If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation for one of the 90 campsites at the North Rim Campground in Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll want to make the most of your experience. This part of the park is less frequented than the southern side. You will find impressive views of the canyon as well as a variety of hiking trails nearby.
Camping at North Rim Campground
From visiting the Grand Canyon to walking the trails, you’ll appreciate the following tips from The Dyrt campers who have stayed at North Rim Campground.
Image from The Dyrt camper Annie C.
Take in Grand Canyon Vistas
You can take in views of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim nearby. A nice view point is located just a short walk from the North Rim Campground. This is one major attraction you won’t want to miss out on.
“The first time I saw the Grand Canyon was waking up at this campground. I’ll never forget that feeling and have brought so many friends on trips to experience it too. Bring camp chairs, water and snacks to the rim edge so you can watch nature’s most the sunset in comfort.” — The Dyrt camper Amber A.
Check Out the Condors
During your time in the park, you may notice people craning their necks and looking around with binoculars. They’re not just taking in the view. Birders come to the North Rim Campground to look for California condors soaring through the canyons. These massive and endangered birds can have up to 9-foot wingspans. Consider yourself lucky if you spot one. Learn about their importance in the local ecosystem and factors contributing to their endangerment by joining a condor talk at the Grand Canyon Lodge Veranda. Check out the park website for more information.
Take a Hike
There are plenty of hiking options with varying elevations and ability levels, which are easily reachable from the North Rim Campground. Descend into the Inner Canyon via the North Kaibab Trail or travel along the rim on the Transept Trail toward the visitor center.
Images from The Dyrt camper Annie C.
Explore the Forests
Many Grand Canyon visitors are shocked to see the three woodland areas inside the park. In the vicinity of the North Rim Campground, you’ll find ponderosa and pinyon pine, Utah junipers, Utah agave, big sagebrush and banana yucca among a variety of other native and non-native plant and tree species. Check out these forest-like areas, which are located at about 8,200 feet at the North Rim. From here you can enjoy trails that wind through the shade of several spruce species, white firs, mountain ash and aspens.
“The pine forest setting was an unexpected surprise for the AZ desert.” – The Dyrt camper Amanda D.
Drink Up
It’s crucial to stay hydrated while enjoying the Grand Canyon. You can be at risk of heat stroke in the summer here if you don’t pay enough attention to your water intake. Consider drinking at least twice as much as you do on a normal day while hiking to replace the water you’re using and sweating out. There are several water stations throughout the park and close to the North Rim Campground, including one at the visitors center which is just 1.5 miles from the campground.
“Be sure to fill up on water before you go hiking (which is just a good idea in general) because then you can drink water that’s piped up from Roaring Springs, inside the canyon. Pretty cool!” – The Dyrt camper Annie C.
