Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)

Campground · Oregon · 48 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Mt. Hood National Forest (NF) · Open Access

48
Bookable sites
60 ft
Max rig length
up to 12
People per site
10
Accessible sites
3,250 ft
Elevation
View of Mount Hood from Gone Creek
Photo: PGE Parks · Recreation.gov

Overview

Gone Creek Campground sits on the edge of the beautiful Timothy Lake, in the shadows of Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest peak. The lush, green forest surrounding the campground provides campers with ample recreational opportunities.

Recreation

Proximity to Timothy Lake allows campers to enjoy a variety of water-related recreation activities, including boating and sailing, as well as swimming, windsurfing and fishing. Anglers can expect a catch of kokanee salmon and a variety of trout. A range of trails are located in the area. The Timothy Lake Trail is popular for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The 12 miles of relatively level terrain loops trekkers around the lake, providing scenic views of the area. It connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, a lengthy hike that extends across three states, from the borders of Canada and Mexico. Portions of that trail also lead southwest to Clackamas Lake Campground. The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District is less than 2 miles from the campground. It was built to house forest service workers in the early 1900s. The rustic architecture and historic nature of the buildings and the surrounding area draws thousands of tourists each year.

Facilities

The campground offers dozens of single-family campsites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host is available on-site to answer questions.

The nearest gas station/convenience store is about 18 miles away, west on Hwy. 26. The nearest grocery store is in Government Camp, about 23 miles away, west on Hwy. 26.

Natural Features

The campground is situated on the south shore of the roughly 1,400-acre lake, at an elevation of 3,400 feet. Timothy Lake was created in 1956 as a storage reservoir for the Oak Grove Hydroelectric Project. It is one of the larger lakes in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest, with many sites with views of the water's edge.

Contact Info

Between 05/26/2023 and 09/09/2023 this location is staffed. Please call (503) 834-2215 to speak with local staff. From 11/22/2022 to 05/25/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (503) 464-8515 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Gone Creek is about 28 miles from the base of majestic Mt. Hood, the highest point in Oregon. The historic Timberline Lodge in Government Camp offers scenic views of the snow-capped mountain.

Charges & Cancellations

A service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see the Recreation.gov Rules & Reservation Policies.

The facts

  • Season: 05/24/2024 – 09/11/2024 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 48 bookable sites
  • 50 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • 10 accessible sites
  • Vehicles up to 60 ft
  • Up to 12 people per site
  • Loops: AREA GONE CREEK, Double Site

Site types

  • 47 Standard Nonelectric
  • 2 Management
  • 1 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

50 campsites at Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)

Check-in 4:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
001AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel——6 🐾
002AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerate40 ft6 🐾
003AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight48 ft6 🐾
004AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—20 ft6 🐾
005AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—52 ft6 🐾
006AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—30 ft6♿ 🐾
007AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—31 ft6 🐾
008AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—40 ft6 🐾
009AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—40 ft6 🐾
010AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—47 ft6 🐾
011AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—45 ft6 🐾
012AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravelSlight35 ft6 🐾
013AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight40 ft6♿ 🐾
014AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—32 ft6♿ 🐾
015AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—26 ft6 🐾
016AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—38 ft6♿ 🐾
017AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—23 ft6♿ 🐾
018AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—40 ft6 🐾
019AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—25 ft6 🐾
020AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—26 ft6 🐾
021AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—45 ft6 🐾
022AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—35 ft6 🐾
023AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—46 ft6 🐾
024AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—35 ft6 🐾
025AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight45 ft6 🐾
026AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—22 ft6 🐾
027AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight40 ft6 🐾
028AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—40 ft6 🐾
029AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—22 ft6 🐾
030AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—35 ft6♿ 🐾
032AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—32 ft6 🐾
033AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—45 ft6 🐾
034AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—50 ft6 🐾
035AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—30 ft6♿ 🐾
036AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—60 ft6 🐾
037AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—40 ft6 🐾
038AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—50 ft6 🐾
039AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight50 ft6 🐾
040AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—45 ft6♿ 🐾
041AREA GONE CREEKManagementPull ThroughGravel—25 ft6 🐾
042AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—50 ft6 🐾
043AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—40 ft6♿ 🐾
044AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
045AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—35 ft6 🐾
046AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—45 ft6 🐾
047AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—30 ft6 🐾
048AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—25 ft6 🐾
049AREA GONE CREEKStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—40 ft6♿ 🐾
050AREA GONE CREEKManagementBack InGravel—40 ft6
031Double SiteGroup Standard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel—50 ft12 🐾

Getting there

From Sandy, Oregon, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road/Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road and continue south for about 9 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 57 and travel west for 1 mile, then turn right again at the Gone Creek Campground entrance sign.

45.11278, -121.77556 · 45°6'46.0"N 121°46'32.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in8.46.16.04.43.01.80.30.51.54.68.39.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Payment in-full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A non-refundable online reservation fee may be charged for some facilities.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)

Can you reserve a site at Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)?
Yes, Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) have?
50 sites in total, of which 48 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)?
60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)?
Yes, pets are allowed at Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR).
Are campfires allowed at Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)?
Campfires are allowed at Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)'s operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Camping : $26/night for single site
  • $52/night for double site
  • $10/night for extra vehicle
  • Additional $2 per night applies to holiday weekend rates
  • Additional fees apply when booking thru Rec.gov
  • Day use : For campers only - no day use area.

Restrictions:

  • 10 mph speed limit for motorized boats in the lake.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-08.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.