Grand Canyon National Park - North Rim or South Rim?

[Stan Simpson]

When we leave California after seeing 5 National Parks, we are heading to Lake Mead and then the Grand Canyon.

The North Rim area has one RV Park, the South Rim area has 4 or 5. Which area is best to see? According to Google Maps, they are a 6 hour drive apart, so we have to choose one or the other.

We would be interested in members' opinions and experiences.

P.S. (we are short hikers only..1/2 to 1 mile tops)

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Stan,
The North rim will be much less crowded than the South rim. The downside is lack of RV parks on the Kaibab plateau. I'm aware of 4; North Rim campground, Demotte Park, and 2 at Jacob Lake. Check as to hookups as some may not have water or power. All water must be piped or trucked in as the plateau has very little on it's own. As far as scenery, the North rim is it. Pine and spruce forests with lots of deer. Many of the forest roads out of Jacob lake will enable you to find isolated spots on the rim. Must use your toad, not the RV. Also don't try it without a map of the forest. There are 2 ways to get to Jacob Lake, from Fredonia to the west or from Lee's Ferry to the east. If you head east on your way out, the Vermillion cliffs can be breath-taking at sunrise and shortly after. Also watch for condors as they nest on the cliffs.  I've hunted the plateau for years but never in an RV.
Steve

[Bill Sprague]

If it is your first trip to the Grand Canyon, my suggestion is the south rim.  It will be busy and you have to deal with that.  But, the experience is necessary!

[Peter and Connie Bradish]

We vote for the north rim. While more isolated that means LESS PEOPLE. The south rim is a ZOO.

[Stan Simpson]

We vote for the north rim. While more isolated that means LESS PEOPLE. The south rim is a ZOO.

Going to be there mid-September...still a zoo then? So far, I've only found one place to stay on the North Rim side. A NPS campground that has nothing available for over 28 ft.

[Bill Englund]

RV park closest to the North Rim, with full hook ups is: http://kaibabcampervillage.com

It's tight for big rigs as there are a lot of trees and not all sites are level. And note, there is only 30 amp service. If the park is full, the voltage drops way way down. The park is seasonal and the people that were running it, when I was there, were most friendly. The drive into the park is a little over a half hour +, but this is the closest park except for the NPS park that has no hook ups and I believe has a size restriction.

North vs South - they are different, you will enjoy either one. Recommend actually doing both. North rim is around 2000' higher in elevation and forested. South rim is FULL of people, as it's easier to get to.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Stan,
If you decide on the South Rim, 2 other attractions are worthwhile. Beariazona http://bearizona.com/ in Williams AZ is a drive through wildlife zoo with everything from bears and wolves to white buffalo. If you are an aircraft buff, the museum in Vale AZ is not to be missed. They've got a lot of WWII fighters (still fly them) and McArthur's Constellation. When there ask to go to the hanger next door (N of Museum hanger). It contains a private collection of vintage autos and aircraft. Both attractions are on AZ 64, south of the canyon. Bearizona is just south of I 40 and the museum is at the junction of AZ 64 and US 180.
Steve

[Stan Simpson]

Thanks, Steve.
I think we have decided to stay in Williams and make the drive to the South Rim a couple of days, and for sure we would like to see both of the attractions you pointed out. Thank you.

We aren't planning on being there until 9-22.

[Doug Allman]

Anywhere on the Grand Canyon is excellent. North Rim & South Rim. South Rim however has numerous places of the ancients that are not on the North rim and is why most tourists select to see the South rim. If you are considering going down into the Canyon it is also done from the South Rim.

Understand that people come from all over the world to see the Grand Canyon and is why it is so busy as there is nowhere else in the world to see this type formation up close and personal.

[David T. Richelderfer]

The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, so expect a lot of traffic.  The South Rim provides more infrastructure for access, which in turn brings more traffic, which in turn brings more infrastructure, etc.  If you don't mind a crowd and prefer easier access, then go to the South Rim.  If you like more solitude and don't mind driving your toad for some distance from an RV parking space for your big rig, then go to the North Rim.  In the end, as Doug indicated, both North and South Rims are worth the visit.

[Stan Simpson]

We've decided to stay in Williams, AZ and make the drive to the South Rim with our toad. The crowds should be a little less when we get there, September 22. Plus there are numerous places around Williams that we'd like to see.

Thanks to everyone for the ideas.

[Peter and Connie Bradish]

FYI there is a nice site for info (https://grandcanyon.com/planning/south-rim-planning-planning/need-know-south-rim/).
Please note September 22, 2018 is National Public Lands Day and is an entrance fee FREE day.
So there will be LOTS of people there on that day.
If you go that day, it will probably be good to go EARLY, park in the car parking areas and use the free shuttle.
Good Luck, Connie Bradish

[Harold and Gloria Skipworth]

We've stayed in Williams at The Grand Canyon Railway RV Park . Then took the train to the south rim.  The train was worth the effort, enjoyed lunch and entertainment on the train.  Visited the north rim and stayed at http://kaibabcampervillage.com/.  Full hookups , may be the only one near the rim (45 mi.) on the rustic side but can accommodate 40' units.  Close to food and fuel. Personal opinion, the north rim was more enjoyable .