Mt. Hood National Forest's Stone Creek Campground sits near Timothy Lake, with forested sites separated by enough tree cover that neighboring setups stay largely out of sight. The campground has a generator loop and a non-generator loop, a useful distinction for campers sensitive to noise. Pit toilets are new and well-maintained, drinking water stations are distributed throughout, and grey water sumps are available on-site. Cell service is limited but present. The main roads are paved, though access to the area can be rough. Sites are not directly on the water, but day-use areas give paddlers a practical launch point for kayaking on Timothy Lake. Those traveling with dogs will find pet-friendly sites near Mt. Hood National Forest in the surrounding area as well. Reservations are available, which is worth noting given the lake's popularity.
Description
Overview
Nestled in a cove between Hoodview and Gone Creek, Stone Creek includes a day-use area with a non-motorized boat access, trail access, picnicking and a view of Mt. Hood. Separate tent and RV loops limit the sound of generators. Two equestrian-friendly group camps are located across the road.
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.
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. An equestrian-friendly group campground is located across the road. Campground hosts are available on-site in the main campground. 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. The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest. The day use area offers views of Mt. Hood. A thick understory of rhododendron bushes provide privacy between sites.
Nearby Attractions
Stone 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.
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.
Reservation Info
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 & DirectionsStone Creek Campground 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 3 miles, then turn right again at the Stone Creek Campground entrance sign.
Coordinates
45.1075 N
121.785278 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/13/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/13/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/13/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 36 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 49 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 12 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 18 min from Albany, OR
