How much does camping cost at Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Jacob Lake Recreation Area are $8 - $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Jacob Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Jacob Lake Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Jacob Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Jacob Lake Recreation Area has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Jacob Lake Recreation Area is open May 01 to September 17. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Jacob Lake Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Cell phone service at Jacob Lake Recreation Area is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Jacob Lake Recreation Area have?

Jacob Lake Recreation Area has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Jacob Lake Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Jacob Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Jacob Lake Recreation Area include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jacob Lake Recreation Area

4.45

661 reviews

HC 64, BOX 65, Fredonia, Arizona, 86022, USA

Top 2%Summer

B+Report Card

Featured in:Group Camping Arizona Grand Canyon

Quick Facts

7,920 ft

Price

$8 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,920 ft

Price

$8 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Opening and closing ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management of America, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Jacob Lake Recreation Area

$8.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $8.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$125.00

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Provider

928-643-7770camping@rrmofa.com

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Campground Map

HC 64, BOX 65, Fredonia, Arizona, 86022, USA

Jacob Lake Recreation Area

HC 64, BOX 65, Fredonia, Arizona, 86022, USA

Nearby places

Fredonia, AZ (30 miles, ~40 minutes)

Kanab, UT (40 miles, ~50 minutes)

Grand Canyon North Rim Visitor Center (~45 miles, ~1 hour).

Weather at Jacob Lake Recreation Area

Current alerts(11)

road is closed during winter.
Bears frequent the area; please obey all food storage rules and regulations. Check with your host for details.
Extra vehicles : Cannot be paid for in advance - upon arrival coordinate with the host for payment and where to park.
FIRST COME FIRST SERVE sites must be booked in person. DO NOT call to determine availability, as they are only available on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Jacob Lake Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers cool, high-country relief from the desert below — daytime highs generally range from the mid-60s to upper-70s°F and nights drop into the 30s–40s, making hiking and camping very comfortable. Trails, visitor services, and the campground are fully open, and wildlife viewing, biking, and excursions to the North Rim are at their peak. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holiday weeks and afternoon monsoon storms (especially July–August), so plan hikes for mornings and carry a雨 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in US

Listed as best season: cool highs mid‑60s to upper‑70s, peak season May–Sept; excellent summer escape.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 17. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening and closing dates are weather permitting, please call 928-537-8888 for more information.

About Jacob Lake Recreation Area

Jacob Lake Recreation Area sits at high elevation in Kaibab National Forest, 45 miles from Grand Canyon North Rim. Operated by Recreation Resource Management of America, this small seasonal campground offers cool summer escape from Arizona's desert heat with spacious tent and RV sites among ponderosa pine. Campers use it as a base for North Rim excursions, mountain biking, and hiking the Kaibab Plateau, with Jacob Lake Inn's restaurant and store a short walk away.

Jacob Lake Recreation Area caters to diverse camping preferences, providing options for individual, group, and tent camping. RV camping is supported but lacks hookups, and primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers cool, high-country relief from the desert below — daytime highs generally range from the mid-60s to upper-70s°F and nights drop into the 30s–40s, making hiking and camping very comfortable. Trails, visitor services, and the campground are fully open, and wildlife viewing, biking, and excursions to the North Rim are at their peak. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holiday weeks and afternoon monsoon storms (especially July–August), so plan hikes for mornings and carry a雨 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7920 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines dominate the landscape, providing shade and dropping needles that soften the forest floor. The elevation creates a sky island ecosystem distinct from the surrounding desert, and seasonal marshlands appear in certain areas, attracting waterfowl. The endemic Kaibab squirrel, with its distinctive tasseled ears, lives only on this plateau. Views are mostly forest canopy rather than distant vistas.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations within the campground itself. However, Jacob Lake Inn across the street offers cabins, a restaurant, and gas facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesOccasional ranger-led programs, such as talks on condors, have been mentioned by reviewers as enriching experiences.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site type
group sites can accommodate up to 100 people.

Groups

The group sites accommodate up to 100 people each, with ramadas, grills, tables, and access to toilets and water. These sites are suitable for events like family reunions and weddings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground is generally accessible, with gravel roads and level sites. No explicit details about ADA-compliant features are provided in the source materials.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with options for tents, RVs, and group camping. Some reviewers note ample space for larger setups like trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across sites. Sites farther from the road provide more seclusion, while roadside sites may feel exposed due to limited vegetation.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesTry to book sites on the east side for better privacy and reduced road noise.

Best CampsitesSite 48 gets praise for space and amenity proximity. Multiple reviewers recommend sites farther from Highway 89A to escape road noise, which affects roadside sites throughout the night.

Need help booking Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No hookups available. Potable (drinking) water is limited. Filling RV water tanks is not permitted.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Jacob Lake Recreation Area

Jacob Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Proximity to the Grand Canyon North Rim further enhances its appeal. Guests often praise the peaceful atmosphere and abundant nature trails.

Hiking4.0/5

On-site 1-mile loop plus access to Kaibab Plateau Trail and Arizona Trail.

Biking4.0/5Top 9%

Mountain biking trails on the Kaibab Plateau range from beginner to advanced nearby.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings of endemic Kaibab squirrel, deer and seasonal waterfowl in marshlands.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Winter usage limited by snow and campground closure; not set up for winter sports.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (7,920 ft) and remote location near North Rim suggest excellent night skies.

Photography4.0/5Ponderosa pines, wildlife (Kaibab squirrel) and plateau vistas en route to North Rim provide photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided, which reviewers consistently describe as exceptionally clean and odor-free.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Jacob Lake Recreation Area

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From Booking Sources

4.5

661 reviews

Recommended

Jacob Lake Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Jacob Lake Recreation Area are predominantly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.46 across multiple platforms. Guests frequently praise the cleanliness, attentive hosts, and proximity to the Grand Canyon North Rim. Negative feedback often concerns road noise and limitations like the lack of showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 661 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, spacious sites, friendly hosts, proximity to Grand Canyon North Rim, and a convenient location near the Jacob Lake Inn with additional amenities.

Based on 661 reviews

Common Concerns

Road noise from U.S. Route 89A, lack of showers, limited recycling facilities, and occasional issues with strict host enforcement.

Based on 661 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #48 is highly praised for its spaciousness and proximity to key facilities. Sites closer to the road, such as #39, receive lower ratings due to noise.

Based on 661 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Camp away from the road for quieter nights, bring earplugs if sensitive to noise, and consider visiting the Jacob Lake Inn for local treats like cookies and dining options.

Based on 661 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highly recommended for its pleasant temperatures and cool nights. Winter usage is limited due to snow and campground closure. Guests frequently enjoy the fall foliage.

Based on 661 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cleanest pit toilets I’ve ever visited.' - Multiple reviewers 2. 'Hosts were very welcoming and friendly!' - Mary Brackett 3. 'Great base camp for exploring the North Rim of the Grand...

Based on 661 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews mention level sites and gravel roads but lack detailed accounts of ADA-compliant features.

Based on 661 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as pet-friendly. Hosts enforce rules around pets to ensure a safe environment for all guests.

Based on 661 reviews

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Jacob Lake Recreation Area

$8.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $8.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$125.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-643-7770camping@rrmofa.com

Go if

You want affordable alpine camping near Grand Canyon North Rim with modern conveniences close by.

Skip if

You need quiet seclusion away from highway traffic and generator hum.

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Big Springs Cabin Site

430 S Main St, PO Box 248, Fredonia, Arizona, 86022, United States

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.

Jacob Lake Recreation Area

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Quick Facts

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(11)

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Need help booking Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

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Common Concerns

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