North Rim Campground – Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim

North Rim Campground is (or has been) the primary developed campground inside Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim, set among tall pines and spruce at over 8,000 feet on the Kaibab Plateau. Located just a short distance from the North Rim Visitor Center and lodge area, this campground has long served as a quiet, cooler alternative to the busier South Rim, with forested sites, dark skies, and easy access to canyon overlooks and rim trails.

Important: According to the most recent National Park Service updates, the North Rim Campground is closed until further notice due to damage and loss from the Dragon Bravo wildfire. Conditions and facilities may change as repairs and future plans develop, so always check the official Grand Canyon National Park website for current status before planning a trip.

Location & Setting

The campground is located off Arizona Highway 67 near the end of the road at the North Rim developed area, within walking or a short drive of the North Rim Visitor Center and Bright Angel Point. Forested campsites sit back from the rim along Transept Canyon, a side canyon that eventually drains into the main Grand Canyon. At over 8,000 feet in elevation, summer temperatures are generally much cooler than the surrounding deserts, and nights can be crisp even in peak season.

Campground Overview

In typical operating seasons, North Rim Campground has offered dozens of individual sites plus several tent-only and group sites. Sites are nestled among mature conifers, with a mix of shaded forest spots and a handful of locations near the canyon’s edge that have partial views into Transept Canyon. The layout historically accommodated both tent campers and a range of small to mid-sized RVs and trailers, with pull-through and back-in pads and a generally quiet, national park–style atmosphere.

Amenities

Traditionally, the campground has provided picnic tables and fire rings at each site, along with potable water, flush toilets, and access to coin-op showers and laundry near the entrance. A dump station and water fill have supported RV campers, and there have been no electrical hookups at the campsites themselves. Nearby services in the North Rim developed area have included a general store, dining at the lodge, and fuel, though many of these facilities were affected by the recent wildfire and may be rebuilt or reconfigured over time.

Activities & Nearby Attractions

When open, North Rim Campground offers one of the best positions in the park for exploring the North Rim. Classic viewpoints like Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial, and Cape Royal are within a short drive, and several trails begin near the campground or the nearby visitor area. Rim-side walks, photography, wildlife viewing, ranger programs, and simply enjoying the cool forest air have all been part of the North Rim camping experience. The Kaibab Plateau itself offers additional opportunities for scenic drives, meadows, and high-country forest exploration beyond the park boundary.

Summary

North Rim Campground has long been a favorite base camp for visitors seeking a quieter, cooler Grand Canyon experience amid tall pines and dramatic canyon scenery. At present it is closed until further notice due to wildfire damage, and future seasons may bring changes to its layout, amenities, or operating dates as the National Park Service evaluates restoration and rebuilding plans. If and when it reopens, it will once again offer an exceptional forest-and-rim setting for exploring the Grand Canyon’s North Rim from right inside the park.