Meditation Campground is a small, primitive hike-to campground on the shores of Timothy Lake. Campers can park at the West Shore Day Use area to access the campground. There is also a small trailhead on NF-5890 on the north side of the lake. A day use permit or annual pass is required for parking. The rustic sites are limited to groups of six campers each. The 7 campsites are accessible by boat, bike or hike-in only. There is a vault toilet, and each site is equipped with a table and fire ring.
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
Closed for the 2021 summer season.
Reservations:
First Come, First Serve only
Fees
Camping: $5/night for single primitive site
Day use:
$5/day/vehicle required at the trailhead.
NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass are acceptable in lieu of day-use fee.
Open Season:
05/28/2021 - 09/26/2021
Usage:
Medium
Restrictions:
10 mph speed limit for motorized boats on the lake.
Closest Towns:
Government Camp, OR
Water:
No potable water
Restroom:
Vault Toilet
Passes:
Day use: Northwest Forest Pass or federal interagency passes may be used as a form of day use fee payment.
Operated By:
Portland General Electric
Information Center:
Zigzag Ranger District, (503) 622-3191
General Information
Directions:
From Sandy, OR - travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Rd 42). Turn right on Skyline Road, travel south 9 miles. Turn right on FS Road 57, west 2+ miles, go over Timothy Lake Dam. Turn right into the Myron Blank Wes Shore Day Use Area. Go to end of parking area and park. Hike or bike 1.2 miles on Timothy Lake Trail to Meditation Point.
Rainbow trout, brook trout, kokanee, cutthroat trout. Trout are stocked in the lake several times a year.
Hiking
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Day Hiking
A hiking trail circles the lake, and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes by the east shore of the lake, leading north to Little Crater Lake Geological Area. The full loop is approximately 12 miles by foot and 15 miles by bike.
Backpacking
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail access. See day hiking description.
Picnicking
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Picnicking
Water Activities
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Boating - Motorized
Boating in Timothy Lake. 10 mph speed limit for motorized boats. An artificial lake, it has many developed campgrounds, and is one of a few lakes on the Mt. Hood National Forest that allows motorized boating.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Canoeing and boating in Timothy Lake. Boat ramps at sites located at the southern end of the lake. You can also portage to Meditation Point campground.
Swimming
Swimming in Timothy lake. There are no formal swimming areas and no lifeguards.
HIDE
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