Campgrounds 8,336 ft Bortle 1 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

The North Rim Campground is located on the remote and rustic North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, approximately 210 miles (338 km) from Grand Canyon Village, AZ on the South Rim. It is nestled in a thick ponderosa and aspen forest just on the canyon's edge at an elevation of 8,200 feet. This facility is perfect for tent camping and smaller RVs. Due to its heavily forested location, large and/or high-profile RVs cannot be accommodated. The maximum length in each site description is the combined length of both the RV/trailer and tow vehicle. Many sites are not level and have obstacles such as tight curves and narrow passages through trees. Some sites may not accommodate trailer pop-outs or awnings. The maximum vehicle length permitted on the Cape Royal Scenic Road, Widforss Trailhead, and North Kiabab Trailhead is 22 feet ; plan accordingly if renting an RV if you wish to explore these other areas of the park. Recreation Situated right along the canyon's edge, campers can access most of the North Rim's scenic spots and amenities on foot. The Bridle Path, a foot/bike/stock use trail, gives visitors access to both the Grand Canyon Lodge and Visitor Center area as well as the North Kaibab Trailhead. The Transept Trail (foot only, no dogs allowed) is a great alternate route to the Grand Canyon Lodge and Visitor Center as it hugs the canyon rim and offers spectacular views. If visitors have a longer stay at North Rim, the Cape Royal Scenic Drive is a wonderful scenic drive with additional hiking opportunities. But do note, the maximum vehicle length permitted on the Cape Royal Scenic Road is 22 feet; plan accordingly if renting an RV if you wish to explore these other areas of the park. For more information on recreational opportunities, click here. Facilities Campground: There is a standard campground that can accommodate both tent and RV camping. There is also a tent-only campground and a group tent-only campground that does not permit RVs of any kind. This facility is perfect for tent camping and smaller RVs. Large and/or high-profile RVs cannot be accommodated due to the campground's thickly forested location. Many sites are not level and have obstacles such as tight curves and narrow trees. Some sites may not accommodate trailer pop-outs or awnings. Each campsite has a picnic table and campfire ring with a cooking grill. Group sites have 2 picnic tables and 2 campfire rings with cooking grills each. Water spigots and restrooms with flush toilets and sinks are located throughout the main campground. The tent-only section has a vault toilet nearby, but tent campers are welcome to use the other facilities. Visitor Services: The North Rim Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Lodge are located 1 mile (1.6 km) south of the campground. The Grand Canyon Lodge (concessionaire) operates the campground General Store, showers/laundry facility, and gas station. During park-wide water restrictions, the showers/laundry facility may be closed to conserve water. The Grand Canyon Lodge offers sit-down and grab-and-go food services everyday through October 15th. Natural Features North Rim Campground is shaded by large ponderosa pines interspersed with aspens which turn golden in the autumn as it is situated at over 8,000 feet (2438 m) in elevation. However, it only takes a short walk to peer over the canyon rim to see millions of years of geologic history. The North Rim lies on the Kaibab Plateau, an area that has been uplifted by geologic processes. Many species of wildlife call the Kaibab Plateau home including the tassel-eared Kaibab squirrel which is found nowhere else in the world. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (928) 638-7888 for general information.

Near Grand Canyon, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

The right gear turns potential problems into non-issues. Here's what North Rim Campground (az) demands.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Climate Gear

Insulated layers — Body heat escapes rapidly when you stop moving; an insulated layer traps warmth during breaks and at camp.
Hand warmers — Cold fingers lose dexterity fast, making it harder to operate zippers, buckles, and navigation devices when you need them most.
Thermos — A hot drink on a cold trail restores core temperature and morale faster than any other comfort item.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
Headlamp (extra) — Remote terrain often takes longer than expected to navigate; a backup headlamp prevents being stranded in darkness if your primary fails.
Emergency bivy — An emergency bivy sack weighs 4-8 ounces and provides wind and rain protection if an injury, storm, or navigation error forces an unplanned night out.
PLB/satellite messenger — A Personal Locator Beacon sends your GPS coordinates to search-and-rescue via satellite, working anywhere on Earth with no cell signal needed.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.
Extra hydration — Altitude increases respiration rate and urine output, depleting fluids faster than at sea level; carry more water than you think you need.
Slow acclimatization advice — Ascending too quickly above 8,000 feet triggers altitude sickness in many people; gaining no more than 1,000-1,500 feet of sleeping elevation per day reduces risk.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

North Rim Campground (az) draws visitors for camping, but the 11 available activities mean there's more here than most expect.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
ice_fishing — Drill through frozen lakes to fish beneath the ice during winter.
ice_skating — Glide across frozen ponds or maintained outdoor rinks during winter months.
mountain_biking — Ride off-road trails that wind through forests, deserts, and mountain terrain.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

Awareness is the best safety tool at North Rim Campground (az). Here are the wildlife considerations for this area.

Danger rating: 50/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Elevated (8,336ft)
Remote (172mi from city)

Altitude risk: moderate

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), High elevation (8,336ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.

Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
Make noise while hiking
Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

30 bird species have been documented near North Rim Campground (az), alongside 7 mammals and a rich variety of native plants.

Trees (2)

Gambel Oak — This species is common in foothills and lower mountain slopes of the southwestern United States.
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — It dominates many upland forests in Arizona and New Mexico.

Wildflowers (1)

Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Shrubs (3)

fernbush — A rounded shrub with finely divided fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers.
Roundleaf buffaloberry — A thorny shrub with silvery round leaves and small yellow flowers.
Brown-spined Pricklypear — It grows in desert scrub habitats.

Other Plants (5)

Utah Agave
Colorado Pinyon
Apache plume
Banana Yucca
Utah Juniper

Mammals (7)

Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Bighorn Sheep — Stocky mountain sheep with tan coat and white rump.
Cliff Chipmunk — A small striped rodent with gray-brown fur and bold facial markings.

Birds (30)

Bushtit — Tiny gray bird with long tail
Wild Turkey — Large dark bird with iridescent bronze sheen
Common Raven — Large all-black bird with shaggy throat
Juniper Titmouse — Plain gray body
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — Blue head and wings

Reptiles (10)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Desert Spiny Lizard — A robust lizard with rough spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Western Whiptail — A slender, fast-moving lizard with a very long tail and distinct pale stripes over a dark body.

Amphibians (1)

Canyon Tree Frog

Insects (8)

Western Carpenter Bee
Painted Lady
Monarch
White-lined Sphinx
Kaibab Paper Wasp

Nature Bingo at North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Wapiti (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
Utah Agave (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The weather at North Rim Campground (az) follows a Alpine pattern — here's the monthly breakdown.

Climate type: Alpine

Best months to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Winter 27°

2.7"

Spring 41°

1.2"

Summer 65°

2.0"

Fall 45°

1.4"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	27°F	2.7 in
Feb	29°F	3.1 in
Mar	35°F	2.0 in
Apr	41°F	1.2 in
May	49°F	0.8 in
Jun	61°F	0.3 in
Jul	65°F	2.0 in
Aug	62°F	2.8 in
Sep	56°F	1.4 in
Oct	45°F	1.4 in
Nov	35°F	1.3 in
Dec	26°F	2.2 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.6 hours in summer — a difference of 4.9 hours.

Summer: 5:10 AM – 7:46 PM

Winter: 7:31 AM – 5:14 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:31 AM, Sunset 5:14 PM Golden hour from 4:35 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:10 AM, Sunset 7:46 PM Golden hour from 7:08 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:40 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:09 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to North Rim Campground (az) — here's the practical information you'll need.

From Las Vegas, North Rim Campground (az) is a drive covering 172 miles.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (172 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $42.93 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 138.8 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates not_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: not_allowed — Found restriction: 'no dogs'
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

Here's what else is nearby if you want to expand your itinerary beyond North Rim Campground (az).

Nearby Trails

North Rim Amphitheater Trail, Grand Canyon National Park 0.06 mi
Transept Trail, Grand Canyon National Park 0.35 mi
North Kaibab Trail (N, 0mi), Grand Canyon National Park 0.52 mi
Bridal Path, Grand Canyon National Park 0.57 mi
Ken Patrick Trail, Grand Canyon National Park 0.57 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Cottonwood Campground, Grand Canyon National Park 2.99 mi
Bright Angel Campground, Coconino 7.78 mi
Indian Garden Campground, Coconino 9.98 mi
Trailer Village Rv Park - South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park 11.3 mi

Nearby Attractions

Stargazing & Night Sky at North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

North Rim Campground (az) sits under Bortle class 1 skies — Excellent dark-sky site for stargazing in Arizona.

Bortle 1 Excellent dark-sky site

Constellations

From North Rim Campground (az), you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at North Rim Campground (az).

North Rim Campground (az) is a year-round destination, but each season has its own character and highlights.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: April - May

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 8336ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park

This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.

The 2 Indigenous groups connected to this land include Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Diné Bizaad.

Diné Bizaad

Data from Native Land Digital

North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, North Rim Campground (az) sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Quaternary surficial deposits, undivided
Lithology: Major:{sand,silt,clay}
Age: Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 58
Unique Species: 28
Oldest: 1000 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 3
Richness: Low
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Asbestos

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 106°F (2005-07-18)
Record Low: -23°F (1985-02-01)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 73
Largest Fire: Warm (39,111.8 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a humid climate
Karst Score: 40

Watershed

Watershed: Fence Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

Bigfoot Reports: 2 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 16/100

North Rim Campground (az), Grand Canyon National Park Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check these official resources for current conditions at North Rim Campground (az) before you go.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: BRIGHT ANGEL RANGER STATION, AZ US (0.31 mi)