How much does camping cost at Gone Creek ?

Camping fees at Gone Creek range from $26-$52/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gone Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Gone Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gone Creek before I book?

Yes! Gone Creek has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Gone Creek ?

Gone Creek is open May 23 through September 13.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Gone Creek ?

Gone Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Gone Creek ?

Fire policies at Gone Creek : Campfires allowed unless fire bans are in effect during high-risk seasons.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Gone Creek have?

Gone Creek has 52 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gone Creek ?

Yes, pets are allowed at Gone Creek . Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Gone Creek ?

Gone Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Gone Creek ?

Popular activities at Gone Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Gone Creek

4.68

241 reviews

Skyline Rd, Timothy Lake, OR, USA

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Oregon Boating Camping Oregon Family-Friendly Campgrounds Oregon +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$26 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Portland General Electric (PGE)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$26 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Portland General Electric (PGE)Official Website

Get Directions

Gone Creek

$26.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard nonelectric sites range from $26-$52 per night during peak season; holiday rates incur an additional $2 fee. Group sites are priced at $52...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$52.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-464-8515pgeparks@pgn.com

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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 241 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakewell-maintained

Some mention

noisedusty

"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. However, some users reported issues such as noisy neighbors, dusty sites, and challenges with specific campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Skyline Rd, Timothy Lake, OR, USA

Gone Creek

Skyline Rd, Timothy Lake, OR, USA

Nearby places

Government Camp (23 miles), Sandy, Oregon (approx. 40 miles)

Nearby supplies

Gas station/convenience store located approximately 18 miles west on Hwy. 26

nearest grocery store in Government Camp, 23 miles west on Hwy. 26.

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Accessible via fully paved roads. Seasonal closures may apply; some campers mentioned navigating potholes during specific seasons (e.g., on routes to nearby attractions such as Little Crater Lake).

Best Time to Camp at Gone Creek

Summer brings the most reliable weather, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool mornings in the 40s–50s. The dry season from May through September offers the best conditions for swimming, boating, and hiking. Late summer can be dusty. Cool nights require warm layers year-round. Winter brings heavy snowfall and transforms the area into a snow-laden landscape, though facilities close.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in OR

Open May 23–Sep 13; reviewers call it a 'summer paradise' for swimming, boating and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 through September 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 13 (closed during the off-season).
Current Alerts: No current advisories provided.

About Gone Creek

Gone Creek Campground occupies the southern shore of 1,400-acre Timothy Lake at 3,400 feet in Mt. Hood National Forest. The 52-site campground accommodates both tents and RVs, with fees ranging from $26 to $52 per night. Reservations are recommended for summer weekends when the lake draws crowds for swimming and boating.

Gone Creek Campground primarily offers tent and RV camping. The facility also includes group sites suitable for larger parties.

Historical Significance

The nearby Clackamas Lake Ranger Station District features weathered timber buildings from the early Forest Service era. The rustic architecture reflects the work of early rangers who managed these remote mountain forests.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable weather, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool mornings in the 40s–50s. The dry season from May through September offers the best conditions for swimming, boating, and hiking. Late summer can be dusty. Cool nights require warm layers year-round. Winter brings heavy snowfall and transforms the area into a snow-laden landscape, though facilities close.

ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet above sea level, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air feels refreshingly crisp without leaving you breathless, and where summer temperatures remain comfortable even on the warmest days.

Natural Features and SceneryMixed conifers surround the campground and Timothy Lake, a glacially-carved body of water that shifts from deep blue to turquoise depending on light and time of day. Mt. Hood's glaciated slopes rise in the distance. The forest canopy provides varying amounts of shade across sites, filtering sunlight onto the forest floor. The lake's clear water and mountain backdrop create strong sunrise and sunset conditions.

Geological RegionThis mountain sanctuary sits within the expansive Mt. Hood National Forest, where 3,400 feet of elevation places you among a thriving mixed conifer ecosystem surrounding the magnificent 1,400-acre Timothy Lake—a glacially-carved gem that serves as the centerpiece of this high-altitude paradise.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4PM

Check-out

12 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 9 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites allow up to 6 persons, double sites hold 12 persons, cabins accommodate 5 persons, and hike-to sites allow 4 persons.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spread across loops with options for lakefront and forested locations. Spacing and privacy vary considerably. Some sites offer good seclusion, while others sit close to neighbors. Several sites are rocky or small. Late-season dust is common. A few sites accommodate larger RVs, but terrain and size constraints apply throughout.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov and its associated apps.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability during short-term release periods in June (specific dates vary annually).

Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation rules apply: $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee for late cancellations. Reservation changes, even for different dates, incur a $10 change fee.

AccessibilityThe campground features accessible vault toilets. Specific details about other accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating both tents and RVs. Some sites are described as spacious, while others are rocky or small.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites offering good spacing and seclusion, while others lack privacy due to proximity to adjacent sites.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose sites away from group and lakefront areas. Lakefront sites provide the best views but have less privacy.

Need help booking Gone Creek ?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Gone Creek Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. The 12-mile Timothy Lake Trail is a highlight for hikers and bikers, connecting to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Non-motorized and motorized boating are popular, as is fishing for trout and kokanee salmon.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent wildlife sightings (e.g., bears, deer). Muddy terrain during rainstorms noted by campers. Safety concerns at steep or poorly redesigned sites like campsite #009.

Active AlertsNo current advisories provided.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed unless fire bans are in effect during high-risk seasons.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are approximately 23 miles away in Government Camp.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site, and the system appears to be well-organized as per user reviews mentioning easy access.

Water FeaturesDirect access to Timothy Lake with boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing spots.

Camp HostCampground hosts are generally praised for being friendly and helpful, with some exceptions noted in reviews.

Weather at Gone Creek

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

241 reviews

Top-Rated

Gone Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. However, some users reported issues such as noisy neighbors, dusty sites, and challenges with specific campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 241 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the lake's beauty, fishing opportunities, clean vault toilets, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. Many commented on the well-maintained trails and the peaceful environment.

Based on 241 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include noise from neighboring sites, dusty campsite conditions, and lack of privacy in some areas. Some users also mentioned challenges with specific sites, such as uneven or rocky...

Based on 241 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray, warm clothing for cool nights, and be prepared for dusty conditions in late summer. Avoid site #9, which has been noted for being unsafe and poorly maintained.

Based on 241 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that mid-week stays are quieter and more peaceful. Summer months can be busier, with some noise complaints during peak season. Late summer conditions are dusty but enjoyable overall.

Based on 241 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The water is extremely clear and the prettiest shade of turquoise.' - 'The vault toilets were spotlessly clean and smelled nice.' - 'Fishing is great, trails for walking and biking are awesome.' -...

Based on 241 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9 received negative feedback for being unsafe and poorly maintained. Site #25 was highlighted for its excellent launch for paddling. Site #31 is noted for amazing lake views but is dusty.

Based on 241 reviews