Grand Canyon - North Rim

We stayed there in 2011 also, the week after being in Trailer Village on the south rim. North rim is a very different place, more enjoyable IMHO, even with slightly less favorable views. The hike from the campground to the lodge/store isn't all that long, but it is longer than some folks would like. We enjoyed it several times during our 3 day stay. The campground is right on the rim, btw, and from the right sites, you can see it through the foliage. It is still far enough away you won't fall into it while blundering around in the dark looking for your flashlight.

North rim is a much less touristy/commercial place. It is also 2,000 feet higher at around 9,000 feet, beginning to be high enough for altitude sickness unless you take it easy, and it will be cooler for the same reason.