Pine Point Group Campground

Hello, Oregon families, friends, and group leaders! Are you on the hunt for a truly spectacular camping destination that offers both ample space for your gathering and direct access to one of Oregon's most stunning lakes? Look no further than Pine Point Group Campground, nestled on the shores of beautiful Timothy Lake within the magnificent Mt. Hood National Forest. This "beautiful, very well maintained campground" is quickly becoming a favorite for those seeking a memorable group outdoor experience.

Pine Point Group Campground stands out for its serene setting, the exceptional dedication of its camp hosts, and the abundance of recreational opportunities right at your fingertips. Whether your group is eager for water play, scenic hikes, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, this campground delivers. Even without running water restrooms or showers, the sheer beauty and meticulous care of the site, along with the friendly atmosphere, ensure a fantastic time. Let’s explore what makes Pine Point Group Campground an ideal spot for your next big Oregon adventure.

Pine Point Group Campground is ideally situated on the south shore of Timothy Lake, within the vast and beautiful Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon, USA. This prime location places it at an elevation of 3,400 feet, offering crisp mountain air and often stunning views of Oregon's iconic Mt. Hood. The campground is about 75 miles southeast of Portland, making it a very manageable drive for many Oregonians seeking a weekend or longer escape into the mountains.

Access to Pine Point is typically via paved roads that transition to well-maintained forest service roads. From Sandy, Oregon, travelers can take Highway 26 east for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Rd 42), then south for 9 miles, and finally a right onto FS Road 57 for about 2 miles to the campground entrance. While the main Pine Point Campground has standard sites, the Group Campground is located just across the road, ensuring both convenience and a sense of dedicated space for larger parties. The clear signage and well-maintained loop roads within the camp make navigation easy, even for those with RVs. Although it's nestled in a forest setting, the proximity to Timothy Lake means water access is convenient and just a short walk or drive away. For supplies, the nearest gas station/convenience store is about 18 miles away on Highway 26, and a grocery store can be found in Government Camp, about 23 miles away, so planning ahead is recommended. This blend of natural seclusion with reasonable accessibility makes Pine Point Group Campground a highly desirable and practical choice for Oregon groups.

• Group Campsites: Pine Point Group Campground offers dedicated group loops, specifically designed to accommodate larger parties. There are five large-group campsites, with capacities often ranging up to 36 people, allowing for comfortable gatherings.
• Individual Campsites within Group Area: Each group loop typically contains several individual campsites (e.g., six per loop) equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, providing a blend of communal and personal space.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides clean and well-maintained vault toilets. Campers consistently praise their cleanliness, noting that they are cleaned and replenished multiple times a day by the hosts, even without running water.
• Potable Drinking Water: Drinking water is available at the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water (though RVers should fill their tanks before arrival, as there are no direct RV hookups).
• Camp Host On-Site: A friendly and helpful camp host, like Phillip mentioned in reviews, is typically on-site. They play a crucial role in maintaining the campground's cleanliness, providing assistance, and ensuring guests have an enjoyable stay.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings with Grills: Every campsite, including those within the group loops, is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring that includes a grill for cooking. (Always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a campfire).
• Garbage Collection: Trash collection services are available, contributing to the "well-maintained" environment and making waste disposal convenient for campers.
• ADA Accessible Toilets: The campground features accessible vault toilets, enhancing inclusivity for visitors with mobility needs.

• Beautiful Timothy Lake: The campground's proximity to Timothy Lake is a major highlight. This roughly 1,400-acre reservoir offers stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset, and provides "unlimited space for water play."
• Water Activities Galore: The lake is perfect for a variety of non-motorized water activities, including boating (10 mph speed limit for motorized boats), sailing, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Anglers can expect to catch kokanee salmon and various trout.
• Well-Maintained and Clean: Reviews consistently laud the campground's immaculate condition. It's described as "beautiful, very well maintained" with sites "cleaned and raked between guests" and outhouses replenished daily.
• Friendly and Helpful Camp Hosts: The camp hosts receive glowing praise for being "very friendly, funny, and helpful," actively working hard to keep the area in "first-rate condition" and genuinely enhancing the guest experience.
• Safe for Kids: The camp loop is noted as being "safe for my kids to ride their bikes around," indicating a family-friendly environment with relatively low vehicle traffic.
• Privacy Between Sites: Even within a group campground, there's "plenty of privacy between sites," allowing groups to feel connected while still enjoying some personal space.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: Miles of scenic trails surround the lake, including the popular 12-mile Timothy Lake Trail, which is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding, offering diverse recreation possibilities and scenic views of Mt. Hood. It also connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
• Annual Family Event Potential: Many campers express their intention to "make it an annual family event," a testament to the positive and memorable experiences created at Pine Point.
• Views of Mt. Hood: On clear days, campers can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Hood, adding to the iconic Oregon outdoor experience.

Address: Oregon, USA (specifically, on the south shore of Timothy Lake within Mt. Hood National Forest)

Phone: (503) 464-8515 (PGE Parks & Campgrounds Information Line, as the site is operated by Portland General Electric in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service)

For reservations, current availability, and the most up-to-date information on conditions (such as fire restrictions or generator rules), it is highly recommended to visit Recreation.gov or call the main information line. Reservations can typically be made up to 6 months in advance.

For Oregonians, Pine Point Group Campground on Timothy Lake isn't just a place to camp; it's an indispensable hub for creating cherished group memories amidst our state's iconic natural beauty. What makes it particularly suitable for locals is its dedicated group facilities combined with a prime location. We Oregonians love our lakes and mountains, and having a well-maintained campground that accommodates larger gatherings right on a stunning lake with views of Mt. Hood is a significant draw. It's close enough for a convenient weekend trip from Portland or Salem, yet far enough to feel like a true escape into the Cascade wilderness.

The exceptional cleanliness, thanks to the hardworking camp hosts, truly elevates the experience. While it doesn't offer running water or showers, this minor detail is easily overlooked when you consider the pristine vault toilets and the overall dedication to maintaining a "first-rate condition." The "unlimited space for water play" on Timothy Lake, combined with extensive hiking and biking trails, caters to the active Oregon lifestyle, providing endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Furthermore, the safe environment for kids to ride bikes around the loop fosters that sense of community and freedom that is so valued in family camping. Pine Point Group Campground is a beloved local secret, a place where multi-generational families and groups of friends can gather annually, connecting with each other and the unparalleled natural splendor that defines our amazing Oregon.

Pine Point Group Campground

Oregon, USA