Hoodview Campground, near Timothy Lake, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some creature comforts. With spacious sites that offer a sense of privacy and easy access to the lake, it’s a prime location for camping enthusiasts.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained pit toilets that visitors rave about. Many campers have highlighted the stunning views and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway for families and friends alike. One happy camper noted, “The views are immaculate and there are tons of great spots on the lake to set up for a fun day.”

Outdoor activities abound here, with opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on the crystal-clear waters of Timothy Lake. The surrounding trails provide excellent hiking options, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking scenery. As one reviewer put it, “Great trail access around the entire lake.”

While some sites are a bit close to the road, the overall experience remains tranquil, and the friendly campground host adds a welcoming touch. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire or exploring the nearby trails, Hoodview Campground is a solid choice for your next outdoor adventure.

## Overview

 The Hoodview Campground sits on the shores of Timothy Lake, in the shadow of Oregon's Mt. Hood. The surrounding forest setting offers spectacular views, miles of trails for exploration and abundant fishing. 
## 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 3 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.
## Natural Features

 The campground is situated on the southeastern 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, offering views of Mt. Hood. A thick understory of rhododendron bushes provide privacy between sites. 
## Contact Info

 Between 05/26/2023 and 09/30/2023 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

 Hoodview 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 Recreation.Gov, Rules & Reservation Policies.

Hoodview Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Government Camp, OR? Government Camp is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Government Camp, reviewed by campers like you.

Government Camp

The Best Camping Near Government Camp, Oregon

My family loves Timothy Lake. i grew up camping and now I take my family. We pitch our tent, cook over the fire, hike, swim, boat and fish. The view of the mountain is amazing and the many colors the mountain can turn at sunrise and sunset is stunning.  2 hours out of Portland just past Meadows once the snow has melted, which round these parts could be late summer. We camped with snow falling in early July!

Lake, Trails, and a fire

This campground is 70+ miles from portland. The campground is nestled in the forest beside Timothy Lake and makes the scenery gorgeous. The bathroom is clean (beginning of the camp season) and our spot, site 10, was big enough to park two cars, one small trailer and a tent. A fire ring with grill and picnic tables are provided at our site. The only gripe, it is near the access road which can be a bit noisy.

Timothy Lake - Hoodview campground

If you want to visit a place that has the best views ever, then I would highly recommend Hoodview in Orgeon. It is within the Mt. Hood National Forest, and the views of Mt. Hood are spectacular. The campsite itself is near a beautiful lake, Timothy Lake. There are plenty of campsites that are on the edge of the lake, which is one of my favorite parts about this campground. Who doesn't love a lakeside view?! I brought my kayak and had some fun playing in the water during the mornings and late evenings (watch for mosquitoes at the lake- they are no joke!). I also brought my bike so I was able to ride on some really nice flat trails. I would highly recommend brining your bike if you like that activity. Hiking is also a big must if you enjoy that. There are some really great trails and hikes you can do close by the campground. The Timothy Lake Trail is very close by, and is a pretty popular/easy hike. If you want to go around the entire lake, that is close to 12 miles. I really love the campsites themselves, also. Each campsite has a table and fire ring which makes it nice for eating. My family loves doing smores at night, so the fire ring definitely came in handy for this. Another thing we really liked about this campground was that the Ranger Station was very close by. We were able to head here and get information on the best hikes and biking trails. The gentlemen we talked to was super nice and extremely helpful. From Hoodview Campground to the base of Mt. Hood it is about 35-40 miles. On our last day we decided to drive to Mt. Hood early in the morning to do some adventuring. Such a great experience, and a wonderful campground. I would highly recommend it!

Gorgeous Views

This is one of our favorite places. This was the fourth year we were here and we will be back again next year as well.

The campsite is clean and usually quiet. Having the same camp hosts is nice. (Poky and Tiz are great!)

Every year we seem to get a better spot and its always on the water. We like to scope out the other sites while we're there. So far #3 is my favorite. Its next to the day use and xlose to the bathroom. It was big enough for our three 6 person tents and all our other gear.

Can't wait for next year!

Lots of fun to be had on the lake!

My favorite campground to visit. The campground is well maintained even though it does get full. 
Book early though because it does get reserved through the summer.
I wish the reservation system was done differently so you could camp there more often.
https://youtu.be/aOKNZnNie0Y

Timothy Lake

PGE runs this park, very small &amp; well kept. Same hosts for last several years, sadly my favorite spots are being removed for a walking trail in 2020 summer will never be the same 😔

One of my all time favorites!

My family has been camping in Hoodview @ Timothy Lake for over 30 years. We have 5 children &amp; now 10 grandchildren who camp there on a regular basis. We LOVE this campground! Great views, boat ramp, day use, campsites right on the water, decent facilities. There are no hookups. There are water stations every other campsite or so. There is a 20 mile pretty level hiking trail that circles the lake. Lots of inlets for "play places". 

Mt. Hood

Headed up to Timothy Lake on a weekday afternoon and were rewarded with a water front site with amazing views of Mt. Hood. There was firewood to purchase for $6/bundle and the site cost us $20 for the night. There are a number of trails around the lake including one that is a long loop circling the entire lake. 

Beautiful midweek camping

Amazing view and hikes around the lake.    Great for kids, dogs and adults!  

Beautiful View on Mt. Hood

Water so clear that you can see the fallen logs at the bottom of the lake.  Early morning paddling on the glass-like landscape awakens your senses.  Bring your crawdad catchers for some family fun and yummy treat at the end of a fun filled day of biking around the lake and lounging in the tepid water.

Beautiful Escape

This side of the lake is beautiful, and some of these spots are right on the water, although I am never fast enough to reserve one of the waterfront spots (and I have attempted to make reservations here the day they become available, so I just don't know the trick). 

We have stayed at both ends of this campground - one with a water view, and one at the little inlet. The lake is beautiful, with a view of Mt. Hood and great evening light. Can be a little chilly as it's up at 3,227 ft, so bear that in mind when planning June or September outings. There is an easy-to-moderate 11 mile loop around the lake with pretty flat elevation for an all-day activity. Clear Lake is also a short drive away and stunningly clear!

There are no motor boats, just canoes and kayaks when we were there, so it's very relaxing.

A beautiful spot on Timothy Lake

Stayed in 2 different sites over the weekend in Hoodview Campground (Timothy Lake). 

Pros:
VERY spacious campsites with lots of privacy and spots to choose for tent pitching. Lots of trees for hammock hanging. Views of lake from both sites. Campground host is the cutest lady who is extremely kind and helpful. Bathrooms are clean. 

Cons:
Some sites are close to the road, but we weren’t disturbed by cars. Lake front sites are separated from the lake by a trail. 

Tips: Kayak and canoe rentals are available for Timothy and Trillium Lake, but Lake Trillium has the best views of Mt. Hood. Get pizza from Mountainview restaurant in nearby Govy Camp. 

Also google maps will try to give you a shortcut taking you off of 26 onto backroads. Not a good idea. The shortcut has potholes almost the size of sinkholes. Stay on 26 and just follow the signs to the campground. 

Spacious Lakefront Camping loo

This is a great CG! Huge sites and everyone has access to the beautiful lake and trail! I was able to get a spot even though it said full. Hosts are very nice and accommodating. Clean vaults and water spigots throughout.

Fantastic !

If you don’t have a RV or Trailer and want the illusion of a hike in campsite, this is your spot. Great spot on Timothy lake to hang out, drink a beer, and not have to deal with the crowds at a day use area. 

The walk-in sites are a little close together, but that’s expected at most campgrounds. Nice to be away from the road going through the campground. 

Walk-in site

This campground just received a major overhaul in 2020. It feels all fresh and new.

  

We reserved the three walk in sites on the western end of the campground, and it felt like we had the entire area to ourselves. One of the sites is right at the water, which is amazing (although the trail comes through there, so it's not very private).

  

Overall this is a great option to camp at Timothy Lake.

Freshly renovated in 2020

Wow!  Timothy lake is beautiful.  Great trail access around the entire lake.  Only down side is the ants.

Killer spot

I have traveled across this great country of ours from coast to coast several times over. I've done all types of camping. This is one of the best campgrounds I've stayed at. The views are immaculate and there are tons of great spots on the lake to set up for a fun day. The camp host (Cindy) was friendly yet respectful of privacy. She was great with my kids and dogs. We stayed at a hike in site (12) which was close to the road but it did not bother us. The bathrooms are the cleanest campground bathrooms I've seen it's a long time. There are no showers, but very nice potable water. The bugs were OK once we put spray on. Overall, I'd definitely go back.

One of the best

Nice

Este lugar esta bonito y los baños están limpios a pesar que son de litrinas fuimos un fin de semana y todos estaba tranquilo el lago trasparente este lugar si lo recomiendo 100%. 

Clean bathroom 

This is the most well-maintained National Forest campground I’ve ever been to. Even the pit toilets were immaculate! The sites are large and private-feeling, and every site is right near the lake. Some sites are a little close to the main road, but it’s not a heavily travelled road. We were close to it but it was barely noticeable. Definitely on my favorites list now!


Photos of Hoodview Campground

Real photos from real campers