Grayback Campground And Group Sites - Reserve
4.6037 reviewsGrayback Campground And Group Sites - Reserve
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Recreation Use Fee is $15/night according to user review from Becca Robison (2019) and $10/night according to same source. Forest Service may need to update pricing.
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About this campground
Nestled 36 miles northeast of Boise, Grayback Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its prime location along the babbling waters of Mores Creek. This beloved forest retreat invites anglers to cast their lines in pursuit of native trout, while hikers can explore the winding Grayback Loop Trail through towering ponderosa pines. Though campsites offer generous spacing beneath the dappled shade of ancient trees, visitors seeking complete solitude should note that sites remain visible to neighbors—a feature that often sparks friendly conversations around evening campfires. As one satisfied camper shared, this creates a welcoming community atmosphere where outdoor stories are traded under star-filled skies.
Grayback Campground offers standard campsites, group sites, and dry camping for RVs. No cabins or luxury camping options are available.
Historical SignificanceGrayback Campground serves as a gateway to Idaho's golden past, sitting just minutes from the historic mining town of Idaho City. Once the largest city in the Northwest during the 1860s gold rush, Idaho City's preserved buildings and museums offer campers a fascinating day trip into the era of prospectors and pioneers. This proximity allows modern adventurers to combine wilderness camping with walks through history, where wooden boardwalks and frontier architecture tell tales of Idaho's transformation from untamed territory to the gem state.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 4,200 feet, Grayback transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Summer brings warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, while crisp mountain evenings remind visitors to pack that extra layer. When winter arrives, the campground becomes a snowy wonderland where families delight in sledding adventures down gentle slopes. Spring awakens the forest with rushing snowmelt in Mores Creek, and autumn paints the landscape in golden hues. The elevation ensures refreshingly cool temperatures even during Idaho's warmest months, making it an ideal escape from valley heat.
ElevationAt 4,200 feet above sea level, Grayback Campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air stays crisp without leaving visitors breathless. The elevation creates a natural buffer from highway noise, with one grateful visitor noting how traffic sounds fade into whispers among the pines. This mountain perch provides cooler temperatures than the valley below, spectacular views of surrounding peaks, and that distinctive pine-scented air that makes every breath feel like a gift from nature.
Natural Features and SceneryGrayback's hillside setting creates a natural amphitheater of wilderness beauty, where majestic ponderosa pines stand like ancient sentinels over well-maintained campsites. Summer visitors are treated to nature's flower show, with native wildflowers painting splashes of color across forest meadows. Wildlife enthusiasts often spot deer browsing at dawn, while birdsong provides a constant soundtrack to camping adventures. The forest's clean facilities, including what visitors praise as surprisingly pleasant outhouse bathrooms, blend seamlessly into the landscape. Each campsite offers its own window into this thriving ecosystem where Mores Creek's gentle murmur mingles with wind whispering through pine boughs.
Geological RegionRising from the western slopes of the Boise Mountains, Grayback Campground showcases the geological drama of Idaho's batholith country. The hillside terrain, carved by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity, creates natural terraces perfect for camping among 4,200-foot peaks. Ponderosa pines thrive in the granitic soils, their roots anchoring into decomposed granite that sparkles with mica in the sunlight. Mores Creek has spent millennia carving its path through this rugged landscape, creating the riparian corridor that now supports diverse wildlife and offers refreshing swimming holes. Summer wildflower meadows bloom where geological processes have created pockets of richer soil, demonstrating nature's ability to transform raw stone into living gardens.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is located on a hillside and may not be easily navigable for individuals with mobility challenges. There are no specific mentions of ADA-compliant facilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as good-sized and spacious. One user noted: 'Good-sized, paved flat camp sites.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the sparse spacing of trees between sites. Several reviews noted the lack of privacy: 'Sites are spread out, but there's really no privacy.'
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites further from Highway 21 to minimize noise.
Best CampsitesGroup sites are frequently praised, such as "Group A and B for our wedding... beautiful." (Amber Martinez, 2022).
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group sites are large, with ample tables and parking. One user mentioned: 'Group sites were huge with lots of provided tables and parking.'
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spread out but lack significant privacy due to limited tree coverage between them.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable online. First-come, first-served availability only.
Walk-in Availability"Hard to get reservations because it is so small." (Rodney Frank, 2019) Walk-up likely but sites may fill quickly due to proximity to Boise and popularity.
Cancellation PolicyCancelations may incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled close to check-in date. Late cancellations for one-night reservations forfeit the entire amount paid.
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
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at the campground and nearby include fishing in Mores Creek, hiking the 1-mile Grayback Loop Trail, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle use. In the winter, backcountry skiing and snowmobiling are popular.
Hiking
The Grayback Loop Trail offers a 1-mile footpath for hikers. Additional trails in the area north of Idaho City provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.Fishing
Fishing is available in Mores Creek below the campground, where anglers can fish for rainbow trout.Biking
Biking is supported on trails in the area, including those near Idaho City.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the area, with opportunities for viewing summer wildflowers and native animals.Winter Activities
Winter activities include backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSome reviews mention wildlife presence. "Be aware of small and large animals at night." (PulseJet Lover, 2020).
Active alerts"Campground is not open yet" (Melodee Barrus, 2022). Some trees may need removal before camping season.
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned by reviewers or authoritative information.
Proximity to water featuresMores Creek below campground provides opportunities for fishing. "Nice creek to cool off on hot days." (Sandra Shaffer, 2022).
Common complaints"No privacy" due to limited tree coverage between sites (multiple reviews). "Traffic noise from the highway" (Suzi Vitley, 2022). Issues with camp host availability mentioned.
Host"Couldn't find the camp host" (Melanie Evaldi, 2020).
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 21 north for 36 miles. The campground access road is located on the east side State Highway 21, between mileposts 36 and 37. Turn right and proceed less than a mile to the campground.
Access road is off Highway 21, situated on a hillside about a quarter-mile from the main highway. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain in sources. "Keep an eye out for the camping sign - the turnout is NOT MARKED WELL until you’re right upon it after a blind corner." (Jim Cauthen, 2021)Nearby places
Boise: 36 miles, approximately 45 minutes. Idaho City: 2 miles, approximately 5 minutes.
Camper Reviews
4.6
37 reviews
Grayback Campground And Group Sites - Reserve is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Grayback Campground is highly rated for its scenic setting, clean facilities, and proximity to Boise. Common praise includes the spacious sites and well-maintained grounds. However, noise from the highway and lack of privacy are frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's proximity to Boise, clean vault toilets, good-sized campsites, and abundant recreational opportunities. Quotes include: 'Clean and well-kept sites,' and...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints center around the lack of privacy, noise from the highway, barking dogs from neighboring properties, and issues with flies in the toilets. Comments like 'there's really no privacy' and...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing supplies such as a gazebo for group sites, being prepared for potential bee issues while cooking, and taking advantage of the hiking trails. One user advised: 'Be sure to...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews highlight that the campground is less busy during the week and in winter, it becomes a hub for snow activities. Summer reviews frequently mention highway noise and lack of privacy while...
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'We loved this campsite so much that me and my fiancé are getting married here.' - User review, 2023.
2. 'It’s far enough off the road that the traffic was hardly noticed.' - User review, 2020.
3....
Based on 37 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group sites A and B are highly praised for their size and amenities. One user noted: 'Group sites were huge with lots of provided tables and parking.'
Based on 37 reviewsAccessibility Features
No detailed reviews from users addressing accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 37 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Users mention that the campground is dog-friendly. One reviewer stated: 'We took our dog and hiked around, our first time there, and loved it!'
Based on 37 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025