Gone Creek Campground Timothy Lake, Mt Hood National Forest

4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)

Gone Creek Campground Details

  • Campground Rating:
    4.7
  • Reservations Available: Yes
  • Number of Campsites: 50
  • Avg. Overnight Fee: $17
  • Drinking Water: Yes
  • Toilets: Vaulted
  • Camphost on Site: Yes
  • Fires Allowed: Yes
  • Cell Service: Unknown
  • Season: End of May to - October
  • Nearest Store (Miles): 30
  • GPS: 45.11278,-121.77528
  • Elevation: 3,200 ft.
  • Showers: No
  • Firewood for Sale: Yes

Active Alerts & Warnings

WARNING

Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators with an approved spark arrestor and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted.

WARNING

NOTICE: In response to customer feedback, we have established generator hours. Effective in 2024, generator use is allowed only from 8 am to 8 pm. It is prohibited to operate generators or idle engines between 8 pm and 8 am.

WARNING

Travel Alert: Timothy Lake has limited access from Highway 224 with detours.

FR 57 has log removal and upcoming construction – expect delays and temporary closures.  RVs are encouraged to take Highway 26 while work on FR 57 continues. The FR 57 detour has narrow spots.  Please see the Forest Service Fire Recovery Updates for more information. 

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Gone Creek Campground Description

Tucked away on the shores of Timothy Lake beneath the looming presence of Mount Hood, Gone Creek Campground provides a perfect retreat for those wanting both relaxation and adventure. At an elevation of 3,400 feet and surrounded by thick forests, this site beautifully merges camping with the pristine waters of Timothy Lake.

The campground boasts 49 shaded sites, ideal for tents, RVs, and trailers, each surrounded by ancient trees which offer decent privacy. Of these, eighteen sites are pull-through, perfect for larger setups. These sites are organized into two loops, with many sites being lakefront. These coveted spots are typically booked well in advance; however the layout ensures that all visitors have easy access to the water.

The lake itself enforces a 5mph speed limit, providing a calm setting ideal for activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Fishing enthusiasts will find the lake rich with kokanee salmon, eastern brook trout, and rainbow trout, and it’s recognized as one of Oregon’s finest spots for crayfish fishing. The are also has great trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Notably, the Timothy Lake Trail skirts the lake over 12 miles of gentle terrain, offering picturesque vistas and linking to the famed Pacific Crest Trail.

Each campsite at Gone Creek comes with amenities like a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill. There are vault toilets, potable water and a boat launch that is exclusively for overnight campers.

The historical allure of the vicinity is another highlight, with the Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District just a stone’s throw away. Established in the early 1900s to accommodate forest service staff, the district’s old-world architecture and its historical relevance draw many visitors annually.

For supplies, the closest gas station and convenience store lie roughly 18 miles away along Highway 26, with a broader selection of groceries available in Government Camp, about 23 miles to the west. This ensures that while Gone Creek Campground feels like a remote escape, essential conveniences remain within reach, ensuring a comfortable and memorable camping experience.

Gone Creek Campground Map

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One of the Best Campgrounds at Timothy Lake

May 3, 2024

This and Hoodview are the two best campgrounds at Timothy Lake, Hands down. If you plan accordingly, or just get luck, you can get a waterfront site. The day use area is good and there is a nice boat launch space. Overall great campground.

Chris Moore

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April 5, 2019

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September 18, 2018

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August 15, 2016

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May 28, 2015

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April 8, 2015

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Comments/Questions

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  1. I am 64 years old. I have been going to Gone Creek camp ground since I was eleven.
    I go every August with my family that is now 80 strong. About 70 of us make it each year.
    We now have reservations for 17 camp sites this August.
    It has always been the families highlight of the year.
    The camp hosts have always been kind and helpful to us. We always invite them to our Taco feed the last Friday night of the week. Our time there is 10 days. It is great!
    Thank you

    1. Hey Jennifer – We do not have anything to do with reservations. Visit Reserve America to check out reservation availability. There is almost zero chance you will find an open site that is also on the water at Timothy Lake this late into summer. You need to make lakeside reservations about 6 months before you want to go if you want any chance of camping on the water. This is a very popular campground. Best of luck!

    1. Yes there is potable water at the campground. There is no “RV Fill Station” per say but there is a water spigot and you could probably pull up to it and fill your tank. Or if you have something like a 5 gallon canister you could fill that then pour it in your RV tank.

    1. Not sure. You can call the Forest Service to find out. Let us know what they tell you: Mt. Hood National Forest Headquarters – M – F 7:30am – 4:30pm Closed 11:30 – 12:30 Telephone: (503) 668 1700