Grayback Campground

Star4.38
50 reviews
Rt. 46 east, 11.3 miles from Cave Junction, OR
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest site

Official Website
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Grayback Campground
$5.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15 per night for a single site, and $5 per night for additional vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
1-877-444-6777
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 50 reviews

45 Google reviews

"User reviews for Grayback Campground are mixed. Campers appreciate the beautiful forested setting, proximity to Sucker Creek, and the interpretive trail. However, there are significant complaints about the condition of amenities, especially the vault toilets, and varying experiences with the campground host."

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Campground Map

Rt. 46 east, 11.3 miles from Cave Junction, OR

Grayback Campground

Rt. 46 east, 11.3 miles from Cave Junction, OR

Driving directionsIn Cave Junction, OR, at intersection of US Rt. 199 and State Rt. 46, take Rt. 46 east and go 11.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
The campground is accessible via Route 46 east from Cave Junction, featuring paved parking aprons that make RV access smoother. The access road does not appear to have seasonal closures, but the campground itself operates seasonally between Memorial Day and September 30.
Nearby places
Cave Junction (11.3 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Fuel, food, and camping supplies can likely be found in Cave Junction, OR.

Best Time to Camp at Grayback Campground

Spring arrives at Grayback with gentle rains that awaken the forest, bringing fresh scents of earth and new growth. As summer unfolds, the campground transforms into a natural refuge where temperatures can climb to a toasty 90°F during peak season in late July and August. These warm afternoons make Sucker Creek's swimming holes particularly inviting, while the dense forest canopy provides welcome relief from the heat. Early season visitors should pack rain gear and layers, while summer campers will appreciate lightweight clothing and plenty of sunscreen for creek-side adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season: creek swimming and pleasant temps, but reviewers note lack of drinking water and poor restrooms.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Sept 30; early fall likely pleasant though seasonality notes focus on late spring–summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings rains and fresh growth, but campground opens starting Memorial Day weekend (late spring).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside Memorial Day weekend–Sept 30 window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely late Spring through early Fall, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through September 30.

About Grayback Campground

Nestled in the heart of Oregon's Illinois Valley, Grayback Campground invites you to step back in time to a simpler era of camping. This 39-site forest sanctuary stretches along the melodic waters of Sucker Creek, where afternoon swimmers find relief from summer heat and evening listeners drift to sleep with nature's soundtrack. Built by the skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Grayback retains its original rustic charm beneath a cathedral of towering trees that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. While the sites offer varying degrees of seclusion, the campground's authentic character and creek-side setting create an atmosphere where memories are made.
Grayback Campground offers tent-only camping with 39 individual tent sites and no RV accommodations. Primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned, but the absence of hookups suggests a minimalistic camping experience. Group camping and glamping options are not provided.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Grayback Campground provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and creek activities like soaking or swimming in designated areas. The 1-mile interpretive loop trail around Grayback Creek and the Cedar Guard Station offers an easy hiking option for families.
HikingThe Grayback Interpretive Trail is a 1-mile loop suitable for families. It passes by Grayback Creek and the historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp.
SwimmingSeveral campsites are located along Sucker Creek, which offers swimming holes and areas to cool off during summer.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is situated in a biologically diverse area, offering opportunities to observe various wildlife unique to the Illinois Valley.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo bear activity reported by user reviews, though campsites reportedly lack water and electricity. Sucker Creek is nearby and may pose a drowning hazard for unsupervised children. Some reviewers noted trash and toilet paper left behind, which could attract pests.

Weather at Grayback Campground

Reviews

4.4
50 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Grayback Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Grayback Campground are mixed. Campers appreciate the beautiful forested setting, proximity to Sucker Creek, and the interpretive trail. However, there are significant complaints about the condition of amenities, especially the vault toilets, and varying experiences with the campground host.
Review Summaries
Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the scenic setting, creek access, affordable rates, and the historical charm of the campground. One reviewer noted, 'the camp host clearly takes pride in...
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Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of facilities such as vault toilets (‘the restrooms have the worst stench I have ever experienced’), lack of drinking water, and limited privacy between...
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Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many recommend creekside sites (1-10) for better views and access to water. Campers also suggest bringing ample drinking water due to water availability issues.
Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with reviewers noting that the campground is less crowded even on weekends. However, the lack of water and the condition of restrooms become more problematic during this...
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Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The creek has a few swimming holes, and the campground has an interpretive trail.' - 'Nice shady USFS campground with a decent-sized creek along one side.' - 'The restrooms have the worst stench I...
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Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1-10 are recommended for their proximity to the creek. Site 10, in particular, is highlighted for its larger fire pit and closeness to the river, trail, and restrooms. Site 33 is noted for its...
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Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not specifically address accessibility beyond mentioning wheelchair-accessible vault toilets.
Based on 50 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. There are no specific reviews detailing pet-related experiences.
Based on 50 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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