By:
Submission
The Chinquapin Group Campground is located at the former site of the Camp Oregon Caves Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. During the Great Depression from 1933- 1941 the Camp Oregon Caves Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was home to over 200 men who worked on projects in the Siskiyou National Forest and the Oregon Caves National Monument. Today, the only structure currently remaining at the site is the historic Grayback Ranger Station, constructed by CCC crews around 1936 and located immediately adjacent to the Chinquapin Group Campground. The large Port- Orford cedar tree located near the back of the parking area was dedicated in 2011 as the 56th Oregon State Heritage Tree and is a living reminder of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Camp Oregon Caves CCC camp. The large meadow at the Chinquapin Group Campground makes a great location for group events such as reunions, church camps, school field trips and scouting events. Water, picnic tables and fire rings are readily available at three locations in the campground and a restroom is located at the back of the parking area. Within a short walking distance there are swimming areas in Grayback Creek and creek side trails with meadows, marshes, spring wildflowers, wildlife and berry picking. No electricity is available at the Chinquapin Group Campground. Visitors can continue 10 miles east on Hwy 46 and visit Oregon Caves National Monument for a tour of one of the few marble caves in the world. Recreation The Grayback Interpretive #1204 follows Grayback Creek adjacent to Chinquapin Group Campground and is open to hikers who occasionally may use the toilet in the campground. ADA Access: N
From the Redwood Hwy (Hwy 199) in Cave Junction, turn east on Hwy 46 towards Oregon Caves National Monument. Continue on Hwy 46 for approximately 10.5 miles and just a quarter mile past the Grayback Campground on the left is Cedar Guard Station. Chinquapin Group Campground is located behind Cedar Guard Station and is accessed through the gate immediately to the right (east) of Cedar Guard Station.
Loved the place. However will not visit again. This is not a private space. We had to allow John Q. Public to walk through our site and use the facilities, which we had provided our own toilet paper and hand washing supplies. And there was not any water in the site.
Chinquapin Group Campground has become a very special place for me and my entire family. We had our 1st family reunion there 4 years ago when my sister got married there. It was a great way for our family and my sisters spouse's family to really get to know each other. We stayed there for 5 days while we hiked the wilderness and went swimming in what we now call the swimming hole. I know that's not a grand name for this spot but when you go there you"ll understand. It's like a little piece of paradise where two streams of shallow waters into one and change directions. Right in the center of all if this is the swim hole. There is a deep spot for swimming or floating on a tube or mat. There also is a rope swing where many of our children have watched the older siblings jump and in later years conquer their fears doing the same. From below it looks scary and from what I hear it is scary from above. But after doing it once most of the kids are hooked. They absolutely love swing on the rope and continually challange themselves by taking it higher and higher. As for me I would rather play on what I call the little island. This just a small spot where you can put your blanket or towel down to soak in the sun and take some R&R. I almost dont wNt to tell other about how great this place is because I love it so much I dont want too many people to know about it because then it may be over run with people and not be our secret paradise. So if you find this camp sit and live it too, please take care of it. Did I mention that the campsite cost under 20 bucks a day.
