Grayback Campground — Hotel in Grants Pass

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...

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...

When you turn off the 46 and wonder why there are still mailboxes for miles, it's because the campsite is literally right inside the forest line. The camp host clearly takes pride in keeping the grounds immaculate, and at $10/night, large flat sites, and the sound of the creek to fall asleep to, who can go wrong! Sites 1-10 are creekside, which is recommended. The others are close to the road, and cars can be herd periodically (albeit not invasively). Grounds are 8 miles from the Oregon Caves, and just 15 miles from Great Cats World Park - both of which are highly recommended as well. We stayed at site 33, which was both close to a bathroom, and had an epic fire pit set-up complete with two grills, and iron hooks for stew pots. Campsite is very quiet, well maintained, and clearly for campers...not fraternity reunions....