Map showing campground location near Government Camp, Oregon

Camper submitted image from Clear Creek Crossing Campground

Clear Creek Crossing Campground

Cattle wander freely through this small Forest Service campground alongside Clear Creek, creating an authentic working landscape experience. Located within Mt. Hood National Forest near Maupin, the eight first-come, first-served sites sit beneath a canopy of fir trees with direct creek access via a footbridge to the adjacent meadow.

The campground operates with minimal development—one well-maintained vault toilet, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. Most sites accommodate multiple tents, though the rustic layout means no cell service or internet connectivity. Tristan T. notes the area has "not many bugs" but reminds visitors to "filter/boil water from the creek" due to the free-range cattle presence.

Clear Creek runs cold and shallow, suitable for foot soaking and creek-side relaxation. A hiking trail departs directly from the campground, though visitors should bring maps for navigation. The grazing cattle typically appear during July and August, adding to the working ranch atmosphere but requiring water treatment precautions.

Campers consistently find the campground uncrowded, making it an alternative to busier lake destinations in the region. The 20-minute drive to larger recreation lakes like Timothy Lake allows day trips while returning to this quieter base camp for overnight stays.

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Map & DirectionsClear Creek Crossing Campground is located in Oregon near Government Camp

Public Campground

Directions

From Maupin, OR - go about 25 miles west on Highway 216, then 3 miles northwest on Forest Road 2130.

Coordinates

45.14637102 N
121.585718 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 20 min from Portland, OR
1 hr 31 min from Bend, OR
1 hr 56 min from Salem, OR
2 hrs 14 min from Albany, OR

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Clear Creek Crossing Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the peaceful creek-side setting and clean facilities at this small 8-site campground. Free-range cattle in the area during summer months are mentioned as a notable characteristic that affects the camping experience.

Kathy B.

Legend

Reviewed Mar. 17, 2026

Woodsy and Secluded

Stayed here a few times when I wanted to escape the busy lake campgrounds nearby. The sites are large and rustic--deep in the trees. No cell signal nor Starlink.

It's peaceful, quiet and mostly empty when I've been there.

Cows do wander through. The creek is beautiful and there's a sweet hiking trail right from the campground.

Month of VisitSeptember

(8) View All

Julianne N.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2024

Nice spot for the night

The actual campground was snowed in a bit though high clearance vehicles were able to go all the way in. We ended up in a nice spot just off the road with access to the creek. It’s absolutely beautiful here!

Month of VisitApril

David N.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 14, 2022

Not as good as it was 35 years ago

3rd generation in my family to grow up camping there. Cows are free to do their thing in the campground and the entire area. Allowing ranchers to move their cows into the area has greatly destroyed camping and hiking. We stopped camping there 20 years ago. There are some dispersed camp sites in the area though that are better than the campground.

Siteall of them over the years

Month of VisitAugust

Tristan T.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020

Quiet, relaxing

Lovely spot on Clear Creek. Good trail and creek access.

A few key details: not many bugs, you better like cows, single vault toilet, bring TP, PACK OUT YER DANG TRASH, leave this place cleaner than you found it, check FS website for seasonal fire regulations.

This is a quiet campground, probably best to leave your subwoofer and large parties at home. Cows are free range here - make sure you filter/boil water from the creek.

Month of VisitAugust

Shannon G.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 25, 2019

Best camp ground

This campground is the best. I've been going there for 30 years. Wouldn't want to camp anywhere else.

Site3

Month of VisitJune

Sarah M.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2018

Cozy

Very soothing and calm space. It is clean and quiet, and often does not fill to capacity. Please help by packing out your garbage and utilizing bins.

Laurel T.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 27, 2018

Quiet, peaceful, low traffic

I love this campground. Only about 8 sites available, first come first serve. Most can fit minimum of 2 tents, a couple could fit more. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site and a pit toilet for the camp. The pit toilet is very well kept. The campground sits next to/above beautiful Clear Creek, with a footbridge to the meadow across. The creek is cold and shallow, perfect to dip your feet in or sit if you really want to. It does sit in a grazing area for cattle, so you will sometimes see cattle in the meadow/creek around July/August. There are trails to hike (bring a map!). I have never seen this campground full, it's a great spot for a relaxing time and only about 20 min from bigger lakes, like Timothy (go for the day and then return for a relaxing and uncrowded night).

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Clear Creek Campground located on Mt. Hood?

Clear Creek Campground is located in the Mt. Hood area of Oregon, situated alongside its namesake creek. The campground is positioned above Clear Creek, providing beautiful views and creek access. The surrounding area features trails and natural beauty typical of the Mt. Hood region. For exact directions and coordinates, contact the Forest Service office that manages the Mt. Hood National Forest.

How do I access Clear Creek Crossing at the campground?

Clear Creek Crossing Campground is accessible via a road that may require high clearance vehicles, especially during winter and early spring when snow can partially block access. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with approximately 8 sites available. During snowy conditions, you may need to camp just off the road with creek access. The area is open to free-range cattle, so expect to encounter cows throughout the campground and surrounding areas.

What amenities are available at Clear Creek Campground?

Clear Creek Campground offers basic amenities including picnic tables and fire pits at each campsite. There is a single vault toilet that is generally well-maintained, though bringing your own toilet paper is recommended. No potable water, electricity, or shower facilities are available, so come prepared with all necessary supplies. Each site can accommodate at least two tents, with some sites offering space for more. Remember to pack out all trash as there are limited waste disposal facilities.

What recreational activities are available at Clear Creek Recreation Area?

Clear Creek Recreation Area offers several outdoor activities centered around its natural features. Visitors can enjoy hiking on nearby trails, fishing in Clear Creek, and simply relaxing by the soothing waters. The creek provides opportunities for wading and cooling off during warm weather. Wildlife observation is also popular, though be aware that cattle roam freely throughout the area. The peaceful setting makes it ideal for nature photography, bird watching, and stargazing away from city lights.

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Map & DirectionsClear Creek Crossing Campground is located in Oregon near Government Camp

Directions

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Connectivity

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Site Types

Features

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Where is Clear Creek Campground located on Mt. Hood?

How do I access Clear Creek Crossing at the campground?

What amenities are available at Clear Creek Campground?

What recreational activities are available at Clear Creek Recreation Area?