Within Mt. Hood National Forest, Oak Fork operates as a US Forest Service campground that accommodates RVs up to 60 feet along Timothy Lake's southern shore. The campground runs from late May through mid-September, with sites ranging from $24-$79 per night depending on location and amenities.
Several campsites sit directly on the lake, providing immediate water access for swimming and kayaking. Bjorn S. notes the kayaking experience offers "views of Hood, bears, accessible marshes and streams around the bend, all clean and super pristine." The lake's clear water draws families with younger children, and reviewers consistently mention the campground maintains a quiet atmosphere after dark. Clean restrooms and drinking water are available throughout the facility.
Access requires driving on forest roads that can become rough, particularly after weather events. The campground accepts reservations, though some first-come, first-serve sites remain available. Nearby alternatives include Gone Creek and Stone Creek Campground, both within a mile. Campers traveling with pets will find Oak Fork welcomes dogs, and firewood is available for purchase on-site. The combination of lake access and mountain views makes this a practical base for exploring the Timothy Lake area.
Description
Overview
Oak Fork Campground is located 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 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 36 single-family campsites, six cabins, and eight hike-to sites with some of these as accessible sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. An on-site host is available for questions regarding the campground and surrounding area.Sleeping cabins are furnished with a twin over twin bunk, a twin over full bunk, a table and two chairs. The beds have mattresses, but please bring your own bedding. Cooking and smoking in cabins is prohibited and pets are not allowed in the cabins or at the cabin sites. Cabins are nonelectric. 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 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.
Nearby Attractions
Oak Fork is about 27 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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
NOTICE: Fire restrictions are in effect beginning July 1, 2026 for the Mt. Hood National Forest including Timothy Lake and Lake Harriet. Campfires, charcoal fires, pellet fires, and any other open fires are prohibited. Portable cooking stoves and propane fire pits that use liquefied bottled gas with an on/off switch are permitted. Details.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOak Fork 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 then turn right again at the Oak Fork Campground entrance sign.
Address
OAK FORK CAMPGROUND
SKYLINE ROAD
Timothy lake, OR
Coordinates
45.115 N
121.770833 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/13/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/13/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- 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 21 min from Albany, OR
