Headed to the North Rim campground in August. Reservation in hand. Any "tricks" or unique things we need to know? I'm aware it is dry camping. Thanks for any insights.

Find time to get over to the South Rim so you can REALLY see the whole Grand Canyon not just a fraction of it.

There are a lot of great hikes to take in the area. Take the time to sit for a while in the Lodge looking across the Canyon. Not sure what you meant by tricks? Are you referring to drycamping tricks or tricks to seeing the North Rim?

The cafe/store at Jacob Lake is NOT a rip off. Go to the South Rim if you like crowds or desert scenery. At dusk it's easy to see 200 mule deer from the rim to the entrance. Several trails for seeing more of the big hole.

In August you'll have the perfect time to be there. I wouldn't want to be at the South Rim at that time. Take advantage of the ranger-led hikes and activities for a good experience. Walk down the canyon trail if only for 1/4 - 1/2 mile or so. It will give you a different perspective of the canyon. It's a very peaceful, calming place. You'll enjoy it. Although a pretty long day trip, if you have time visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. It in a beautiful area and is an amazing no-kill facility. Also in Kanab is Coral Pink Sands State Park for a drive through. The color of the dunes is awesome.Enjoy your trip!

If you want to get away from the crowds and have the canyon to yourself Then Buck Farms viewpoints are the way to go. The turnoff is off 89A I think, look at this set of images:More PhotosKeep hitting next. We saw ONE other vehicle during the entire day and that was a Forest Service truck.This is another website:Buck FarmsYou can sit on the edge of the canyon dangle your feet off and boondock too. No one around---period

North Rim Grand Canyon | Good Sam Community

Dick_B
Explorer
May 27, 2016
The North Rim used to have Ranger talks; haven't been there in a few years however.
Busskipper
Explorer
May 27, 2016
LittleJimsSon wrote:
Headed to the North Rim campground in August. Reservation in hand. Any "tricks" or unique things we need to know? I'm aware it is dry camping. Thanks for any insights.

The only Trick/Advice I give is to try to enjoy an early Breakfast at the Buffet. and then as many say just Stare - Cooler - Less Crowded - Higher - Different than the South Rim.

Many considered it to be the better of the two but the truth is (IMHO) that it is just a different EXPERIENCE than the South Rim. In the summer because it is a little higher in elevation it is a little cooler, It offers many wild hikes and just a different experience - just remember if you hike down it will be hotter and it is a longer way back up.

Having been to both side many many times it is just more ME. In August I will guess you will still have some warm days but if you turn in late you will not miss the lack of A/C in a dry camp spot. But sometimes it is still warm or still at night and a battery powered fan might be nice.

Enjoy your trip and try to remember to let us all know how you liked it.

BOL,

Images look good to me.
timandsusan
Explorer
May 27, 2016
We did this in 2007, go to the Forest Service office in Jacobs Lake, get advice on Forest service roads, if OK, get a map and drive to the Grand Canyon on your own--NO RIG. We were the only people at the North Rim site via the forest service roads. The roads in 2007 were gravel and in excellent condition. Also we stayed at the RV park near Jacobs Lake and it worked out very well.
knshook
Explorer
May 27, 2016
We love the south rim but also enjoyed seeing north rim for a very different perspective. We also took some of the back roads and ended up literally at the edge of the canyon. It was awe inspiring. It's been a few years since we were at the north rim but if I remember correctly the drive, beyond Jacobs Lake area, is beautiful!
Naio
Explorer II
May 27, 2016
I was comfortable on the North Rim in August. Much less crowded than the South Rim in April!

I just sat on the edge and stared for 3 days. It was that awesome. I do regret that I did not take the short hike down to Roaring Springs, or the long one to the bottom of the canyon.
agesilaus
Explorer III
May 27, 2016
Ivylog wrote:
^^^ Hot, not really as it's 1000' higher than the other side with plenty of trees... Two of the many reasons I like it better than the South Rim.

Exactly, I recall that as we were sitting on the rim there was a cool breeze blowing over us. Of course Ozzie the Shade hound didn't feel it with several inches of insulation covering him.
Ivylog
Explorer III
May 27, 2016
^^^ Hot, not really as it's 1000' higher than the other side with plenty of trees... Two of the many reasons I like it better than the South Rim.
Strabo
Explorer
May 27, 2016
Must be hot in angust
agesilaus
Explorer III
May 27, 2016
Ask at Jacob Lake Ranger station for directions to Buck Farms and road conditions
bigbullelk
Explorer
May 27, 2016
^^^ great post!