Where To Camp North Rim Grand Canyon?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Saddle Mountain Overlook (North Rim)

is the closest you can boondock to the Park's north rim, and you'll need 4-wheel drive. It's very bumpy. Forest Road 213 (North Rim) offers easier driving with lots of boondocking choices.

Is it better to camp on the north or South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

South or North Rim of the Grand Canyon

That being said,

if you want to avoid busy campgrounds and crowded trails, head to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

. It may be harder to reach — and is closed seasonally from mid-October to mid-May — but you'll experience the more wild (and more secluded) side of the park.

Can you camp on the edge of the Grand Canyon?

Winter Months


Tent and RV on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon remain available throughout the winter at both Mather Campground and TrailerVillage

, both are located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

Can I camp anywhere in the Grand Canyon?

If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim or the South Rim,

you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center

. A backcountry permit is required for: overnight camping outside of Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and North Rim Campground.

Are there showers at North Rim Campground?

Located between North Rim Service Station and North Rim General Store, visitors will find coin-operated laundry and shower facilities.

One accessible and three regular shower stalls are available in sections for both women and men, on the right side of the building. Six quarters provide a six minute shower

.

Can I sleep in my car at the Grand Canyon?


Not allowed

. Sleeping in your car constitutes “camping” and the only camping allowed at the South Rim is in the developed campgrounds, i.e. Mather and Desert View. There are also National Forest campgrounds outside of the park. Dispersed camping is also permitted in the Kaibab National Forest.

Is Grand Canyon North Rim worth it?


The North Rim Offers Complete Tranquility

While it's completely possible to soul-search and contemplate existence while gazing over the South Rim, you'll likely have to do so with a backdrop of other visitors. The North Rim is less crowded, giving you more opportunities to stare out at the canyon in complete solitude.

Why is the North Rim of the Grand Canyon closed?

The North Rim is Closed for the Winter

On Wednesday, December 1, State Route 67, and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

closed to all vehicle traffic for the winter

. State Route 67 and all North Rim services are scheduled to re-open for the 2022 season on May 15th, 2022 (subject to change).

Where is it best to camp at Grand Canyon?

  • North Rim Campground (North Rim)
  • Mather Campground (South Rim)
  • Desert View Campground (South Rim)
  • Tuweep Campground (North Rim)

Can you hike rim to rim a day?

All the miles will be more enjoyable.

Hiking more than that is totally doable but not necessarily the most fun or painless.

Hiking Rim to Rim in one day means hiking at least 21 miles

. If the pain hasn't already kicked in by mile 15, it's very likely it will at mile 16.

How do you camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

There are several ways to camp at the bottom of Grand Canyon. The easiest and most popular is

Bright Angel Campground

, which provides drinking water and toilets. Backcountry camping in more rugged areas is also allowed, but you'll need permits and familiarity with Grand Canyon hiking.

Do you need a permit to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim?

Quick tips for the Rim to Rim hike of the Grand Canyon: Day hike it –

no permit required

. Tips include starting very early, sitting out the hottest part of the day in the shade, bringing plenty of sweet and salty snacks.

Where do you sleep at the bottom of the Grand 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. Phantom Ranch is the only lodging below the canyon rim, and can only be reached by mule, on foot, or by rafting the Colorado River.

Is camping free at Grand Canyon?

Operated by the National Park Service, campground is open from mid-May to mid-October.

Campsites are $15

, no hook-ups, dump station available. Stays are limited to 7 days per season. Reservations through Biospherics, 1-800-365-2267.

Is the Grand Canyon open to the public?


The South Rim of the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

. The South Rim includes Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. Most services are available year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during spring, summer and fall.

When can I reserve North Rim Campground?

Christmas Day

December 25

Closed
Holiday Date Hours

Are reservations required for North Rim Grand Canyon?

The North Rim has a short season. Facilities and lodging are usually open May 15 through October 15, each year.

Lodging and Camping Reservations are strongly recommended

.

Can you drive an RV to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon?


Trailer Village (which is run by a concessioner, not the National Park Service) can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length and offers full hook-ups

. Make reservations online at gc.synxis.com. The National Park Service operates two campgrounds that take reservations, one on the South Rim and one on the North Rim.

How do you drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

To use the road to drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon,

you will need permits, as the road sits on tribal land which is home to the Hualapai tribe

. Getting a permit is easy and you can do it online. Also, you will need a well-balanced vehicle for this type of trip, ideally a high-clearance 4×4.

Are there black bears in the Grand Canyon?

Are there bears in the Grand Canyon? Yes, according to the National Park Service –

some black bears can be found in the conifer forests around the North Rim

.

How hot does the Grand Canyon get in the summer?

High temperatures range from the

70s to 80s (21 – 27 oC)

in the summer months during the day to 30s and 40s (-1 – 4 oC) during the winter. However, if you plan to hike into the canyon below the rim, be prepared for much warmer conditions.

How many days do you need in the North Rim?

Very few visitors to the Grand Canyon take on this backpacking trip, but those who do typically finish it in

2-3 days

, though those who are extremely fit may do it in one long day.

Which is better north or South Rim?

But those who have seen the canyon from both sides tend to agree that the

North Rim is the nicer side of the Grand Canyon

, in several senses of the word – calmer, quieter, and reminiscent of what the National Parks may have been like in years past.

What is the closest town to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon?

From the North Rim, the nearby towns include

Fredonia, Arizona, St. George, Utah, and Kanab, Utah

.

Is the road to the North Rim closed?


The North Rim is Closed for the Winter

The 2022 Season (with all services) begins on May 15, and continues through October 15, 2022. Advanced reservations are recommended.

Is the road to the North Rim open?


The North Rim is open from May 15 to October 15 each year due to winter conditions

. After October 15, the North Rim is open for day use only until December 1 or the weather conditions close Highway 67.

Is the Grand Canyon open right now Covid?


Desert View (East Entrance) and South Entrance Is Open 24/7

.

Entrances Fees: Entrance Fees are paid at the entrance stations, or by purchasing a pass in advance from nearby third-party vendors, or online, through Recreation.gov, or YourPassNow.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.