Jo’s Motel & Campground

Bad stop for bicyclists! My wife and I (62 years old) stopped here on a bike trip from Rocky Point to refill water bottles and check out the food possibilities for future rides (we were carrying our lunch as we couldn’t tell from their web site what they had). The owner refused to fill our water bottles stating that there was some law that forbid it (we’ve never run into this before), but said we could try the bathroom sink, which we did and it worked just barely. We perused the store but did not buy anything and went outside to sit on one of several empty picnic tables near the road. A minute later he and his wife came out came out yelling and screaming at us to get off his private property that he was not running a public park, complaining about our using the bathroom and generally being very rude. I don’t think I’d been yelled at like that since I was a little kid, they were very rude. The owner’s really don’t seem to understand and shouldn’t be in the hospitality business. If they had been nice, we probably would have been back in the future and spent money there and recommended it to friends.
By chance we arrived at the store with a long-​distance touring bicyclist who was out of food and looking forward to spending a couple hours there restocking supplies, charging his electronics, and relaxing for a bit before proceeding to Crater Lake. We had ridden a few miles into town with him and he seemed like a nice guy. Not sure what happened, but he went into the store came out and promptly departed up the road. Suspect the owner said something that really upset him. Probably told him he could not charge his electronics (based on other review comments). A full charge of a phone might cost a fraction of a penny. I’d guess the cyclist might have spent $ 30 – 50 on supplies if the owner had been friendly and welcoming.

I hate saying this, but I cannot recommend Jo’s Motel. This should not (NOT) have a 4-​star rating. First off, there are some good things, and they might be good enough for some. The couple running the place is really nice and is upfront when you reserve about it being rural/​basic. Our room was plain and clean, though also in desperate need of new linens/​towels. The air conditioner and fan kept us comfortable despite the warm temps outside. The little store had Strauss Vanilla Ice Cream, which we love, but the hummus we picked up had a sell-​by date 7 days earlier. Unfortunately, the beds were super hard, and that I cannot forgive. We woke up with a backache (him) and neck cramps (me) and were quite uncomfortable that day. Standing under a hot shower might have helped, but the water was warm, not hot.
Bottom line: we didn’t sleep well. Maybe camping is the way to go here.

A great old fashioned motel outside Crater lake. Are room had tiny kitchen 2 bedrooms and a small bathroom with a shower. No tv or phones but the office had dvd’s for free and a tv/​DVD player to borrow. When you arrive you are given ground delicious coffee and cream if so desired for the next morning. There is a small organic grocery store attached to the office, there was a very eclectic mix of food items. Over all this place is clean and cozy. A perfect stay for a weekend get away near Crater Lake.

We came here after we went to Crater Lake since all the lodges were already booked through the month and it was July 4^th weekend. It was a little out of the way and was in Fort Khlamath, in the middle of nowhere! Drove for about 30 minutes from the Crater Lodge.
Motel: It was nice how quaint the motel was with the small organics grocery store that was basically the check in counter. Robin still reserves the room old school using snail mail — mailing a check deposit for the room. She wrote down my name and even it’s pronunciation so when I did come to check in, she greeted me. Very sweet!
Room: I booked the two bedroom one since there was 3 of us. There was a carport right next to the motel room. There was a door to the room that connected from the carport. When we walked in, the larger room had the AC unit with a vintage fire furnace. I think it was a living room converted to a bedroom, so there was no door. The second room had a door and was smaller with a table. The bathroom was very clean and had an organic soap bar with towels for us.
It’s definitely a homey type of motel. It was such a great surprise to be able to unwind after a long day of hiking in a clean motel. Only thing I would have to say is, there is NO DATA reception at all unless you go down to Chiloquin. That’s where we actually ate for dinner (in a casino) since there isn’t much around the actual motel. We had a great stay!

Review is for grocery and deli — tiny selection but all excellent fresh and healthy. Always make this a stop for food before camping near crater.

This place started out good, the wetlands and stream were great to read books by. We were a little perplexed by the locked door in our room and the back door that we couldn’t find but was clearly behind our room. And then night came. My allergies flared up so I took a hot shower (LOTS of hot water) and used the frayed towels that have never seen fabric softener and then while we were debating whether sleeping on the floor would be better or worse than sleeping on the rock hard bed: gun shots. We have no idea where they came from but they were close and lasted from about midnight to 3 am. We split as soon as we could in the morning.

We stopped here after a very long driving hoping for a comfy hotel room. We had been staying in various hotels for the past couple of days for spring vacation and while I know small hotels aren’t fancy I’m usually impressed with the owners and customer service.
Let me say we were incredibly disappointing here. I think the previous poster must have been at a different hotel. The owner’s wife was odd and not very friendly, she just made you feel uncomfortable. I had hoped to order a meal since they advertise having food, but they only had a few breakfast items to order, and no ham the only think that looked good. After spending almost $ 90 on a tiny room (with no phone or TV) and a few extremely overpriced microwaveable organic food items we went to our room.
While the room was nice and clean, it was tiny. The covered carport was nice as the weather wasn’t great. Then I sat on the bed or I should say futon mattress! No box springs just a mattress. I went right back to the front desk and the owner’s wife told me– sorry all the beds were «standard hotel beds». I’m sorry we have had «standard hotel beds» for the past 4 nights and this was far below standard. After going back to the room I tried to just get over it but after a few min. I realized there was no way I was spending $ 70 for a bed I couldn’t even sleep in. I have never sat on a more uncomfortable bed.
We loaded up the few things we brought in and I went back to the office to talk to the owner. She was very rude and acted like she didn’t even know how to do a refund. She’s part owner for goodness sake and she can’t do a simple refund? I was very polite and said I understood, but there was no way I would be able to get any sleep on that bed. I told her the only thing we had used was the microwave to heat up my daughters mac & cheese we bought at her store. She said she was sure we used the bathroom which we had not, nothing was touched. She said it didn’t matter and that her husband would still have to clean the room. I told her it was spotless but she wouldn’t even go look at it despite it being right next door. First she said she would have to charge me $ 5 which I said was fine, then when she handed me the money it was short $ 15. Really?! Please do not waste your time stopping here. That woman was just rude and money is the only thing that matters, not customer service. I was as nice as I could be and we spent over $ 15 in her store. I am a total neat freak, when I say it was clean, it was all clean. She could have even checked the room and charged me the $ 5 and I would have been fine. But rudeness and dishonesty is not OK in my book. As I drove off I just had to think was that extra $ 10 worth a negative review? We ended up at the Edgewater in Shady Cove. Very clean and comfy, big rooms, TV, phone, hot tubs, and internet all for less money! I was mad at myself for not checking the room first but lesson learned. No stars should be an option!

What a wonderful place to stay. The hosts were wonderful and it is just a short jaunt up the hill to Crater Lake. We stayed in one of the rooms and we were very happy. It was warm and cozy and felt like home. I would love to come back in the summer and camp in the back by the river.

I wish I could give this place 20 stars. I literally have never had such amazing service in my whole life.
Here’s the story. My buddy and I were doing a 2-​day 20 mile snowshoe hike at the lake. Instead, of camping in the snow we decided to stay in a motel. Thank god we found Jo’s. I am not in the best of shape, and after the first day I was a wreck. My body was broken, I was dehydrated and malnourished. I could barely walk and wasn’t speaking very coherently.
The owners seemed pretty concerned and went out of their way to look out for my personal welfare in addition to providing the room. They got me a bucket of hot water with salts to help the cramping in my feet and gave me a bunch of band-​aids for my blisters. All free of charge mind you.
They also have a little store, and allowed me to bother them after hours to get water, juice and snacks to help me replenish myself. Even though I was way to tired to watch them, they also gave me some movies to put on.
We told them that we were going to be leaving to start the second part of the hike at 2am the next morning. There price includes breakfast, and instead of telling us that we were out of luck, they fired up their kitchen and made our meals that we could heat up in the microwave in the morning before we left.
In all, I was extremely impressed. The owners are literally the nicest people in the world. I am so thankful to have had a chance to stay in your motel.

An amazing family feel Hotel, actually you don’t get the feeling of staying in a hotel room when you stay here. Nice accommodations, clean and neat, completely Organic, Being an Indian, seeing Mysore Sandal Soap in washroom made me felt home totally… Couple who manages the whole place all by themselves are really energetic, highly friendly and have great conversation skills. I happened to speak to them for 15 to 20mins during our morning breakfast time and found them so knowledgeable, open to cultures/​new people and highly modest. I found both wife and husband to be pretty hardworking and sharing the work with love (he often calls her «My Love»). They suggested us to visit a lake flowing back of their motel & campground and it was very nice in night. Healthy Organic food is available and coffee is also very refreshing.
I am so much admired the way they both are leading life in-​spite of few debts cause of recent renovations to motel and the way they are keeping the place so clean, neat and spreading smiles around. I will definitely stay again in the same motel when ever i visit crater lake. They also suggested us near by restaurants to have food and also guided us on what to do at crater lake. We are so happy with their service/​nature. With in a decent distance to crater lake this motel is the perfect pic for someone who want to spend more time at crater lake and in a family environment. All of my friends are also very happy staying here. I do recommend this place for everyone.

This is a great place to stay if you plan on visiting Crater Lake for a day or two. The owners, (a sweet couple, he refers to her as «my love») were friendly and helpful and have gone to great lengths to provide a comfortable establishment. Not super fancy but they’ve thought of everything from the direction the lamps are pointing in the bathroom, to the fly swatter on its own little hook by the front door to the flashlight on the room key chain. We stayed in a suite and the kitchen had everything one needed for meal prep. The grocery store sells only organic, free trade goods and has a nice selection.
The beds were on the firm side but were tolerable after a day cycling around Crater Lake. Would definitely stay here again.

We needed a place to stay while hiking in nearby Crater Lake. The rooms looked like they were nice and clean and we had a great nights sleep. Unfortunately when we woke up we found that ants had discovered the grapes we had kept in the fridge and had swarmed to cover all the food we had brought along for lunch on the trail. The same thing happened in the bathroom where they must have been drawn to the toothpaste smell. They covered the toothbrushes, hair brushes, everything the was on the sink.
Other than the major pest infestation it was a nice place to stay as long as you are not taller than 6′. I stand about 6’4″ and had to curl up on what was billed as a queen sized bed. Maybe 50 years ago that counted as queen sized but by today’s standards it’s on the small size.

Step into a lovely piece of real Americana … the roadside motel. This place is GREAT! I have been a lot of places, this was the most relaxing ever. Quiet, peaceful and rustic. Where else can you park next to your room in a covered garage. Campfire in the back and DVD’s for use in the front. No TV (–DVD player only) or wi-​fi, but who needs it anyway ! Easy drive to Crater Lake. New fixtures and carpet, Clean as a whistle and QUIET. Nice to walk around at dusk and enjoy the scenery. Nice people that run the place, they do a great job ! Make a reservation early, they sell out fast ! There is camping in the back for both tent and trailer, nice clean facilities there as well. Where else can you camp and have a double heat lamp out of the shower? IF you are heading that way … check it out? Its not the Hilton, its better !

Stopped by the organic grocery and deli on my way through. People are nice and good selection. They offer a few breakfast items they cook up then they switch to lunch about 11. I just got a small latte… it was small… and kind of expensive but I didn’t mind a whole lot since I was supporting a small town business. Stop by!

Eccentric, but wonderful. Jim was incredibly friendly and his enthusiasm is contagious. One of those gems you serendipitously find and then end up regaling all your friends about but never managing to get the point well and truly across. Jim and Robin have created a lovely spot in what feels like a ghost town, at least in March when we visited.
We rented cabin 4, and it was clean, cosy, well-​equipped and really nicely decorated. Free ground coffee for the coffee maker and our choice of DVDs for the evening. The food is fine but nothing special, and the grocery has the basics but not much more. Irrelevant though; I’ll go out of my way to come back.

My husband and I were driving to Crater Lake for snowshoeing, and saw their sign for organic foods. We pulled over so quickly since we needed some good grub for our trek. As vegan/​vegetarians so far from the big city, we had no idea we’d be in store for such a delicious lunch that could be so healthy and filling.
It felt like home as soon as we entered their adorable and abundant deli/​grocery. Their selection of organic foods, drinks, pantry items, wines, beers, breads and condiments was very impressive. The pricing was great — even the beers were affordable and on par with what you’d find at a large supermarket — not at all as expensive as you might expect. (Ahem, this place is MUCH better than a large supermarket!)
With this organic eatery, you’re getting more than just healthy food, you’re supporting a kind and forward-​thinking owner! Robin was such a treat to chat with as she fixed us our delicious whole grain sandwich and veggie burger. Since we told her we were going on a hike, she thoughtfully wrapped our sandwiches neatly in halves so it would be easier for us to eat on the trail. These little things go a long way with us! She cares about the planet, sustainability, and supporting the companies that do good for the planet, which is all the more reason for me and our like-​minded nature-​lovers to support this business. YUM and YAHOO!

The folks at Jo’s are really friendly and our tiny 1 bed suite was extremely comfortable. It’s a lived in place — the bed had a handmade quilt, bathroom has 10 assorted towels in different stages of wear n’ tear, tiny CRT TV (they offer movies for borrowing), and a mini fridge/​micro setup. They also provided freshly ground coffee and tea bags.
The only negative experience was their staff not telling us about how to operate their heating system (no room manual or service after 7pm), so things got very chilly at night. Luckily we had sleeping bags with us.
The following day, we had breakfast at the deli — tasty and very healthy. I’d highly recommend staying here.
* No phone or wifi in the area.

Very clean, very remote, very hard bed, expensive food ie $ 8 sandwich which they charge .50 -$ 1 extra for mayo, mustard, tomatoes etc. Was charged $ 10 for some ground coffee to use
in coffee maker (was not feeling the organic green tea they provide) oh and no tv, phones or internet but that’s okay. Bottom line decent place to lay your head but not much else and found out too late much nicer place down road similar prices.

JUST STAY HERE IF YOU ARE IN NEED TO GET AWAY FROM ALL!!! NO TV, NO PHONE, NO WIFI…
WOOD RIVER IS SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL AND PEACEFUL!!!
I don’t know why I typed in CAPS but I just want you to STAY HERE!!! I mean, I posted enough photos for you to see how much I love it here. Don’t forget to pet Buddy, he is a super cool dog. :)

We were driving back to Seattle from Crater Lake when we spotted the «Jo’s Organic Grocery & Deli» sign.
I expect such stops in a big city — not on a road with cows!
We immediately parked and headed inside. We learned that this is a deli/​grocery, a motel, a campground AND an RV park. I think they even rent canoes or kayaks! We were only looking for food, however, so we didn’t check out the rest of the options.
The female owner was very nice and we chatted with her for a good long while. She let us try some delicious (home-​pickled?) pickles and made us a couple of tasty vegan burgers. I also enjoyed a local organic beer with my burger and my traveling partner enjoyed an organic soda. I was very tempted by the grass-​fed beef burgers, but decided that I wasn’t quite in the mood for eating beef moments after seeing some live cows hanging out down the street.
We learned a bit about some local and Seattle-​area raw milk providers and had fun checking out all the grocery items in the shop.
It was a little pricier than one would expect in a deli… but it was organic, local, way better than your usual convenience store and an absolutely fabulous experience. We were happy to support them and their business!