Accessible by vehicle with reservations available through the US Forest Service, Gone Creek operates from late May through mid-September at Timothy Lake. The campground accommodates RVs up to 60 feet, though some reviewers note the access road can be rough and certain sites have steep drives that challenge leveling.
PGE now manages the facility and has upgraded parking areas with gravel and improved pathways. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness, with one camper noting the restrooms "smelled great" despite being vault toilets. The campground restricts day use, keeping lake access areas less crowded than other Timothy Lake locations. Sites in the 20s receive particular mention from campers, and several spots have been combined to create larger camping areas.
Timothy Lake offers swimming and fishing opportunities, with water warm enough for comfortable swimming during summer months. The campground provides a small boat launch and connects to hiking trails, including a six-mile route to Little Crater Lake. Nichole W. reports "activities include swimming, fishing, crawdadding, and hiking" during her visit.
During fire restrictions, campfires are prohibited but propane fires remain permitted. Campers seeking different amenities can explore Oak Fork, located just northeast of Gone Creek on the same lake.
Description
Overview
Gone Creek Campground sits on the edge of the beautiful Timothy Lake, in the shadows of Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest peak. The lush, green forest surrounding the campground provides campers with ample recreational opportunities.
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 2 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.
Facilities
The campground offers dozens of single-family campsites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host is available on-site to answer questions. The nearest gas station/convenience store is about 18 miles away, west on Hwy. 26. The nearest grocery store is in Government Camp, about 23 miles away, west on Hwy. 26.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the south 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.
Nearby Attractions
Gone Creek 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.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGone Creek is located in Oregon near Government Camp
Directions
From Sandy, Oregon, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road/Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road and continue south for about 9 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 57 and travel west for 1 mile, then turn right again at the Gone Creek Campground entrance sign.
Address
Skyline Rd
Timothy lake, OR
Coordinates
45.112778 N
121.775556 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/23/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/23/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/23/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/23/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/23/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 48 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 3 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 22 min from Albany, OR
