Motels and Lodges

Eighteen miles north of Bright Angel Point and seven miles north of the Entrance Station, Kaibab Lodge (928/638-2389, www.kaibablodge.com, $85-180) sits at the edge of DeMotte Park, a meadow along Highway 67. The historic main building, constructed in the 1920s, includes a pleasant dining room with meadow views, a gift shop, and a comfortable lounge anchored by a stone fireplace on one side and a TV on the other. An alcove serves as a family area with games, an upright piano, and a pay phone.

Behind the main building, an eclectic collection of cabins offers a variety of accommodations, including rustic duplexes with a double bed and shower, a historic log cabin for up to six people, and a larger cabin with two bedrooms and a loft that can accommodate up to eight. All guest rooms have private baths and heaters but no TVs or phones. Some allow pets; all are nonsmoking. Special rates are available for groups (10 rooms or more).

The lodge, a former cattle ranch, is open mid-May-November, depending on snowfall and road closures. If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home atmosphere, the friendly folks here will treat you like part of the family. They’ll even shuttle you to the rim if you prefer to leave your vehicle behind.

About 45 miles north of Bright Angel Point, at the intersection of Highway 67 and U.S. 89A, the historic Jacob Lake Inn (928/643-7232, www.jacoblake.com) has welcomed North Rim visitors for more than 80 years. The inn has 61 beds in cabins, a motel, and a hotel. Pets are allowed in some guest rooms. Rates quoted are average; actual rates vary according to season and the type of room.

Cabins ($89-111) have 1-2 rooms with double, queen, or king beds and can accommodate 2-4 people. Family cabins ($137) have two rooms and can accommodate up to six people. All cabins are nonsmoking and have showers, heaters, and small decks for enjoying the numerous birds that frequent the woodsy setting—but they have no air-conditioning, TV, phones, or Internet access. Motel rooms ($119) have air-conditioning, and some allow smoking; they come with double or queen beds and accommodate up to four people. Family motel units can be arranged with adjoining rooms. Hotel rooms ($138), the inn’s newest accommodations, have two queens or a king bed for 2-4 people and include Internet access, TVs, and phones.

Unlike most North Rim spots, the inn is open year-round, making it a winter activities center for snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers. Call to inquire about snow conditions.

Camping

DeMotte Campground (928/643-7395, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab, late May-Oct. 15, depending on snowfall, $17) is located 17 miles north of the rim and six miles north of the entrance station on the edge of a meadow just off Highway 67. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, the campground has 38 sites for up to six people with tables and grills, drinking water, and vault toilets. Tents, trailers, and small motor homes are allowed, but there are no hookups. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground doesn’t take reservations, and it does fill up, so arrive early. During summer months, the DeMotte Campground Amphitheater hosts naturalist programs. Campers can dine at nearby Kaibab Lodge and shop for supplies at the North Rim Country Store, both less than a mile away.

The Forest Service also operates Jacob Lake Campground (928/643-7395, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab, May 15-Nov. 1, depending on snowfall, $17) 45 miles north of the rim at the intersection of U.S. 89A and Highway 67. The campground has 53 sites for up to six people available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only the group site can be reserved (877/444-6777, www.recreation.gov). Sites can accommodate tents, trailers, or small motor homes, but there are no hookups. Amenities include tables and grills, drinking water, and toilets. Naturalist programs are offered during summer months. Nearby, campers will find horseback and nature trails as well as the amenities of Jacob Lake Inn.

Kaibab Camper Village (928/643-7804 or 800/525-0924, off-season 928/526-0924, http://kaibabcampervillage.com, May 15-Oct. 15) is located just south of Jacob Lake, less than one mile off Highway 67 on Forest Road 461. The campground offers sites with full hookups for RVs ($35), dry sites and tent sites ($17), and a small cabin with two queen beds ($85), with additional charges ($4-11 per night) for extra people. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, toilets, outdoor sinks, laundry, and showers. The camp store has groceries and supplies. At the nearby ranger cabin, the forest service offers interpretive programs. As a bonus, park hosts can hook you up with guided horseback tours or river-rafting trips.

No-fee dispersed camping is allowed in Kaibab National Forest (928/643-7395, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab). Restrictions include stays no longer than 14 days, and no camping within 100 yards of the highway or near the East Rim Day Use Area along Forest Road 611. Practice “leave no trace” ethics. Campsites are accessible by dirt roads, many of them suitable for passenger cars. For road conditions and maps, visit the Kaibab Plateau Visitors Center (928/643-7298, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily mid-May-mid-Oct., shorter hours later in the season) in Jacob Lake.