French Pete Campground
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 19 Rd/Aufderhyde Road is temporarily closed at the dam due to emergency road work. This means it cannot be accessed from Hwy 126 from the north. Terwilliger Hot Springs and the campgrounds along FS 19 Rd can be accessed from 2 alternate roads.
- Access can be made from the south on FS 19 Rd from Westfir. From Westfir, this choice is approximately 55 miles of winding road.
- Access can be made on FS 500 Rd on the east side of Cougar Reservoir by entering from FS 19 Rd and turning left at the dam onto FS 500. This choice will bring you out by Slide Creek Campground This road (FS 500) is dirt and gravel, very rough in spots. Caution: This choice is not recommended for recreational vehicles, very slow going, lots of potholes and ruts.
If you have questions on these alternate routes, call 541-854-0718 for clarification.
If you prefer to cancel, call 801-226-3564 xt 15 or email Claudia@americanLL.com.
- Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted, but must follow specific rules.
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
- Site 02, Loop FRENCH PETE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 07, Loop FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop FRENCH PETE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop FRENCH PETE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop FRENCH PETE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop FRENCH PETE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop FRENCH PETE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop FRENCH PETE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 04, Loop FRENCH PETE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
