We stayed there on 2006 for a week. Drove north from Flagstaff (abt 280 miles one way). Make sure that you have plenty of gas. I think Page was the next gas stop then another long drive the the campground, but it was worth it. The North Rim is about 1000' higher than the south rim and is heavily wooded. Way cooler than the South Rim. We ran the furnace once at night. While the CG is about a mile from the main rim, the lodge is on the rim. Sit at the terrace wall and have your morning coffee next to a several thousand foot drop. There is (was) a trail that wound along the rim of a side canyon to the lodge or you can walk along the road to get to the lodge. Bright Angel trail head and mule rentals is close to the CG. Make your reservations early. The nest closest places to stay is the Kabab NF CG's.