Established Camping
Gone Creek
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
<strong>Timothy Lake is currently only accessible from the east (Hwy 26) due to the 2020 wildfires.</strong> Please see the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices/?aid=75379" rel="nofollow">Forest Service closure orders and map</a> for more information.Please see <strong>"Facility Information / Getting Here" for recommended route.</strong>
<strong>NOTICE</strong>: In response to customer feedback, we have established generator hours. Effective in 2024, <strong>generator use is allowed only from 8 am to 8 pm</strong>. It is prohibited to operate generators or idle engines between 8 pm and 8 am.
About
USDA Forest Service
Mt. Hood National Forest
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Great Quiet Camp
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.
Campin
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!
Perfect Respite for a Hot Day
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!
- (10) View All
Location
Gone Creek is located in Oregon
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