Place · 0.3 mi away
Overview
If you want the North Rim’s drama without the South Rim crowds, this small, no-frills loop is your move. It’s quiet, dark at night, and a short stroll puts you on the canyon’s edge. Expect basics over comforts and you’ll love it.
What to Expect
There are only 13 first-come, first-served sites tucked among pinyon and juniper. It’s peaceful even when full, but don’t expect big buffers—site spacing feels tighter than some reviews led people to believe, with site 13 commonly called out as the most private. From camp, a short path leads to the rim for those punchy North Rim vistas, and the Chasm View Trail literally starts in the campground, making sunrise/sunset checks almost effortless.
Getting There
The last stretch to the North Rim and the rim drive are gravel. They’re usually in decent shape for most vehicles, but it’s still unpaved—slow down, allow extra time, and don’t roll in on fumes or low on supplies.
Amenities & Essentials
This is a primitive setup: vault toilets, bear boxes at sites, and potable water available seasonally (it’s trucked in, so use it sparingly and don’t count on it outside summer). No hookups, no showers, no store, no gas. Pay at the self-serve station when you arrive. A small ranger station is nearby but operates limited hours.
Wildlife & Safety
Bear boxes aren’t decoration—use them for all food and scented items. Expect the usual small critters and, in dry years, yellowjackets can be pesky. Keep your camp clean and buttoned up.
Why Camp Here
- Instant access to cliff-edge scenery without driving to viewpoints
- A calmer vibe than the South Rim, with excellent night skies
Best Time to Visit
- Spring–fall for the most reliable access and seasonal water
- Arrive late morning to early afternoon on weekends to snag a first-come site
- For photos, aim for golden hour at the rim; mornings can be breezier but less hazy
Quick Tips
- Site spacing varies—if privacy matters, scout early; site 13 is often cited as the most tucked away
- Bring extra water outside summer and a headlamp for those stellar dark skies
Pros
- Quieter, more remote base with quick access to rim views
- Chasm View Trail starts right from camp
Cons
- Sites are closer together than some expect
- Unpaved gravel approach and very limited services
Tips
- Arrive before midday on weekends—only 13 sites and first-come.
- Bring extra water; the spigot is seasonal and trucked in.
- Use the bear boxes for all food and scented items.
- Expect a gravel approach—drive slow and plan extra time.
- Walk the Chasm View Trail at dawn or dusk for the best light.
