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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. ADA Access: N
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.
Nice campground with different spaces, some of which are along a stream. You would have to bushwack your way to the streams though. Bring your own water or a good filter. The well water in the campground is consistently brown. The hosts stated it is safe for drinking. The host said the forest ranger tests the water monthly for quality and deems it safe for drinking. Aside from the well water, the campsites are good sized and somewhat private.
We just got back from French Pete and are already planning our next visit. Most sites back right up to the river and plenty of space between camp spots. Great location for fly fishing, hiking and visiting local Hidden Lake. But the best thing: Thom, Amy and Ted, camp hosts. They helped us find the best site, helped us navigate the best hiking and even told us about local hidden treasures. It was great and hope they are still there when we get back.
Quiet, fully wooded campground 12 miles south of Hwy 126, on Forest Road 19 (the scenic Aufderheide). There are 17 mostly very large sites, with plenty of room for more than one tent (a few very small ones). Some are reservable on recreation.gov, some are first come first serve. During the week, there were several choices. We didn't see any problem at all with the water, and there is easy access to the river from most sites. It's about 3 miles from both Terwilliger Hot Springs and the swimming area in Slide Creek CG. The French Pete trailhead is directly across the road, down a small access road (no sign), which gives you access to a great trail up and along the river. The tiny towns of Rainbow and McKenzie Bridge have a few restaurants about a half-hour away. Unfortunately, Blue River was totally destroyed in the 2020 fire. All in all, a great campground in a great location.
