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Activities

Established Camping

North Arm Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Travel Alerts: Timothy Lake has limited access from Hwy 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.
  • Please go to North Arm (Timothy Lake) Web Page click on the Facility Information tab, then scroll to the Getting Here section for recommended route to North Arm.

Campers are Saying

North Arm Campground, near Mt. Hood National Forest, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its stunning views of Mount Hood and the serene waters of Timothy Lake, it’s a favorite among campers who appreciate a peaceful environment.

The campground offers spacious sites, perfect for both tents and RVs, allowing for a bit of privacy while you enjoy the great outdoors. Visitors rave about the clear waters, making it an ideal place for swimming and fishing. One camper noted, “The water is surprisingly warm,” which is a pleasant surprise for those looking to cool off.

For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a lovely trail that circles the lake, providing access to some beautiful, less crowded spots along the shore. Many campers recommend bringing your kayak or paddleboard to fully enjoy the lake. Just remember, the nights can get chilly, so pack accordingly!

Facilities include clean, new vaulted toilets and accessible drinking water, ensuring you have what you need for a comfortable stay. While there are no showers or electric hookups, the natural beauty and tranquility of the area more than make up for it. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views, North Arm Campground is definitely worth a visit.

General Overview

USDA Forest Service

Mt. Hood National Forest

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 __ 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.

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

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.

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.

Fee Info

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.

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Location

North Arm Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

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 __ 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.

Coordinates

45.1425 N
121.771667 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

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5.0

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 28, 2022

Absolutely beautiful!

The scenery and the placid, warm lake, make this my favorite place to camp in Oregon. The campsites can be very uneven for tents, but we’ve always made it work. The lake is never crowded and by using the trail that goes around the lake you can basically have your own private beach anywhere. The water is surprisingly warm. Can be very cold at night. Cell service is non-existent.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Amy C., January 28, 2022
  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Amy C., January 28, 2022
  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Amy C., January 28, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Beautiful and serene!

This is one of my absolute favorite places to camp on Hood. I love how beautiful the surrounding area is and the water is so very clear and fun to swim in! The fishing is also really good so overall I always have the best time!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2021

Huge Campsites

Lots of dispersed camping right on lake edge. Beautiful views of mount hood on clear days. Bring bug spray if it's spring or summer! Developed camp sites are spaced further apart than most campgrounds.

Site11
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2020

Amazing Views of Mount Hood

Can be tough to get reservations as they are limited, but if you plan ahead or are lucky, this place is great. Nice lake with awesome views of Mount Hood. We tried fishing here with no luck. Just spent one night and would like to spend more time exploring.

  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Blaine B., June 21, 2020
  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Blaine B., June 21, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2019

North Arm Campground Lake Timothy

With only 18 camp spots this place is a quiet gem. If your in a small rv no problem. Drive in spots are fairly private and the lake is lovely. Clean new vaulted toilets and accessible drinking water. This place is a drive so make sure you have what you need & the camp host Is fantastic 🌟

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2018

Stayed a week! So pretty!

This was so peaceful. We tent camped for a week in the summer. Took nice long hike around the lake twice with the kids. The spots are huge, the toilets smell so bad though. Make sure to bring sanitizer definitely. The views in the morning make it worth it though.

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2018

So beautiful!!!

Timothy Lake was clean, friendly an the campground was amazing. Lots to explore an do. P.s there is a fire ban right now so no fire pits allowed.have fun an be safe out there Oregon Campers.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Randi C., August 3, 2018
  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Randi C., August 3, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2016

Timothy Lake

Great campground! The staff was friendly and delivers firewood to you. Clean facilities and the lake is a beaut!

  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Carole B., September 6, 2016
  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Carole B., September 6, 2016
  • Review photo of North Arm Campground by Carole B., September 6, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at North Arm Campground?

    Camping at North Arm Campground can cost between $22.00 and $24.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at North Arm Campground?

    North Arm Campground allows vehicles up to 45 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at North Arm Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at North Arm Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at North Arm Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at North Arm Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at North Arm Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at North Arm Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at North Arm Campground?

    There are 19 campsites at North Arm Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts