Hard Rock Campground
Open for the 2026 season, operating May through September. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Check-in at 2:00 PM, check-out at 1:00 PM. Camping limited to 14 consecutive nights per 60-day period.
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.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
About
Hard Rock Campground is a secluded tent-only group site situated along the South Fork of the McKenzie River in Oregon's Willamette National Forest. Located just south of Cougar Reservoir near where Balm Creek joins the South Fork, the campground sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. The single group site accommodates up to 10 people and 5 vehicles, making it ideal for small groups seeking a primitive camping experience. Fire rings, picnic tables, portable toilets, and trash collection are provided. No potable water or electricity is available, so campers must bring their own water supply. The surrounding area offers excellent recreation opportunities. The river provides catch-and-release fishing for wild redside and cutthroat trout. Nearby Castle Rock Trail leads through dense Douglas-fir forest to panoramic views of the McKenzie River Valley. Cougar Reservoir is open to motorized boating.
Directions
From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive (Forest Service Road 19). Turn right on Aufderheide Drive, veer right at the Y, and continue 10 miles south to the 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 | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 36ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 36ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| 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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