About FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND
Overview 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.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. Facilities 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.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.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND
Heading to FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234730) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND?
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.
How do I contact FRENCH PETE CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 801-226-3564 or email: Help.Willamette.McKenzieRiver@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources
