Kaibab National Forest manages this free dispersed campground at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where a roughly 12-mile gravel road delivers campers to one of the more distinctive overnight positions in northern Arizona. The road takes about 45 minutes to drive and is passable in two-wheel-drive vehicles under dry conditions, though rain or snow can change that calculus quickly. Campers report that following GPS routes other than Highway 67 to the turnoff can lead onto horse trails and through snow banks, so sticking to the main road matters. Those exploring places to camp near Kaibab National Forest will find Saddle Mountain sits at the far end of the access road, with a handful of sites positioned directly along the canyon rim.
Rim-side spots fill fast. Multiple reviewers note that arriving by early afternoon on weekdays is often necessary to secure a position on the edge, and even mid-week visits in October and November have found the site nearly full by evening. The spots on the opposite side of the road still provide open sightlines toward the canyon and plateau. Andrew M. sums up the trade-off simply: "Long drive over some rough gravel road, but what a view at the end." Temperature swings of 30 degrees between daytime highs and overnight lows are common, and mid-June nights can drop to 39 degrees, so layers matter regardless of season.
There are no toilets at the dispersed sites at the top, though a trailhead with a restroom sits roughly halfway down the access road. A trail near the upper sites leads down into the Grand Canyon, and a nearby lookout, Saddle Mountain Lookout, is also worth noting for those exploring the area on foot. Fire pits are present, though fire restrictions may apply depending on conditions. No fees, no reservations.
Verizon cell signal exists but is described as poor and inconsistent. Pack in everything needed and pack it all out. Campers who want a base for exploring the North Rim without staying at North Rim Campground (Closed for Remainder of 2025) — Grand Canyon National Park will find Saddle Mountain a workable, no-cost alternative that trades amenities for position. Bring warm layers, arrive early, and the rim will be there waiting.
Description
Elevations range from 6,000 feet to over 8,000 feet. The name originates from the profile of a prominent ridge that appears from the distance as a "saddle", horn and all. Vegetation is diverse. It ranges from pinyon pine - Utah juniper in the lower areas to mixed conifers in the highlands. The lower elevations provide valuable mule deer winter range, whereas the higher elevations of the southern portion provide summer habitat for deer and blue grouse. In the upper portion of House Rock Valley a herd of buffalo roam.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSaddle Mountain (Kaibab NF) is located in Arizona near North Rim
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
36.30352711798149 N
111.99500570935488 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/6/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/6/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Saddle Mountain (Kaibab NF) needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 54 min from St. George, UT
- 3 hrs 45 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 hrs 59 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 6 hrs 44 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
