North Rim — Grand Canyon NP

The quiet side of the canyon — ponderosa pines, cool summers, 90% fewer visitors

Location: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ (North Rim), AZ

Price: From $12 per night

Price range: $12–$45 per night

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (987 reviews)

Elevation: 8600 feet

Season: Mid-May through mid-October only

The North Rim Campground sits at 8,600 feet in a ponderosa pine forest near the canyon’s quieter North Rim. Open only mid-May through mid-October, the North Rim sees about 10% of the visitor traffic of the South Rim. 87 sites, some with Grand Canyon views. The North Rim Lodge, General Store, and restaurant are all within walking distance. Temperatures are 20°F cooler than the canyon floor and South Rim. One of the most beautiful and undervisited campgrounds in the National Park system.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile.

Amenities: Flush toilets, Dump station, Water, Picnic tables, Fire grates, Near North Rim Lodge, General Store nearby, Some canyon-view sites, Coin laundry nearby

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/north-rim-grand-canyon to be notified when sites open up.

The North Rim sees 10% of the visitor traffic of the South Rim despite comparable canyon views. At 8,600 feet in a ponderosa pine forest, it’s 20F cooler than the canyon floor. Only open mid-May through mid-October. Some sites have direct canyon views.

Cape Final trail (4 mi RT, 5 miles from the campground) reaches a promontory with an unobstructed view of the inner canyon and the Colorado River 5,000 feet below. Almost nobody does this hike. You may literally be the only person there.

What is new at North Rim — Grand Canyon NP: North Rim Lodge and facilities returned to full service 2022.

Wildlife alert: Kaibab squirrels (found nowhere else on Earth) are endemic to the North Rim. Mountain lions present. Rock squirrels steal food from tables — never leave food unattended.

Fire rules: Campfires in provided fire grates only. Check nps.gov/grca.

Things to do near North Rim — Grand Canyon NP: Cape Royal (15 mi scenic drive) — the most dramatic canyon overlook on the North Rim. North Kaibab Trail — the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim, starts 2 miles from camp. Bright Angel Point (0.5 mi from the lodge) — canyon views in three directions.

Insider tips for North Rim — Grand Canyon NP: Make dinner reservations at the Grand Canyon Lodge dining room before your trip Sites A1–A18 are nearest the rim

Skip North Rim — Grand Canyon NP if: You’re coming in winter — the North Rim closes mid-October through mid-May. You’re driving from the South Rim — it’s 215 miles by road despite being 10 miles across the canyon.

Best time to visit North Rim — Grand Canyon NP: May–Jun — Opening weeks with wildflowers and no crowds.. Sep–mid Oct — Summer crowds gone, aspens turning gold before closure..

Common issues at North Rim — Grand Canyon NP: Very long drive — 225 miles from Flagstaff. Plan for a 5-hour drive. Stock up on groceries before the drive in.

What campers say about North Rim — Grand Canyon NP: "We had the Bright Angel Point overlook to ourselves at 6am. On the South Rim that’s impossible. The North Rim is the Grand Canyon as it should be." — Recreation.gov reviewer "The North Rim Lodge porch at sunset. The canyon stretching out in front of you. Worth every mile of driving." — Recreation.gov reviewer

Nearby campgrounds: Mather Campground (Grand Canyon Village, AZ), Demotte (Fredonia, AZ), Desert View Campground (Grand Canyon National Park, AZ), Hull Cabin (Grand Canyon, AZ).