Grayback Campground

Grayback Campground is in a lovely forested setting that has a very nice stream (Sucker Creek) running along its entire west side. My family has been camping here since the mid-1970s and will always be our preferred campground. However, our most recent visit was disturbing. In general, it feels that over the past 5 years or so, the Forest Service has done the minimal amount of maintenance needed to keep the site open. Portions of the trails and stream overlooks are in dis-repair. The picnic shelter's structure finally rotted out and collapsed under snowfall, while the adjacent amphitheater is falling into disrepair. Downed trees are lying around in multiple areas of the campground and have been there for the last few years. The worst of this is that the restrooms have the worst stench I have ever experienced in a forest service campground and they were similar last year. The forest service is letting this gem deteriorate.

Comparing to Cave Creek up the road, I'd definitely choose Grayback for families. It was sunnier, the creek was easily accessible, there is no bear issue, and pulling in at 7pm on a summer weekend we still had our choice of campsites. The creek has a few swimming holes and the campground has an interpretive trail. The day use picnic area is free. The host was not there when we visited, but the campground was clean and other campers were friendly. Some sites were practically on top of each other, but there were many that offered more privacy.

It's always so Peaceful and Beautiful here!

We camped here for a couple nights so we could visit oregon caves national monument and great cat world park. It worked perfectly for us. There was a nice creek and it was fun to go for a walk on the trail. The only problem was that the sites were a bit small. We have a 16 foot by 16 foot canvas wall tent, so it was very challenging to find a place where it would fit! But we did find a spot and we had a fun time.

Site 10 is one of three sites that have a larger fire pit. It is next to the river, trail, and restrooms. Firewood is provided as they do not have permits to sell yet. Dean the camp host was very friendly. He is a ranger, Vietnam vet, and former art teacher with ceramic pieces in the San Francisco MoMA. We chose this campsite because we need a large lot for an RV and wanted some place to rest close the Oregon Caves National Monument before our tour in the morning. There are no hookups, but the fee is $10 and only $5 with your Senior Pass! The campsite was empty on a Tuesday, so we had a bunch to choose from. The people who camp here are "interesting." The type of people who will eat roadkill. You'll know what I mean when you drive here, so we were a little scared at first, but we had no problems and Dean came to assure everything was alright.