How much does camping cost at Jacob Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Jacob Lake Recreation Area range from $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 10%Summer

Featured in:Group Camping Arizona Grand Canyon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

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

256,000+ 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

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Jacob Lake Recreation Area

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

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)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in US

Prime season: pleasant daytime temps (60s–70s), cool nights; afternoon monsoons possible.

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

Activities you can enjoy

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.

Hiking

Biking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

5.0

(34)

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.

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

430 S Main St, PO Box 248, Fredonia, AZ, 86022

Jumpup Cabin sits in Kaibab National Forest near Fredonia, Arizona, a historic U.S. Forest Service rental in mid-elevation forest country. The cabin offers panoramic views and serves as a base for hiking and biking trails, with basic amenities like lanterns, cooking supplies, fire rings, and a composting toilet. Guests appreciate the historical character and functional setup, though fall visitors should expect hunting activity in the surrounding area.

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

HC 64 Box 65, Fredonia, AZ 86022, USA

Demotte sits at high elevation in Kaibab National Forest, 30 minutes from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Operated by Recreation Resource Management, this mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and an on-site camp store. Fall brings peak aspen color and comfortable hiking weather, while camp hosts maintain exceptionally clean facilities and sell firewood.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

4.5

(80)

Stateline Campground

Arizona Strip Field Office, 4001 East Aviator Drive, St George, UT, 84790, USA

Stateline Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near St George, operated by the Bureau of Land Management as a very small primitive site with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground serves as the northern terminus of the Arizona Trail and offers access to the Paria Plateau's red-orange rock layers and slot-canyon country. Visitors find spacious sites with shade structures, though the dirt access road is rough and water is not available on-site.

Campgrounds you may also like

Highly Popular

4.4

(983)

North Rim Campground (Az)

NPS. GENERAL DELIVERY, North Rim, AZ, 86052, USA

North Rim Campground sits at high elevation in Grand Canyon National Park, operated by the National Park Service on the canyon's quieter, less-visited rim. The large campground offers tent and RV sites among ponderosa pines and aspens, with flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and a camp store. Guests hike rim trails, watch for the endemic Kaibab squirrel, and experience the canyon from a cooler, forested perspective.

$6.00 - $50.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.5

(872)

Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas

, , , WILLIAMS AZ 86046

Kaibab Lake Sites And Group Areas sits in mid-elevation forest within Kaibab National Forest, a short drive from Williams and convenient to Grand Canyon access. Operated by Recreation Resource Management of America, the campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites plus group areas around a fishing and boating lake. Campers hike forest trails, watch wildlife, and enjoy dark-sky stargazing between monsoon-season afternoon thunderstorms.

$32.00 - $225.00 / night

P.O Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023, USA

Mather Campground sits on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, operated by the National Park Service with tent, RV, and group sites spread across a high-elevation pine forest. The very large campground offers flush toilets, coin showers, a dump station, and a camp store, with biking trails and wildlife viewing drawing visitors between spring and fall. Elk wander through campsites most mornings, and the rim trails start within walking distance.

$6.00 - $50.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.6

(738)

Desert View Campground

PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023

Desert View Campground sits on the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, within walking distance of the historic Desert View Watchtower and canyon overlooks. Operated by the National Park Service, this high-elevation alpine campground accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive setups during peak season. Campers use the site as a base for rim hiking, photography at sunrise and sunset, and stargazing under dark skies.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

HWY 64, ADMIN SITE PO BOX 3088

Tusayan - Montane is a very large campground in Kaibab National Forest, minutes from Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim entrance. Operated by the Forest Service at mid-elevation, it offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites spread across multiple loops with spacious, secluded settings among ponderosa pine. Reviewers praise wildlife sightings and helpful hosts, though yellow jacket activity and vault toilet conditions vary by loop.

$20.00 - $175.00 / night

Less Visited

5.0

(34)

Big Springs Cabin Site

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

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(155)

Navajo Lake Campground

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, CEDAR CITY, UT 84721, USA

Navajo Lake Campground sits at high elevation in Dixie National Forest, 30 miles east of Cedar City. Operated by Scenic Canyons, this small lakeside spot offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and direct access to a trout-stocked alpine lake. Visitors fish, swim, kayak, bike, and watch wildlife during the short summer season.

$23.00 - $60.00 / night

PO Box 3088, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, USA

Hull Cabin sits in mid-elevation Kaibab National Forest near Grand Canyon's South Rim, operated by the U.S. Forest Service as a historic rental cabin. Guests use the secluded structure as a base for hiking, biking, and watching elk and deer near Hull Tank and Russell Tank. The cabin includes showers, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with a front porch for wildlife observation.

1 campsites

Reservable

84.738 km

$140.00 - $140.00 / night

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, 1789 N WEDGEWOOD LANE, CEDAR CITY, UT 84721, USA

Pine Lake Campground sits at 8,100 feet in Dixie National Forest, 30 minutes from Cedar City and within striking distance of Bryce Canyon National Park. Operated by the Forest Service, this alpine retreat offers tent, RV, primitive, and group camping around a high-elevation lake known for fishing and paddling. Campers come for spacious sites, dark skies, and cool summer weather, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings provided.

$24.00 - $130.00 / night

3.8

(376)

Trailer Village Rv Park - South Rim

100 Trailer Village Rd, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, USA

Trailer Village RV Park sits on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, operated by Delaware North as the only full-hookup RV option inside the park. The high-elevation location puts guests within walking distance of rim trails and shuttle stops, with elk and deer regularly moving through the campground. Sites offer electric, water, and sewer connections, making this a practical base for exploring one of the world's most iconic landscapes.

Campgrounds

Jacob Lake Recreation Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Jacob Lake Recreation Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Most people come to this campground because it is located on the main access route to the Grand Canyon's North Rim. Campers at Jacob Lake don't have to drive at all to take advantage of excellent opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing. Jacob Lake Campground offers 51 camp sites and is located 30 miles south and east of Fredonia at the intersection of US 89A and AZ 67, which are both paved highways.For additional information on Jacob Lake Campground, please contact the North Kaibab Ranger District at (928) 643-7395.<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5189597.pdf">Jacob Lake Campground Access Map</a><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskEr4iFc">"Jacob Lake Campground" Images Album</a>