Hoodview Campground

Estacada, OR

4.6(85 reviews)

Start of the 360 degree virtual tour of Hoodview Campground

About this campground

The Hoodview Campground sits 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.

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 also available on-site. 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.

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, with many sites with views of the water's edge, offering views of Mt. Hood. A thick understory of rhododendron bushes provide privacy between sites.

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.

What campers say

Located on the south end of Timothy Lake with clear views of Mount Hood, Hoodview Campground is consistently described as well maintained and clean. Campsites offer lake access, a boat launch and dock, close shore entry for paddleboarding and fishing, and an 11.5-mile trail around the lake. Restrooms/outhouses are reported tidy and water and firewood are available; sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Many visitors praise friendly, informative hosts, though at least one reported a negative interaction. Expect some sites to be close together or on a slope, which can make backing trailers or finding a flat table challenging.

Our summary of 85 traveler reviews.