Camping options between North Rim and Park boundary?

[annemcguffey]

I'm assuming there's no "legal" camping between the North Rim and the National Park boundary. That's a 12.6 mile stretch, and if I hike north from the North Rim in the afternoon I'd like to go about 6-8 miles and camp, if possible. I appreciate any info on possible camping in that stretch, or is it just not possible or allowed.

[toddak]

I'm assuming you would be hiking north on segment #39 of the AZT? Technically I'm sure a backcountry permit is required, but it probably wouldn't be difficult to stealth camp, the area is heavily wooded. However, 6-8 miles from the North Rim the AZT runs very close and parallel to Highway 67, making it harder to keep a low profile. Check out the map on the description page [ description ]

[happyduck]

@annemcguffey

Anne - I tried finding something exact on AZT site or even the guide book. I could not find anything concrete. However, from what I could find it does lead to between N. Rim and Boundary possible you would need permit to camp outside of the designated camping area. Here is a number to call to verify what you are after is possible w/ or w/out a permit.

Backcountry Information Center staff answer information telephone inquiries at 928-638-7875 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays

Hope this helps,
Craig Gregory Regional Steward 16-19

[chumley]

Camping in Grand Canyon National Park (outside a developed campground) requires a backcountry permit. Even above the rim.

After about 1 mile on the AZT north of the rim the trail enters backcountry use area ND9 - Robbers Roost. At about the 6 mile mark, it crosses the highway and the remaining ~6 miles to the park boundary is in backcountry use area NB9 - Thompson Canyon.

Map with AZT route and GC Use Areas together:
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=5414

You'll have to apply for a backcountry permit from the NPS Backcountry office for either of those use areas. Each allows at least 4 permits per night. Call and ask what kind of demand there is for that area before applying for your permit. It might be simple, or there may be a lot of demand. I have no idea!

Backcountry Permit website:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/ ... permit.htm

Backcountry Information Center staff answer information telephone inquiries at 928-638-7875 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. This telephone number is for information only.

[toddak]

Most of the time, wilderness boundaries and regulations serve a legitimate purpose. But sometimes they are mostly arbitrary. Elsewhere on the Kaibab Plateau the park boundary follows the natural landscape, but here its just a straight east/west line on a map. Exercise your own discretion.

[John9L]

Another option is to camp in the North Rim Campground. They set aside a handful of sites for backpackers & bikers. I would feel comfortable showing up especially if hiking solo. The campground entrance is less than a mile from the North Kaibab trail so it's not too far out of the way. Plus you'll have access to a shower, store & restaurant.

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/cg-nr.htm

For Reservations: 1-877-444-6777
Hiker/biker communal (shared) sites are available during the season - inquire at the campground kiosk office

[nonot]

It's worth a call to the Grand Canyon backcountry offices, it is my understanding there is some type of arrangement for AZT through hikers. I would think it applies even if your intent is not to hike the entire thing in one go.

[Hippy]

you can ask someone who lives on the north rim if you can pitch your tent in their yard, free of charge and in a safe place...i'm sure that person would say yes.

[sandyfortner]

you can ask someone who lives on the north rim if you can pitch your tent in their yard, free of charge and in a safe place...i'm sure that person would say yes.

Of course the problem with this is that no one lives on the Rim. Yes, there's housing for the Rangers, but they would refer you to the Backcountry office for a permit, or to the campground.

[cactuscat]

@sandyfortner
I believe Hippy was referring to herself ... others besides Rangers do have the privilege of living there.
One can also make friends with Rangers (we are people too) and that can have all sorts of advantages ...

[Hippy]

@sandyfortner ....I live here. May-October I guide North Rim day hikes. and there are about 500 people living here during the summer season (may-oct). I'm lucky enough to have a rather decent sized RV parking spot so i can easily fit a tent camper in front of my "rig"
come on over friends! Come say hi.

Also, what Cat said! (hi buddy!)

[cactuscat]

@Hippy
I am coming to the South side for about a week in September - would love to see you ... maybe even see the North side finally. ;)

[sandyfortner]

@sandyfortner ....I live here. May-October I guide North Rim day hikes. and there are about 500 people living here during the summer season (may-oct). I'm lucky enough to have a rather decent sized RV parking spot so i can easily fit a tent camper in front of my "rig"
come on over friends! Come say hi.

Also, what Cat said! (hi buddy!)

Cool! I stand corrected! I had no idea - but it's good to know! Thanks.

[RobSteady]

I just finished my thru hike on June 4, 2016. When I was at the North Rim the ranger at the Backcountry Information Center said he could give me a dispersed camping permit, if I wanted to continue hiking that day, if I thought I wouldn't make it to the park boundary. There was no need to stealth camp. I stayed the night at the hiker/biker site anyway. But that was an option to get the permit. Rob Steady.

[Sredfield]

@RobSteady
Great to know! Thanks for posting this.

[mptattwo]

I stayed at the hiker/biker campground ...all the way in the.back....was a little farther away from the bathrooms ...BUT THE VIEW!!!!