Updated for 2024
This is a complete guide to FREE camping in Kaibab National Forest near the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. There are free camping opportunities near the North Rim as well – please read my Guide to Free Camping at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
In this guide, you will find maps with directions, locations of most campsites, and availability of amenities such as cell coverage, water, and toilets.
About Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest
Kaibab National Forest surrounding the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is managed by the North Kaibab Ranger District, while the South Rim Forest Land is managed by the Tusayan Ranger District.
The Tusayan Ranger Station is just north of Tusayanto east of Highway 64 before the South Rim Entrance – Phone: (928) 638-2443
Maps and Directions
I highly recommend the Avenza Maps App!
Download the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the Tusayan Ranger District.
Camping inside or near Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park has three campgrounds at the South Rim. Mather Campground, Trailer Village Campground, and Desert View Campground (near the East entrance). Visit the official site for more info.
The U.S. Forest Service operates the fee-based Ten-X Campground 2 miles south of Tusayan. No hookups or showers but with pit toilets and water. Go here for information.
There are several private campgrounds along Highway 64.
Recommended FREE Camping Areas in Kaibab National Forest nearest to Grand Canyon NP
Dispersed camping is allowed on Kaibab Forest land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 30-consecutive-day period. The 30-day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location in the forest. The 14-day limit may be reached either through several separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 30-day period.
After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must leave Kaibab National Forest until the new cycle begins on day 31.
Do stop at the information board at the Ranger Station just north of Tusayan to read the rules and look at the camping maps.
As shown on the map below, there are six well-known FREE camping areas within an easy drive from Grand Canyon NP South Entrance:
- Along Forest Road (FR) 328 – many sites close to the NP border are better suited for smaller RVs
- N Long Jim Loop Road – not a loop but many sites close to Tusayan most with a lack of privacy
- Along FR302 – many sites close to the east side of town suitable for larger RVs
- Along FR688 – further south but with large sites far apart. Great for large motorhomes.
- Along FR306 – several sites to the west of Highway 64
- Along FR310 – close to the Grandview Overlook. Inside the NP Gates but on NF land.
Free Camping along FR328
If you plan to spend a lot of time in Grand Canyon National Park and want to camp as close as you can, then you should consider this area.
In the map above, you see the entrance of FR328 to the west of Highway 64 just before the South Entrance. As with all of the camping along Highway 64, you cannot camp within 0.25 miles of the Highway. In this case, the no-camping zone is marked in red on the map. To make it easy, do not camp until you reach Apache Stables on the left!
If you have a large camper it is best to find a site along the main FR328. The road is washboard but fine for all vehicles. Continue to the left turn on top of the hill (1.7 miles) and beyond.
High-clearance vehicles and vans will find secluded sites in the loop to the left (of FR328 as shown) off FR3280.
About potable water and toilets – as shown on the map there are toilets to the north just before the South Entrance. There are many free water stations at Grand Canyon Village (limited in winter).
Verizon has good LTE service at these campsites.
Free Camping along N Long Jim Drive near Tusayan
The most popular dispersed camping area with easy access to town and Highway 64. Enter just north of Tusayan after the traffic circle. This is not a loop road – do not drive through the neighborhood!
Try to avoid camping with 0.25 miles then search for a spot on both sides of the road for the next 0.5 miles. You can also see some side roads on the map – try those too.
As stated, this is a popular area and if you pick a large site someone will probably pull in close to you. For complete privacy, you may want to camp elsewhere or drive up the hill (4WD recommended) shown to the north on the map as a loop.
About potable water and toilets – there are toilets to the north just before the South Entrance. There are many free water stations at Grand Canyon Village (limited in winter).
Verizon has good LTE service at these campsites.
Free Camping along FR302 outside Tusayan
FR302 is one of three Forest Roads recommended by local rangers. There are many sites (mostly to the left) as you drive in. Just look for road tracks.
The information board is at 0.3 miles on the left and camping starts soon after to the left and across the road!
One can fit most size RVs in there and there is plenty of shade. It is often noisy with helicopters flying low.
About potable water and toilets – unless you want to try the town, there are toilets to the north just before the South Entrance. There are many free water stations at Grand Canyon Village (limited in winter).
Verizon has very good LTE service at these campsites.
Free Camping along FR688 and FR306 south of Tusayan
FR688 is perfect if you want absolute privacy and/or a large site for your rig and toys. Yes, it is a longer drive to the South Rim but you have easy access to Highway 64.
It can be noisy with helicopters and airplanes overhead.
It is recommended by local rangers.
Not all campsites are shown! There are many and you can drive for at least 2 miles (and longer) to find sites.
FR306 has many large sites but you camp at the end of a runway so it gets noisy during the day with helicopters and airplanes.
About potable water and toilets – unless you want to try the town, there are toilets to the north just before the South Entrance. There are many free water stations at Grand Canyon Village (limited in winter).
Verizon has LTE service at these campsites but certainly not as strong as closer to the rim. It is spotty, especially along FR306.
Free Camping along FR310 near Grandview Overlook
If you have National Park tickets, then this is a great area because you do not have to line up at the entrance gates every morning!
There are 6-10 camp spots depending on access because it gets wet and swampy after rains.
Verizon has LTE service at these campsites. It is quite a drive to shops, etc.
