Photo by Whit Richardson
North Rim Campground
This national park campground is open from mid-May until mid-Oct. and located in the forest with some sites facing Transept Canyon. The Transept Trail connects the campground to Bright Angel Point and the Grand Canyon Lodge visitor complex. Campfires are allowed in grills only. No RV hookups are available but there is a dump station. Sites are $18-$25 and may be reserved through the National Reservation Service, (877) 444-6777; recreation.gov.
DeMotte Campground
Located along AZ 67 in Kaibab National Forest and 18 miles north of the North Rim, Demotte is an alternative to camping in the national park. Sites are tucked in aspen groves and the campground looks out onto a meadow where deer and elk often graze. Kaibab Lodge restaurant and store are within easy walking distance. Sites are $17 and first come, first served and often fill up on quickly on summer weekends. Campfires are allowed in fire pits. Open seasonally, from mid-May through mid-Oct. For more information: (928) 643-7175; fs.fed.us/r3/kai
At-large camping
Numerous Kaibab National Forest roads just north and west of the national park accommodate primitive camping, and some roads lead to spectacular, private North Rim overlooks. Among the best sites are Fence Point and Fire Point. These roads also access the Rainbow Rim Trail (see page 64). Inquire at the Kaibab
Visitor Center on AZ 67 for directions; reaching these overlooks is requires navigating a spider web of old, unsigned logging roads. For more information: (928) 643-7175; fs.fed.us/r3/kai
