Keeps Mill Campground

Within Mt. Hood National Forest, Keeps Mill Campground provides a remote camping experience that requires serious preparation and capable vehicles. The US Forest Service manages this small facility near the confluence of White River and Clear Creek, accessible only via rough forest roads that demand high-clearance 4WD vehicles.

Multiple campers emphasize the challenging access conditions, with one reviewer noting steep drop-offs, large rocks, and off-camber sections along the narrow approach road. The campground accommodates RVs up to 16 feet, though the rough access makes this impractical for most recreational vehicles. Basic amenities include vault toilets and picnic tables, but no running water or electrical hookups. Campers can explore pet-friendly campgrounds around Mt. Hood National Forest for additional options with easier access.

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Map & DirectionsKeeps Mill Campground is located in Oregon near Government Camp

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Directions from Pine Grove, OR - travel west on Highway 216 past the forest boundary and through a small section of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation to Forest Road 2120. Follow 2120 north to the campground.

Coordinates

45.15400041 N
121.51900018 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets

Drive Time


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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Keeps Mill Campground

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3 Reviews

Visitors consistently highlighted the beautiful, secluded location where White River and Clear Creek meet. All campers emphasized that high-clearance 4WD vehicles are absolutely required due to challenging rocky roads with steep drops.

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020

SERIOUSLY - you need a high clearance vehicle

Very pretty, isolated spot. 

Google will tell you to drive in from North - this won't get you to the CG. You gotta approach from the South. 

You MUST have a high-clearance 4x4. The worst stretch of road is narrow with steep wall on one side and steep drop on the other. You will not be able to turn around.

TIP: From turn onto Keeps Mill road at hwy 216, set your trip odo and drive in and stop at mile 2.7. Then get out of your vehicle and continue on foot so that you can check out the road. There are big rocks, ruts, and lots of off camber. If you are in a raised 4x4 or on a dirt-bike, you'll be fine.

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2016

Rough terrain but worth the scramble

This is a super secluded campsite that is very difficult to drive to. Amazing place to stay. Beautiful stars and an incredible spot to play in the river. Awesome to see the white river and clear creek come together. Very basic campground. No running water.

  • Review photo of Keeps Mill Campground by Lauren R., August 3, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Keeps Mill Campground?

Keeps Mill Campground offers very basic amenities. There is no running water available, so you'll need to bring all water necessary for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The campground is primitive with minimal facilities - expect a truly rustic camping experience. What the site lacks in amenities, it makes up for in natural beauty, including spectacular stargazing opportunities and river access where you can see the White River and Clear Creek confluence.

How do I get to Keeps Mill Campground?

Keeps Mill Campground requires a specific approach from the south, not the north as some navigation systems might direct you. The access road is extremely challenging and requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle - this is not optional. The route includes a narrow stretch with a steep wall on one side and a steep drop on the other. Standard passenger cars or low-clearance vehicles will not be able to reach the campground. Plan your route carefully and ensure your vehicle is capable before attempting the drive.

Is Keeps Mill Campground a good alternative to camping near Hood River?

Keeps Mill Campground can be an excellent alternative to camping near Hood River for those seeking a remote, secluded experience away from crowds. The campground offers beautiful river access and amazing stargazing opportunities in an isolated setting. However, it's important to consider that the difficult access requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle and the facilities are very basic with no running water. If you're prepared for primitive camping and value solitude over convenience, Keeps Mill provides a peaceful alternative to the more developed campgrounds closer to Hood River.