French Pete Campground

Willamette National Forest

French Pete Campground sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet in the Willamette National Forest. This popular escape from summer heat is heavily shaded by a thick canopy of conifers. There are numerous opportunities for hiking and fishing in the area.

Campsites are nicely shaded with access to both French Pete Creek and the South Fork of the McKenzie River. This 16-unit campground has toilets, water from a hand pump, fire rings, and garbage service.

Notifications and Alerts

FS RD 19 is closed to travel south of Frissell Crossing CG to Westfir. Travel North from HWY 126 to Terwilliger Hot Springs, Cougar Crossing CG, Sunnyside CG, Slide Creek CG, French Pete CG, Hard Rock Group, Red Diamond Group & Frissell Crossing CG is accessible this way only.
Per the Willamette Forest Order, effective 7/31/24: fire restrictions are in effect that prohibit the building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including a charcoal, wood, or coal fire. However, pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be switched on and off are allowed. For a full list of restrictions and exemptions, please review the Forest Order .

Need to Know

No electric hookups at this facility
This facility has first-come, first-served sites
Limit one vehicle per campsite; a fee of $8 per vehicle per night will be charged for additional vehicles
Click here for more information on Willamette National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
No discharging firearms, possession of fireworks or use of chainsaws allowed
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating
Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment. The site you reserve is your site. You man not move to another site.

Natural Features

French Pete Campground sits at the confluence of the South Fork of the McKenzie River and French Pete Creek. The area is heavily wooded with Douglas fir trees and vine maple.

Nearby Attractions

Mountain bike trails, hot springs, a boat ramp and lake accesss are within 10 miles of the campground.

Recreation

The area offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, and scenic drives. Fishing in the McKenzie River is catch and release only for trout. The Three Sisters Wilderness Area as well as French Pete Creek and Box Canyon Trail Areas offer several miles of hiking. Additional hiking trailheads are a short drive away. Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs are nearby for a nice soak. Cougar Reservoir and Hidden Lake are also in the vicinity, offering additional recreation options.

Contact Information

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French Pete Campground Blue River OR 97413

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 801-226-3564

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Blue River, Oregon, travel four miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive (Forest Service Road 19). Continue on Aufderheide Drive for 11 miles to French Pete Campground.

Available Campsites

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