North Arm (Timothy Lake) Campground
The North Arm Campground sits on the shores of Timothy Lake, in the shadow of Oregon's Mt. Hood. The surrounding forest setting offers spectacular views, wetlands, trails for exploration, and abundant fishing. This campground is smaller and more secluded than the others on the south side of the lake.
DRIVING NOTE: There are two routes to North Arm Campground—one is rugged and one is suitable for RVs and trailers. Recommended Route: From Sandy, Oregon, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road / FS Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road, and continue south for about 9 miles. Turn right on FS Road 57, and travel west for approximately 3 ½ miles, crossing the dam at Timothy Lake. Take the 2nd right onto FS Road 5810. North Arm is approximately 5 ½ miles from here. Keep right at all intersections—the road becomes FS Road 5890. The campground is on the right.
The campground offers 14 campsites for tent and RV camping. There are four hike-to campsites available as well. Each site is equipped with a table and a fire ring. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A campground host is also available onsite.
The nearest gas station/convenience store is about 14 miles away, west on Hwy. 26. The nearest grocery store is in Government Camp, about 19 miles away, west on Hwy. 26.
Notifications and Alerts
In response to visitor feedback, we have limited the number of nights you can reserve past the current booking window to 8 nights.
Need to Know
New for 2023: In response to visitor feedback, we have limited the number of nights you can reserve past the current booking window to 8 nights and the maximum consecutive stay to 9 nights.
NOTICE: Driving apps may direct you to rough, rugged roads. We strongly recomment the following route: From Government Camp, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 11 miles to Skyline Road / FS Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road, and continue south for just over 8 miles. Turn right on FS Road 57, and travel west for approximately 3 ½ miles, crossing the dam at Timothy Lake. Take the 2nd right onto FS Road 5810. North Arm is approximately 5 miles from here. Keep right at all intersections — the road becomes FS Road 5890. The campground is on the right.
Dust: This campground can be dusty due to gravel roads and naturally occuring soil types.
Occupancy: Sites must be occupied each night of the reservation—unoccupied sites will be forfeited without refund and released. Please call the campground within 24 hours of check-in with questions.
Vehicle Fees: There is a $10 additional fee per day for each additional vehicle. One vehicle is included with a single site; two with a double. Vehicles joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site are NOT subject to additional fees.
Parking: Please check your site's driveway length—this may limit the number of vehicles and size of RV at your site.
Maximum Occupancy: Standard Sites = 6 persons. Hike-to Site = 4 persons (and only accommodate a small tent.)
Generators: Generators are prohibited during quiet hours. Generators may not be run during quiet hours to power medical devices or other equipment.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee and the non-refundable reservation fee is retained by the reservation service contractor, not by PGE or the National Forest.
This campground is managed by Portland General Electric, under a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service; contact PGE Parks and Recreation for more information: PortlandGeneral.com/parks, 503-464-8515, pgeparks@pgn.com.
More Information: Park Rules, Boater R egulations, Mt. Hood National Forest, Portland General Elect ric .
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the northeastern 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 dense mix conifer forest close to the shoreline. Most sites have a thick understory to provide privacy between sites. The wetlands nearby provide an opportunity to observe many species of wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District is less than 10 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.
Recreation
Proximity to Timothy Lake allows campers to enjoy a variety of water-related recreation, including boating and sailing, as well as swimming, windsurfing and fishing. Anglers can expect a catch of kokanee salmon and a variety of trout, as well as crayfish. This area has wonderful canoeing and kayaking opportunities. A variety 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 and a historic site. The Little Crater Lake is only a short hike away. Little Crater Lake is a geologic oddity, possibly formed by artesian water forcing its way through soft, volcanic rock. The beautiful, turquoise water is a wonder to see. The surrounding meadow is a great place for observing birds and other wildlife. The region is ripe for huckleberry picking as well.
Changes & 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.
Contact Information
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Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 503-464-8515
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Recommended Route: From Government Camp, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 11 miles to Skyline Road / FS Road 42. Turn right on Skyline Road, and continue south for just over 8 miles. Turn right on FS Road 57, and travel west for approximately 3 ½ miles, crossing the dam at Timothy Lake. Take the 2nd right onto FS Road 5810. North Arm is approximately 5 miles from here. Keep right at all intersections—the road becomes FS Road 5890. The campground is on the right.
Available Campsites
- Site 008, Loop HIKE TO, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop HIKE TO, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop HIKE TO, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop HIKE TO, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop NORTH ARM (TIMOTHY LAKE) CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
