Boondocking on North Rim of Grand Canyon

[Voyager_Mike]

I have seen articles and fotos of rigs boondocking on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. On the other hand, these were truck campers and we are a full sized fifth-wheel rig. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge that would help us plan? This is for in the next couple of weeks or so.

[c_traveler2]

Ramblin' Ralph wrote:
I think 2gypsies might be referring to the location below. The road is NF22. I was on the W side of the NF22 curve, but I see in the satellite view someone on the E side. I remember there was an open area that was "pull thru" vs. back-in where I was. The Kaibab Plateau is a great area for boondocking. Have fun!

Google map of location here. (Zoom in to see NF22).

Here's a photo of that spot.


As you can see a MH and 5th Wheel are camping here and the road is than easy graded dirt road
This spot places you about 5 miles from the North Rim NP entrance, there's a fuel station and use of the dump inside the NP

[RamblinManGA]

Hi from AZ. . . thanks R Ralph, good to know about that area to extend the camping season a bit., Regards, Craig

[2gypsies1]

Yep, Ramblin' Ralph, it's NF22. It's neat to see the area via satellite! Thanks.

[Ramblin__Ralph]

I think 2gypsies might be referring to the location below. The road is NF22. I was on the W side of the NF22 curve, but I see in the satellite view someone on the E side. I remember there was an open area that was "pull thru" vs. back-in where I was. The Kaibab Plateau is a great area for boondocking. Have fun!

Google map of location here. (Zoom in to see NF22).

[2gypsies1]

As stated, the park buildings and campground close Oct 15 but the park roads are still open for touring until snow closes them down.

Just outside the park entrance is DeMotte national forest campground right on Hwy 64. It's dry camping and a lovely spot at that time of year with the aspen yellows and green pines. You'll have to check when that campground closes.

About 1/8 mile from DeMotte toward the park entrance on the same side of the highway, turn right on a very good wide gravel road and drive about 1/2 mile and you'll begin seeing lovely boondocking spots. Forgot the forest service road number but it's easy to spot. Find your perfect spot, turn off the key and you're home. 🙂 Taking this gravel road on the opposite side of Hwy 64 is doable, too, but we find bigger spots on the west side. Enjoy!

[RamblinManGA]

Hi from AZ. . . The North rim campground is a good spot with no hookups, & your 5th wheel should fit fine. They have a store & campground showers as I recall. The whole North Rim area closes for the year on OCT 15. regards, Craig

[Voyager_Mike]

Thanks, looks like just what we needed.

[tonyandkaren]

Check this blog post - http://www.thegoodluckduck.com/2012/08/camp-for-free-at-north-rim-grand-canyon.html

Don't be fooled by the little car and tent. At the time the post was written they had a big class A.