Gone Creek, near Timothy Lake, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This campground is all about peace and quiet, with no day-use traffic to spoil the serene atmosphere.

You’ll find clean facilities, including well-maintained toilets and drinking water, which campers rave about. The sites are spacious and thoughtfully laid out, so you won’t feel like you’re camping on top of your neighbors. As one visitor noted, “The hosts are friendly and everything was VERY clean,” which really adds to the overall experience.

Outdoor activities abound here. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are just a few ways to enjoy the stunning surroundings. The lake is warm enough for a refreshing dip, and there’s a nice biking and hiking trail that circles the area. Plus, if you’re into kayaking or paddleboarding, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.

Gone Creek is nestled in the Mt. Hood National Forest, making it a prime location for exploring the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, this campground offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

## 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.
## 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.

Gone Creek

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

I had never been to Timothy Lake before, it was so Gorgeous and so much bigger than I thought it would be. I campground was in a great location and I got a good spot, even thou it wasn’t by the water. Bathroom was Super clean and so were all the sites. I’d definitely come back!  The weather was chilly and rainy so it wasn’t busy.  (Oh and don’t waste your time going to lil Crater Lake.)  PGE runs this campground. 

Loved it!! 

Best spot at Timothy Lake I’m

This is a wonderful spot for camping. The sites are well laid out so that you're not in your neighbor's business, and have plenty of room to make yourself at home in each site. The campground doesn't offer day use, so the small, well laid out boat launch and lake access areas aren't super crowded. The hosts are friendly and everything was VERY clean. Highly recommend. 

Spacious, clean and beautiful! 

Mom and teen daughter found this to be a great spot to camp together.  PGE  now oversees the campground and they've upgraded the paths, brought in gravel for parking spots (you can see in one of the pics), and maintain the bathroom meticulously.  Tenting in sites in the 20's are winning spots for sure!  Bring your kayak or paddle board.  We loved this place!  Several sites had been combined with others to make bigger spots.  This happened as a result of PGE taking over the management we heard.

Clean, Pristine and Family Friendly

Great campground.  Vault toilets, water available and beautiful short hike to the shoreline for all the Lake activities!  Only downside is all of the moondust.

Great Timothy Lake Campground

Came up here mid week with a reservation for one night. Was lucky that there was a cancelation and got 2 nights.

The first night in site 38. Great site. Lots of shade. Lots of room. Pretty private. No real view of the lake.

  

Second night in site 41, which was roomy, but the drive was kind of steep. Would be good for a tent. No vehicle longer than mine (20 feet) would really be able to be flat. I had to use my levelers. No privacy and no shade. 

  

But who cares about that? The attraction here is the lake and the lake is amazing. Warm enough for swimming. Despite the full campgrounds all around, it was easy to find a private spot to lounge by the lake for hours. 

  

Smoke from wildfires made it a bit hazy during my visit, but I think there's normally an amazing view of Mt Hood from the lake. Definitely want to come back here again!

Perfect Respite for a Hot Day

Awesome campground on the lake with a biking/hiking trail around the lake and a small boat launch. The bathrooms were very clean and surprisingly smelled great!

Campin

Gone Creek is a nice quiet camp closed to the public and for camper use only. The fact there is no Day Use reduces the people along the water front. Put toilets and water available, I was super impressed with how clean the camp hosts kept the restrooms and how clean they smelled. Activities include swimming, fishing, crawdadding, and hiking. We got dropped off at Little Crater Lake and hiked the 6 miles back to Gone Creek. Once fire season starts, there are no campfires but propane fires are permitted so long at they can be turned off and flames stop immediately.

Photos of Gone Creek

Real photos from real campers