French Pete Campground

Area Status: Closed

French Pete Campground is located at the confluence of French Pete Creek and the South Fork of the McKenzie River. The campground is heavily wooded with Douglas fir and Vine Maple. The shade from the canopy provides an escape from the summer heat. the 17 campsites are nicely shaded with access to both French Pete Creek and the South Fork of the McKenzie River. The campground has toilets, water from a hand pump, fire rings, garbage service, and waste water disposal sites.

The area offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Access to the Three Sisters Wilderness from the French Pete Creek Trail is located across the road. Fishing in the McKenzie River is “catch and release” only for trout. Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs are nearby for a nice soak. Cougar Reservoir and Hidden Lake are also in the vicinity, offering additional recreation options.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Campground is closed for the 2024 season and will reopen in spring 2025
Reservations:	Reserve online at www.recreation.gov or phone 1.877.444.6777. Over half the campsites are available for advance reservation via recreation.gov. The remainder are first come first serve.
Fees:	Single Campsites - $21 per night Multiple Campsites - $40 per night Extra Vehicles - $9 per vehicle, per night Day Use - $9 per vehicle, per day
Open Season:	May - September
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds in the Cougar Recreation Area Camping is not allowed more than 14 days in a 60 day period. Check-in time: 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time: 1:00 pm Use of chainsaws in the campground is prohibited Dogs MUST be on leash at all times within the campground
Closest Towns:	Blue River, OR McKenzie Bridge, OR
Water:	Yes, hand pumps
Restroom:	Vault toilets
Passes:	Interagency Senior and Access Passes (and the Golden Age and Access Passes) may receive a 50% discount on the use fee for individual campsites. This discount does not apply to extra vehicle fee or multiple campsites.
Operated By:	American Land & Leisure
Information Center:	McKenzie River Ranger District 57600 McKenzie Hwy McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413 541-822-3381

General Information

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.

General Notes:

Campground Map

Three Sisters Wilderness

French Pete Trail Area

Box Canyon Trail Area

Indian Ridge Lookout

Sunnyside Campground

Cougar Crossing Campground

Cougar Crossing Day Use Area

Cougar Recreation Area (area is unavailable)

Read about camping rules, regulations and camping tips on our Camping Rules & Things to Know page.

Accessibility:

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Tent, auto, trailer sites (maximum trailer length 30 feet)

No. of Sites	17 sites, 7 of which may be reserved at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Reservation Info	www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777
No. of Accessible sites	None