Keeps Mill Campground
03 reviewsKeeps Mill Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee for overnight camping at Keeps Mill Campground is $10 per night for a single campsite. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single site fees physically occupied by the pass holder. Payment must be made via cash or check.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged wilderness where the White River carves its path through ancient forests, Keeps Mill Campground offers a true escape from the modern world. This intimate, backcountry gem rewards adventurous souls who navigate the challenging access road with their high-clearance vehicles. Once you arrive, you'll discover why generations of solitude seekers have made the journey—pristine riverside camping where the only sounds are rushing water and wind through towering evergreens. Far from crowds and civilization, this remote sanctuary delivers an authentic wilderness experience for those who prefer their camping raw and unfiltered.
Keeps Mill Campground is designed for primitive camping and tent camping. It caters to visitors seeking solitude and a rugged camping experience.
Historical SignificanceWhispers of the past echo through this canyon, where industrious pioneers once harnessed the White River's power. Though the original Keeps Mill vanished long ago, leaving only scattered remnants 200 yards east along the riverbank, its legacy lives on in the campground's name. These weathered ruins, discoverable by curious explorers, tell the story of Oregon's timber heritage and the hardy souls who worked these remote valleys. The site serves as a quiet monument to the region's logging history, where nature has slowly reclaimed what industry once built.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground awakens each year when spring's warmth melts the last mountain snows, typically opening its gates in mid-May as nature permits. Through the glorious Pacific Northwest summer and into October's golden days, visitors can enjoy temperate camping conditions perfect for riverside relaxation. As autumn fades, the campground closes for its long winter slumber, when temperatures plunge well below freezing and snow blankets the canyon. Early season adventurers should check conditions carefully, as mountain weather can be unpredictable and access roads may remain impassable into late spring.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryHere, the White River has sculpted a dramatic sanctuary where steep canyon walls rise like natural cathedrals, cloaked in dense emerald forest. The river itself is the undeniable star—a powerful, churning force that has shaped this landscape over millennia. Towering conifers create a verdant canopy overhead, their ancient trunks standing sentinel over the rushing waters below. This is elemental Oregon at its finest: nothing but the raw beauty of trees, canyon, and raging river, creating a pristine wilderness tableau that feels untouched by time.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Mt. Hood National Forest, Keeps Mill Campground occupies a spectacular pocket of Oregon's Cascade geology. The White River has carved a steep-walled canyon through volcanic deposits and ancient forest soils, creating a dramatic landscape that showcases millions of years of geological artistry. Dense coniferous forests blanket the canyon slopes, their roots anchored in rich volcanic soil that tells the story of Mt. Hood's fiery past. This rugged terrain exemplifies the powerful forces that shaped the Oregon Cascades—where water, fire, and time have conspired to create one of the Pacific Northwest's most stunning natural amphitheaters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information provided about accessibility features at Keeps Mill Campground. The rugged terrain and rough road conditions may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeNo specific details about campsite sizes are provided.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest the campground is secluded and offers privacy due to its remote location and adjacency to the White River.
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is not explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No information is available about group camping sites at Keeps Mill Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonMid May - Mid October
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyRules for cancellations are not provided. However, reservation fees may apply.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Keeps Mill Campground can enjoy picnicking, day hikes, backpacking, and fishing in the nearby White River. According to user reviews, the campground's remote setting makes it ideal for those seeking solitude and nature-based activities.
Hiking
Day hikes are available at Keeps Mill Campground, enabling visitors to explore the area's natural beauty. Specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the White River near Keeps Mill Campground. Visitors are advised to consult the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for regulations and restrictions (Central Zone).Winter Activities
No details about winter activities are provided.Water Sports
No details are available on water sports activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThe road accessing the campground is described as 'increasingly bad, rutted, pitted, large potholes in worn gravel/dirt. The last mile sheer up on one side, and down on the other,' according to user reviews. Seasonal hazards may include snow and flooding.
Active alertsThe campground is currently closed due to the White River Fire, which burned through the area in 2020. The area remains inaccessible as of late 2023.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesOpens for season late May/early June, weather dependent.
Trash and recyclingThere is no information available about trash and recycling facilities at Keeps Mill Campground.
Proximity to water featuresCamping is directly adjacent to the White River.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the difficult road conditions, with user reviews consistently noting the need for high-clearance vehicles.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections 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.
Forest Road 2120 is described as 'very rough'. Official sources and user reviews consistently note that only high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the site. 'The last mile is a very rough jeep trail that hugs the side of a fairly steep canyon,' writes one user review.Nearby places
Government Camp, OR (exact distance not specified).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Keeps Mill Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Keeps Mill Campground for its remote and secluded setting, highlighting its adjacency to the White River. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and rugged terrain but emphasize the challenges in accessing the site due to the rough road conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews include mentions of the campground's peaceful environment, proximity to the White River, and flat campsites suitable for tent camping. "Remote place. Nothing here but trees, canyon,...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaint revolves around the poor road conditions leading to the campground, requiring high-clearance vehicles and 4WD. "Last mile is a very rough jeep trail that hugs the side of a...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water, as the campground lacks amenities. Additionally, they suggest using 4WD and high-clearance vehicles to navigate the challenging...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
User experiences are consistent across seasons, emphasizing the campground's rugged nature and lack of amenities. Accessibility is weather-dependent, as the site opens late May/early June based on...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"If you want a remote, secluded camping adventure this is the spot. Need 4 wheel drive and your tent." "This area is still closed as of late 2023 due to the White River Fire which burned right...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific sites were named in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information or reviews are available regarding pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025