Grayback
4.57106 reviewsHIGHWAY 21
Grayback
$15.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $15 for individual standard sites to $100 for group sites accommodating larger groups. Discounts, taxes, and incremental charges are excluded.
About this campground
Nestled into the rolling hillsides of Boise National Forest, Grayback Campground welcomes both solo adventurers and large gatherings with its thoughtfully designed individual and group sites. Towering Ponderosa Pines create a natural canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into gentle, dappled patterns across the forest floor. Each site comes equipped with essential comforts—sturdy picnic tables for family meals, vintage-style lantern posts that cast a warm glow after sunset, and fire grills perfect for evening cookouts. Modern vault toilets ensure convenience while maintaining the campground's rustic charm.
Grayback Campground caters to a variety of campers, including those seeking individual, group, and RV camping experiences. It offers single-family, double-family, and group sites, accommodating both tents and RVs. However, there are no hookups or glamping options available.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive from camp, the legendary gold rush town of Idaho City beckons with tales of fortune seekers and frontier life. Walk the same wooden boardwalks where prospectors once strutted with pockets full of gold dust, explore fascinating museums filled with mining artifacts, and marvel at beautifully preserved Western-era architecture that transports visitors back to the 1860s boom days.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Grayback brings crisp mountain mornings with temperatures dipping into the refreshing 30s—perfect for wrapping hands around a steaming coffee mug—before warming to comfortable highs in the upper 60s by afternoon. When winter transforms the landscape, the campground becomes a snowy wonderland where families carve fresh tracks down hillsides on sleds and cross-country skiers glide through pristine powder between the pines.
ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet above sea level, Grayback Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where summer nights bring welcome relief from valley heat. While Boise swelters below, campers here enjoy cool evening breezes that make sleeping under the stars a pure pleasure, with temperatures perfect for gathering around the campfire without breaking a sweat.
Natural Features and SceneryThe stately Ponderosa Pine forest creates a living cathedral around Grayback Campground, with massive trunks rising like pillars and branches weaving a protective canopy above. The melodic babble of nearby Mores Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, while summer brings an explosion of wildflowers painting the forest floor in vibrant splashes of color. Keep your camera ready—deer often graze at dawn, and lucky visitors might spot elk moving through the trees or hear the haunting call of owls as darkness falls.
Geological RegionGrayback Campground occupies a scenic hillside within the vast Boise National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of gentle slopes and hidden valleys. At 4,200 feet elevation, this Ponderosa Pine ecosystem thrives in the perfect balance of mountain moisture and sunshine. The forest floor bursts with seasonal wildflowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while the diverse habitat supports everything from chattering squirrels to majestic birds of prey soaring overhead.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe group sites share an accessible bathroom facility and an accessible hand pump for drinking water.
Sites SizeCampsites include both single-family and double-family options, as well as two large group sites accommodating up to 150 and 100 people respectively.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as being well-spaced but lacking significant privacy due to the limited tree coverage between sites.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 009 is the sunniest and may lack shade; bring an umbrella or popup canopy. Site 006 is far enough from the highway to avoid road noise.
Best CampsitesHighly-rated individual campsites include 005, 014, and 016. Group Site A is praised for its spaciousness and amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group sites can accommodate up to 150 people for Site A and 100 people for Site B.
Groups
Group Site A can accommodate up to 150 people and 20 vehicles, while Group Site B can host up to 100 people and 15 vehicles. Both sites feature picnic tables, grills, and campfire circles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is organized into loops with individual and group sites. Sites are somewhat spaced out but lack privacy due to limited tree cover.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 21 to September 29 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov using their website or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, and 15 are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations prior to arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for individual sites result in forfeiting the first night's fee. Group sites require cancellations at least 14 days in advance to avoid penalties.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Grayback Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and ATV trails. Winter activities such as backcountry skiing and snowmobiling are also popular in the area. The nearby Mores Creek provides opportunities for fishing, while the Grayback Loop Trail offers a 1-mile hiking experience starting within the campground.
Hiking
The Grayback Loop Trail is a 1-mile footpath starting within the campground. Numerous trails in the surrounding area support hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles.Fishing
Fishing is available at Mores Creek, located near the campground. Anglers often fish for whitefish and rainbow trout.Biking
Biking is possible on trails in the area, which cater to various skill levels.Wildlife viewing
The area is known for its abundant wildlife and summer wildflowers, providing excellent opportunities for nature observation.Winter Activities
Winter activities include backcountry skiing and snowmobiling, making the area a year-round recreational destination.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood should be obtained locally to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground access road is steep and narrow. Wildlife such as deer and smaller animals may be present. Mosquitoes and gnats are common during summer months.
Active alertsWater at the group sites' pump may not be available; campers can use hand pumps in the main campground.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Idaho City Ranger District Office is 2 miles away, providing emergency guidance. Closest hospital or major emergency services are in Boise, approximately 36 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21 to September 29.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and dumpsters are located for easy access by campers.
Proximity to water featuresMores Creek runs adjacent to the campground. Ideal for fishing and cooling off in summer.
Common complaintsPrivacy is limited due to the spacing of campsites. Road noise from Highway 21 may be audible. Water pumps occasionally provide discolored water.
HostA campground host is mentioned but not consistently available, according to user reviews.
Campground Map
HIGHWAY 21
Driving directionsFrom Boise, take State Highway 21 north for 36 miles. Campground access road is located on the east side of the road, between mileposts 36 and 37. Turn right and travel a quarter-mile to the campground.
The access road is paved but steep, one-lane, and includes sharp turns. Users should exercise caution while navigating it.Nearby places
Boise: 36 miles northeast
Idaho City: 2 miles north.
Nearby supplies
Idaho City, 2 miles north, has various grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
4.6
106 reviews
Grayback is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Grayback Campground's proximity to Boise and Idaho City, well-maintained facilities, and variety of activities. Common themes include the lack of privacy due to minimal tree coverage, occasional noise from the highway, and clean but basic amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 106 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes clean and spacious campsites, good maintenance of vault toilets, and ample opportunities for hiking and fishing. Many reviewers appreciate the proximity to Idaho City and...
Based on 106 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include limited privacy between campsites, noise from nearby houses and the highway, and occasional issues with the water quality from the hand pumps.
Based on 106 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing extra water due to inconsistent potability of the campground's water supply, as well as bug spray for gnats and mosquitoes. They also advise arriving early to secure...
Based on 106 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest in summer, with some reviewers noting that weekends tend to be particularly crowded. The area is also popular for winter recreation, such as skiing and snowmobiling.
Based on 106 reviewsCamper Quotes
"We loved this campsite so much that me and my fiancé are getting married here." - Baily Dekker. "Great little loop of individual non-electric paved campsites. Far enough from the highway, up a small...
Based on 106 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 2, 4, 7, 8, 11, and 15 are first-come-first-serve and not listed on Recreation.gov. Site 001 is noted for accommodating a 35-foot motorhome, and Group Site A is praised for its large flat area...
Based on 106 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The group sites share an accessible restroom facility, and an accessible hand pump for drinking water is available.
Based on 106 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Campers frequently bring dogs, and the campground is described as dog-friendly.
Based on 106 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025