Big Springs Cabin Site sits in mid-elevation Kaibab National Forest near Fredonia, Arizona, operated by the Kaibab National Forest Rental Cabin Program. Seven historic cabins offer full kitchens, flush toilets, showers, and electric hookups during the peak summer season. Guests come for wildlife viewing, stargazing from cabin porches, and access to North Rim trails in reliably warm days and cool nights.
Big Springs Cabin Site is a unique campground offering rustic cabins alongside communal facilities. It is ideal for groups, families, or individuals looking for a historic and tranquil camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of reliably warm days (highs around 75–82°F) and cool, clear nights (around 50–60°F), making it ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing from the cabin porches. All seven historic cabins are in regular use and the site is fully open during peak season (late May–September), so trails and nearby North Rim visitor services are accessible. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends but plenty of solitude midweek among towering ponderosa pines and the spring‑f
Peak months: July, August, June, September
Avoid: October, November, December, January
Elevation6959 ft above sea level
Natural Features and SceneryBig Springs defies the surrounding high desert with an unusual abundance of water. The namesake spring feeds ponds that support lush vegetation beneath ancient ponderosa pines. Limestone cliffs frame the rolling hills. At this elevation, the forest stays surprisingly green through summer, attracting deer, elk, and smaller wildlife that visitors spot regularly from cabin porches and trails.
Lodging & AccommodationsSeven cabins are available for rent, offering rustic but comfortable accommodations. Cabins 1-6 each have two twin-size beds and one full-size bed, while Cabin 7 has one queen-size bed. Guests are required to bring their own linens and supplies. The cabins are outfitted with electric heaters, wood stoves, and basic furnishings such as dressers and luggage racks. Communal kitchen facilities include four refrigerators, cooking pots, cast iron skillets, and utensils. This setup is ideal for families or groups. User reviews frequently highlight the cleanliness and comfort of the cabins, with comments such as "Very clean cabins" and "Cabins are well maintained."
Programs & ActivitiesThe site offers a historic experience as part of the National Register of Historic Places, with buildings that reflect its administrative and homesteader past. Guests can read about the history in the dining hall, where historical photos and information are displayed.