Timp Point Dispersed Campsite

Absolute solitude, complete quiet on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Canyon was visible through the trees from our site, the Rainbow Rim Trail yards away, Timp Point about 1 mile by road, less than 2 miles by the trail. Camped from May 24-27.

Somewhat difficult to get into the site. Be prepared for 22.5 miles of well-maintained gravel road with washboards throughout. Maintained for passenger cars, so just take it slow. Takes about an hour from highway 67 to campsite. Roads are well-marked but an offline GPS map is necessary, there is no service of any kind and Google Maps desperately tries to lead you down unmaintained 4x4 roads.

Basic directions are Hwy 67 to Road 22, then Rd 206 to Rd 271.

Campsite is about .5 mile off of Rd 271, basically a 4x4 trail. We managed with our 33ft trailer, having to clear some dead branches along the way. Would be MUCH easier with a smaller, shorter trailer/van. We just took it slow, worth it for the solitude. Once in the site, there was a large area for positioning our trailer, fairly level, although it slopes toward the rim, fairly easy to turn around with some backing. Some opening in the trees for solar. There is a fire ring closer to the trail and rim but nearby was a lot of mule poop so we camped further back.

There are several other easier campsites closer to Timp Point with room for multiple campers. But you can see and especially hear the other campers. However, for the first 2 days, we were alone on the trail and at the point, incredible. The trail is only yards away, but we only had a few bikers later in the week and could only see them from shoulders up due to vegetation.

Most of the Kaibab Plateau has seen fire fairly recently. This area had a low intensity fire so only underbrush and small trees were burned, the very large ponderosas are fine, but there is an amount of charcoaled dirt around. Needless to say, there are no fires allowed, be very careful with anything that can spark.

The Kaibab Plateau is a boondockers dream. Miles and miles of forest road, many campsites, some marked on MVUM, some not. There are many sites closer to the highway for those who need easier access to the national park.

There are no services after the highway. Bring all the water you need. There is a dump station at the national park campground with potable water, cost is only the admission to the park which is good for a week. Gas is available at Jacob's Lake at the top of the plateau, very pricey. Gas is also available just before you turn onto Road 22 as well as within the park. The station within the park is full service, a treat for those of us who've pumped our own gas since we were teens!

The plateau opens around May 15th, you can access forest roads before that but the highway is closed. May seems to be the dry season, monsoons are late summer and the roads may not be as passable then. The weeks before Memorial Day are off-season and there are no crowds at the park with ample parking at the Visitor's Center and the viewpoints, perfect times to come. We were prepared for cold weather, but the lowest we had was 45 at night, one day got up to about 85, but it was generally around 70 during the day. The viewpoints within the park vary wildly in temp. Point Imperial is at 8800ft & cool forest. Cape Royal 14 miles away was at least 20 degrees warmer with desert vegetation. Dress in layers.

Amazing spot right on the rim, with rainbow rim trail running through. So peaceful, the views! Only about 4 or 5 spots up there, turnaround at end of road at trailhead. Roomy campsites. Did I mention the views, just beautiful and always changing. Will absolutely come again.

Only 3 sites available, but not what a view. You are located right on the edge of the canyon along the rainbow rim trail. Fire ring and plenty of privacy. North Timp and Locust point are good back ups. If you are willing to drive an hour on FS roads, it’s worth it!