Boondocking Grand Canyon National Park: Free, Dispersed Camping
The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, drawing millions of visitors each year with its natural beauty, breathtaking views, and endless outdoor activities.
Grand Canyon camping is one of these popular outdoor activities. There are several developed campgrounds within and nearby the national park, but this guide will focus on some of the best dispersed camping spots for boondocking near the Grand Canyon.
Can you camp anywhere in Grand Canyon?
While camping within the Grand Canyon itself is possible, it requires a backcountry permit and is mostly limited to hikers. Obtaining a permit can be a lengthy process and is not always guaranteed.
For those looking for a more traditional camping experience, there are developed campgrounds within the national park, but they require reservations months in advance and are usually not free.
However, there are plenty of free camping opportunities since dispersed camping is allowed in the nearby Kaibab National Forest, just outside the park boundaries.
The following list is divided into campsites near the South Rim and near the North Rim, all of which offer a unique camping experience in the stunning scenery surrounding the Grand Canyon.
Free camping near Grand Canyon South Rim
Coconino Rim Road Dispersed Camping
Open: Year-round
GPS location: 35.9623, -111.9644
Type of campground: Dirt road
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Coconino Rim Road is one of the most popular sites in Kaibab National Forest for dispersed camping. This camp site doesn’t have views of the Grand Canyon itself but it’s one of the closest to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
It has easy access from the south entrance of the park. The first part of the entrance road is rough and bumpy, but once you pass the cattle guard, road conditions improve greatly.
You’ll see plenty of well-spaced out spots. It’s a great choice for those who want a secluded and quiet place but with good cell service.
Forest Service Road 328 Dispersed Camping
Open: Year-round
GPS location: 35.9882, -112.1338
Type of campground: Dirt road
Forest Service Road 328 is north of the Tusayan Ranger District and its biggest selling point is that it’s just minutes away from the park entrance station.
The site has a well-maintained dirt road and is easily accessible for any low clearance vehicles.
As many reviewers have mentioned, drive past the “no camping” signs and you’ll find a quite spacious area that’s perfect for all size vehicles including big rigs and RVs. It’s one of the best free camping sites because you get both privacy and space while still being close to the Grand Canyon and its amenities.
Long Jim Loop
Open: Year-round
GPS location: 35.9812, -112.1271
Type of campground: Dirt road
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Long Jim Loop is located a few minutes away from the south entrance of the Grand Canyon and just outside the town of Tusayan, where you can find general stores and restaurants.
The road is fairly well-kept with some few potholes but it does get dusty and it gets quite muddy during the rainy season. High clearance vehicles will have no problem navigating the road.
There are several camping spots along the loop that can accommodate RVs, camper vans, and tents.
The area is also regularly patrolled by the local police and forest rangers so it’s pretty safe for those who want to leave behind their setup while exploring the Grand Canyon.
Forest Road 688 Dispersed Camping
Open: Year-round
GPS location: 35.9262, -112.1245
Type of campground: Dirt road
Forest Road 688 is located a bit farther from the Grand Canyon but is a great place if you want somewhere more secluded. This remote location is near a dense forest of ponderosa pines and is peaceful except for some car noise from the highway and some occasional cattle roaming.
There is also enough open space if you need solar exposure.
The main access road is in good condition, leading to plenty of spots spread out evenly. The sites are perfect for any size RV and bigger rigs and several of them have nice fire pits.
Forest Service Road 306 Dispersed Camping
Open: Year-round
GPS location: 35.927, -112.1338
Type of campground: Dirt road
Forest Road 306 is around 15 minutes away from the park’s entrance. Similar to the other forest roads, it’s quiet and peaceful which makes for the ideal boondocking experience.
This one is also relatively less known than the others so it doesn’t get as crowded, even during weekends. It’s one of the best places for big rigs and large RVs because there’s so much space.
Forest Service Road 302 Dispersed Camping
Open: Year-round
GPS location: 35.9681, -112.1185
Type of campground: Dirt road
Forest Service Road 302 is another popular free campsite in the Grand Canyon’s south rim. It’s also located right at the edge of Tusayan for quick access to stores and amenities. Because it’s so close to the national park, campers mentioned that the helicopter noises could get bothersome, but it stops in the evening.
The road is fairly level and surrounded by tall pine trees. Sites are fairly spread out so there is a decent amount of privacy. Accessibility to some sites can be difficult for those with bigger rigs.
Free camping near Grand Canyon North Rim
Forest Service Road 611
Open: Seasonally (late spring to late fall)
GPS location: 36.394, -112.1155
Type of campground: Dirt road
Forest Service Road 611 is close to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. There are around 20 sites, many of which are large enough to accommodate big rigs. Some of the best campsites are further in and are quite close to the steep edge but you’ll get some nice canyon views.
The dirt road is decently maintained with a few bumpy and rocky patches. It can be a bit challenging to navigate because of the elevation and the spotty cell service. But once you find a spot, you’ll enjoy a peaceful and quiet stay.
Saddle Mountain Overlook
Open: Year-round
GPS location: 33.464, -113.0366
Type of campground: BLM land
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Saddle Mountain Overlook is the closest you can get to camping on the north rim. Some of the campsites are right on the rim and have spectacular views of the canyon. There are also many other spots that are just a short walk from the viewpoint.
The downside is that the gravel access road is quite tough to navigate. 4-wheel drive and high clearance is strongly recommended. RVs and trailers are also not suited to go all the way up to the overlook but there are still good spots down the mountain and is still definitely worth it for the amazing sunset and sunrise views.
Marble Viewpoint Dispersed Camping
Open: Seasonally (late spring to late fall)
GPS location: 36.4025, -112.0624
Type of campground: Dirt road
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Marble Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Marble Canyon, North Canyon and the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. The gravel access road is pretty bumpy, with a few mud puddles just before the campsites so high clearance would be helpful but not necessary. Towing big RVs and trailers would not be recommended.
It’s also well off the beaten path so cell service can get spotty but it means that there’s plenty of space and privacy. It’s also not as well known as the other camping areas.
Campgrounds inside Grand Canyon
If your budget allows for a campsite fee and you’re able to book reservations well in advance, these are your camping options inside the National Park.
Desert View Campground
Open: Seasonally (April to October)
GPS location: 36.0400, -111.8222
Type of campground: Developed campground
Price: $18 per night
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Desert View Campground is a popular campground located near the East Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. There are a total of 50 campsites available that can accommodate tents and smaller RVs up to 30 feet.
There are no RV hookups but each site has basic amenities and is situated among juniper trees, providing some shade and privacy.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on the official website.
Mather Campground
Open: Year-round
GPS location: 36.04972, -112.12047
Type of campground: Developed campground
Price: $18 to $50 per night
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Mather Campground is the only campground within the Grand Canyon Village, making it one of the most popular camping destinations. There are 327 campsites for all sizes, each including a campfire ring/cooking grate, picnic table, parking space and plenty of room for tents and vehicles.
This campground has access to many park amenities like shuttle buses, flush toilets, showers, and potable water.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on the official website.
North Rim Campground
Open: Seasonally (June to October)
GPS location: 36.210355, -112.060687
Type of campground: Developed campground
Price: $18 to $50 per night
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North Rim Campground offers rustic camping experience with tent and RV sites nestled among tall pines and aspens at a very high elevation.
There are over 90 campsites each with a picnic table and campfire ring. Water spigots and fully plumbed restrooms are available throughout the main campground. All sites in the main campground are pull-throughs and can accommodate various sizes of RVs and trailers.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on the official website.
Paid Campgrounds outside Grand Canyon
For camping amenities and a little more space from the National Park crowds, consider the following campgrounds near Grand Canyon National Park.
Ten-x Campground
Open: Seasonally (May to September)
GPS location: 35.9344688 -112.1261202
Type of campground: Developed campground
Price: $10 to $175 per night
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Ten-x Campground is Located just 4 miles south of the park entrance in the Kaibab National Forest. There are 70 camping sites, with around 10 available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The campground features a mix of shaded and open sites, all of which are quiet and peaceful and with amenities like drinking water, restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
DeMotte Campground
Open: Seasonally (mid-May to October)
GPS location: 36.411377, -112.135445
Type of campground: Developed campground
Price: No rates available yet
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DeMotte Campground, operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is located within the North Kaibab Ranger District. The campground offers 38 single-family campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length.
Half of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the other half require reservations.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on the official website.
Jacob Lake Campground
Open: Seasonally (May to September)
GPS location: 36.7163792, -112.2143451
Type of campground: Developed campground
Price: $26 per night
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Jacob Lake Campground is located on the north rim a bit further from the entrance. The campground is nestled among towering ponderosa pines with over 51 campsites with all the basic amenities.
The campground is a great base for exploring the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Jake Lake Recreation Area.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on the official website.
Take in the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon through camping, whether you go boondocking, RV camping or opt for a developed campground, your Grand Canyon vacation will sure be an unforgettable experience.
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