North Rim

Summary

The North Rim Campground, located at the less populated but rustic North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, offers unmatched views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Here, campers have access to abundant wildlife, hiking trails and scenic drives. Facilities include pull-throughs, plumbed restrooms, a picnic table and campfire ring at each site, and a General Store. Whether it's the tassel-eared Kaibab squirrel, the changing colors of the canyon walls, or the trail to the Inner Canyon, North Rim promises spectacular adventures.

Overview

The North Rim Campground is located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona, approximately 212 miles from the South Rim's Grand Canyon Village area. The canyon's rustic and less populated North Rim is home to abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and unparalleled views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

The facility is at an elevation of 8,200 feet, with pleasant summer temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. There may still be snow on the ground when the campground opens in mid-May; likewise, it may snow before the last reservation day in mid-October. Because of this variability, visitors should come prepared for any weather.

Recreation

Hiking is the most popular activity for visitors. Campers have access to the Transept Trail, an unpaved trail that travels along the rim to the North Rim Visitor Center and the Grand Canyon Lodge, as well as the Bridle Path, a well-maintained gravel trail, which cuts through the forest and connects with the North Kaibab Trail. The North Kaibab Trail descends into the Inner Canyon and is a short walk from the campground.

The Bridle Path and Arizona Trail (across the park road from North Kaibab Trail parking lot) are the only trails that allow bikes and pets. Bikes and pets are prohibited on all other park trails, including the North Kaibab Trail into the Inner Canyon.

The scenic Cape Royal Road is two miles north of the campground. This scenic drive provides access to Point Imperial, Cape Royal, and Cape Final. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are prohibited from driving this road.

The Point Sublime Road (also marked as W-1 on some maps) provides access to the Widforss Trail. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are prohibited from driving this road.

Facilities

Campground:

A picnic table and campfire ring with a cooking grill exists at every campsite. Water spigots and fully plumbed restrooms with utility sinks are available throughout the main campground. The tent-only section has a vault toilet nearby, but tent campers are allowed to use the main campground's facilities as well. All sites in the main campground are pull-throughs and are measured for the combined length of an RV/trailer and tow vehicle. Due to the heavily forested landscape, RV/trailer awnings may not be accommodated depending on the site. The tent-only section can only accommodate a single vehicle per parking spot. Satellite parking for extra vehicles is available by the campground kiosk. The campground kiosk is open during normal business hours for reservation check-in and general information.

Visitor Services:

The Grand Canyon Lodge (concessionaire) operates the General Store, showers/laundry facility, and gas station that are located near the campground. The General Store is open seven days a week. The showers/laundry facility hours are posted on the doors and may change throughout the season. Showers and laundry machines are coin-operated; a change machine is located in the laundry room. During park-wide water restrictions, the showers/laundry facility may be closed to conserve water. The gas station is open 24/7 for credit/debit card customers. The Grand Canyon Lodge offers sit-down and grab-and-go food services everyday through October 15th. 

The Grand Canyon Lodge and North Rim Visitor Center are one mile south of the campground. The nearest town is Jacob Lake, 41 miles away, and the closest full-service grocery stores and medical facilities are in Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona.

Natural Features

North Rim Campground is shaded by large Ponderosa pines interspersed with aspens, which turn golden-yellow in the early fall. The campground borders Transept Canyon, a side canyon that drains into the main canyon, providing a stunning view for the premium campsites. The North Rim lies on the Kaibab Plateau, an area that has been uplifted by geologic processes, making it higher in elevation. Many species of wildlife call the Kaibab home, including the tassel-eared Kaibab squirrel which is found nowhere else in the world. A short walk along the Transept Trail or a visit to the Grand Canyon Lodge during sunrise or sunset yields spectacular views of yellow, orange, red and violet on the canyon walls. Although there is no view of the Colorado River from North Rim, layers of rock display billions of years of geologic history.