hookups near the South Rim entrance. "If you are looking for a Full Hookup RV parking/camping spot with no thrills other than being 10 minutes from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this camping spot is for you," states Joseph K., noting its convenient location despite the $70 nightly rate.
Site selection strategies: When choosing RV sites, consider proximity to facilities. "Our spot was right next to the bathhouse," reports one camper, though they discovered it was temporarily closed. Many rv parks near Supai, Arizona operate on one-way loop roads, making it important to reserve sites on the correct side for easier access.
Dump station access: RV campers staying at parks without sewer connections can use dump stations at Trailer Village and within Grand Canyon National Park. Several Supai area RV parks also offer coin-operated laundry facilities, though hours may be limited, with some closing as early as 4pm.
