French Pete Campground
Open for the 2026 season from May 7 through September 7. No potable water available for the entire 2026 season; campers must bring their own water supply. Sites are primarily first-come, first-served with some available via Recreation.gov.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
About
French Pete Campground occupies a scenic location at the confluence of French Pete Creek and the South Fork of the McKenzie River in Oregon's Willamette National Forest. At 1,800 feet elevation, the campground is heavily wooded with Douglas fir and vine maple, creating a cool, shaded retreat during summer months. The 17 campsites provide access to both waterways for fishing, though McKenzie River trout fishing is catch-and-release only. The French Pete Creek Trail (#3311) begins directly across the road, providing access into the Three Sisters Wilderness. Nearby attractions include Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs, Cougar Reservoir, and Hidden Lake. The area offers opportunities for hiking, boating, swimming, and scenic drives along the Aufderheide National Scenic Byway. The campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and garbage service. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights per 60-day period, and chainsaw use is prohibited.
Directions
From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive (Forest Service Road 19). Continue south on Aufderheide Drive, turning right at the Y and climbing to the top of Cougar Reservoir. Continue south on Aufderheide Drive 8 miles to French Pete Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $19 - $38 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 42ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Help.Willamette.McKenzieRiver@AmericanLL.com | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 822-3381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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