North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)
Campground · 19 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Mt. Hood National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 19
- Bookable sites
- 45 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 6
- People per site
- 2
- Accessible sites
- 3,247 ft
- Elevation
Overview
The North Arm Campground sits on the shores of Timothy Lake, in the shadow of Oregon's Mt. Hood. The surrounding forest setting offers spectacular views, wetlands, trails for exploration, and abundant fishing. This campground is smaller and more secluded than the others on the south side of the lake.
DRIVING NOTE: There are two routes to North Arm Campground—one is rugged and one is suitable for RVs and trailers. Recommended Route: From Sandy, Oregon, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road / FS Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road, and continue south for about 9 miles. Turn right on FS Road 57, and travel west for approximately 3 ½ miles, crossing the dam at Timothy Lake. Take the 2nd right onto FS Road 5810. North Arm is approximately 5 ½ miles from here. Keep right at all intersections—the road becomes FS Road 5890. The campground is on the right.
Recreation
Proximity to Timothy Lake allows campers to enjoy a variety of water-related recreation, including boating and sailing, as well as swimming, windsurfing and fishing. Anglers can expect a catch of kokanee salmon and a variety of trout, as well as crayfish. This area has wonderful canoeing and kayaking opportunities. A variety 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 and a historic site. The Little Crater Lake is only a short hike away. Little Crater Lake is a geologic oddity, possibly formed by artesian water forcing its way through soft, volcanic rock. The beautiful, turquoise water is a wonder to see. The surrounding meadow is a great place for observing birds and other wildlife. The region is ripe for huckleberry picking as well.Facilities
The campground offers 14 campsites for tent and RV camping. There are four hike-to campsites available as well. Each site is equipped with a table and a fire ring. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host is also available onsite.
The nearest gas station/convenience store is about 14 miles away, west on Hwy. 26. The nearest grocery store is in Government Camp, about 19 miles away, west on Hwy. 26.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the northeastern 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 dense mix conifer forest close to the shoreline. Most sites have a thick understory to provide privacy between sites. The wetlands nearby provide an opportunity to observe many species of wildlife.Nearby Attractions
The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District is less than 10 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.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.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
- 19 bookable sites
- 20 sites in total, including non-bookable
- 2 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 45 ft
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: HIKE TO, NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND
Site types
- 19 Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Management
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits.
20 campsites at North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)
Check-in 4:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Access | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 005 | HIKE TO | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | Hike In | — | 4 | 🐾 |
| 006 | HIKE TO | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | Hike In | — | 4 | 🐾 |
| 007 | HIKE TO | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | Hike In | — | 4 | 🐾 |
| 008 | HIKE TO | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | Hike In | — | 4 | 🐾 |
| 020 | HIKE TO | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | Hike In | 18 ft | 4 | 🐾 |
| 001 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 002 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | — | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 003 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | 35 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 004 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 009 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | — | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 010 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Management | Back In | Gravel | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 011 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 012 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | 35 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 013 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 014 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 40 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 015 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | 30 ft | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 016 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 45 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 017 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 018 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | 40 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 019 | NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | — | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
Recommended Route: From Government Camp, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 11 miles to Skyline Road / FS Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road, and continue south for just over 8 miles. Turn right on FS Road 57, and travel west for approximately 3 ½ miles, crossing the dam at Timothy Lake. Take the 2nd right onto FS Road 5810. North Arm is approximately 5 miles from here. Keep right at all intersections—the road becomes FS Road 5890. The campground is on the right.
45.14250, -121.77167 · 45°8'33.0"N 121°46'18.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 8.4 | 6.1 | 6.0 | 4.4 | 3.0 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 4.6 | 8.3 | 9.7 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.1 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 North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)
- Can you reserve a site at North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)?
- Yes, North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) have?
- 20 sites in total, of which 19 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)?
- 45 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)?
- Yes, pets are allowed at North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR).
- Are campfires allowed at North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)?
- Campfires are allowed at North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)'s operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- Camping : $26/night for standard non-electric single site
- $22/night for hike-in non-electric single site
- $10/night for extra vehicle
- Holiday weekend camping rates are an additional $2 per night
- Day use : $10/day/vehicle
Restrictions:
- 10 mph speed limit for motorized boats on the lake.
Camping near North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, OR)
- Little Crater Lake 1.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Oak Fork Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) 1.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Gone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) 2.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Pine Point Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Stone Creek Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Hoodview Campground (Timothy Lake, OR) 2.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Clear Lake Cabin Lookout 2.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Joe Graham Horse Campground 3.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin 3.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Clackamas Lake 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Timothy Lake - Meditation Point Campground 1.5 mi · Campground
- Timothy Lake - Cove Day Use Area 2.6 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 503-464-8515
- Book Recreation.gov
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.
Comments