The Grant County RV Park has been in operation since the 1990s and is located in John Day, Oregon. It is situated on seventeen acres of land in the middle of the Malheur National Forest. The park is owned by Grant County and is run by the fairgrounds connected to the property. The property has a total of 25 RV sites that include full water, sewer, WiFi, and 30 or 50 amp electric hook-ups. Additionally, there is a relatively large area designated for dry camping and tent camping. Facilities on the premises include the main office, restrooms, showers, an event hall, and meeting rooms. The John Day River runs along the side of the premises and offers multiple swimming holes, in addition to the opportunity to float the river if visitors have the proper equipment.
The Grant County RV Park is located on seventeen acres of land in John Day, Oregon. The property has 25 RV sites that include full water, sewer, electricity with 30 and 50 amp hook-ups, and WiFi. There is also a large space designated for dry and tent camping that is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The main office building is located on the grounds of the property, where patrons can check in upon arrival or find the site themselves if desired. There are informational and pay booths available to visitors, as well as restroom and shower facilities, an event hall, and meeting rooms that are located on the premises. The land has designated areas specifically for events, dry camping, and tent camping. As the park is connected to the fairgrounds, events are also held at the indoor arena, event hall, and the rodeo grounds at various points throughout the year.
The RV park is located in the middle of the Malheur National Forest and sits on the John Day River. That being said, the park is three blocks from the main street of John Day. The river has multiple swimming holes and one of the common activities among those staying at the park is floating down the river during the warmer months, provided that the water level of the river isn’t too low. Other activities that guests can do on the property include bicycling and walking trails in the surrounding area.
The Grant County RV Park is often a place where people come to host events such as weddings, class reunions, or family reunions. It is most commonly known as a vacationing spot according to Mindy, the manager. The establishment is about a 40-minute drive to fossil beds and the Painted Hills National Park. The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area and Lake Magoone can be found in close proximity to Grant County RV Park. In addition to the previously listed attractions, a fair amount of tourists typically come to visit the nearby Kam Wa Chung Museum, which is located two blocks from the premises. According to Mindy, another draw to the park is that patrons can stargaze from the property and enjoy the surrounding nature. If guests are looking for a place to eat in the area, the staff of the park recommends they try the 1188 Brewery, Outpost Pizza Pub and Grill, The Snaffle Bit Dinner House, Squeeze-In Restaurant, and the Grubsteak Mining Company Bar and Grill.
The typical demographic of those to visit the park falls under a wide range of people from older couples, families, and people from other countries such as Japan, Germany, and New Zealand. According to Mindy, many of their customers often return and have been coming to the park for years. Previous patrons to the property have remarked that “The park is clean. The asphalt pad was long enough for our fifth wheel and truck, also offering 30 or 50 amp and full hook-ups. The view of the mountain is nice, and the park is quiet, with the trees between each space giving you some privacy.”
One of the most important policies for the RV park, according to Mindy, includes the requirement of having an RV trailer that is not older than fifteen years old. Other policies are that one pet per group is permitted on the premises but must always be on a leash, quiet time is from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and smoking is prohibited on the property. The manager wants visitors to feel relaxed when they come to the RV Park. Mindy often refers to the park as being in “God’s country.” The staff at the Grant County RV Park has set the goal to interact with guests as much as possible during their stay and to be there to answer questions, help visitors find their spot, or provide for any other needs. Other goals of the establishment are to eventually expand the park by adding more RV sites.
Mindy says that they aren’t the typical fairground RV park due to the green grass and the high number of bookings throughout the year. The success of the business is attributed by Mindy to the booking software they use as well as word-of-mouth by their customers. The property is open year-round. Previously July was the slowest month but is now one of the best seasons of operation for the business.
The Grant County RV Park has been in existence since the 1990s. The Trowbridge family originally donated the land, who once had a ranch where the park now resides. The park was established by Grant County and was first run by its parks and recreation department, but was eventually taken over by the county fairgrounds.
Changes that have been made to the park since first being established include new restrooms and showers, adding grass areas, new lighting, reader boards that offer direction, twenty new trees, and additional fences. Overall, they set the goal to update the grounds to be more welcoming and inviting for guests who visit the property. Future goals include adding additional lighting, more fencing, updating the buildings, and paving a few areas of the park.
Dusty, the groundskeeper, aided in getting sprinklers on the grounds and has helped to make the property relatively more green. Mindy, the manager, has lived in the area her whole life and decided to make a change in her life by becoming the manager of the park. Mindy remarks that there are a lot of rewards that have come with working at the establishment and enjoys being able to serve the patrons. Mindy’s favorite part of the job is meeting new people and being able to learn from them as well. Dusty’s favorite part of the job is the fair and being able to throw candy to the kids in the yearly parade. Each year, they buy over 70 pounds of candy to distribute to them.
411 NW Bridge St
John Day, Oregon 97845
United States
Campground
Grant County
