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.
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
Hi, Im looking to reserve a campsite. Was wondering what sites are available for July 24-25, and August 22-23. Would love sites with water views.
Thank you
Jennifer Lopez
j3e3n3@hotmail.com
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!
Is there potable water available at the campground? Could I fill my holding tank on my RV?
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.
do you know if fires are allowed over the three day weekend coming up?
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