Campground · McKenzie River · South Fork McKenzie, Aufderheide Scenic Byway
French Pete Campground
Seventeen rustic sites on the South Fork McKenzie, with the French Pete Creek Trail leaving right from camp — a solid basecamp for a Cougar Reservoir and Aufderheide corridor trip.
Camping here
More detail
Getting there & parking+
From Blue River, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126, then south 8 miles on Aufderheide Drive (Forest Road 19).
Facilities & accessibility+
- Vault toilets
- Fire rings and picnic tables
- No hookups
No operational potable water on-site — the hand pump here is currently out of service, so plan to bring your own or fill up at nearby Slide Creek Campground.
Reservations & fees+
Some of the 17 sites can be booked ahead on Recreation.gov; the rest are first-come, first-served.
Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., max stay is 14 days in a 60-day window, and chainsaws are prohibited.
Nearby attractions+
Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs, Cougar Reservoir, and Hidden Lake are all nearby along the Aufderheide corridor. The French Pete Creek Trail leaves right from camp.
Fishing & boating access+
River fishing is catch-and-release trout only here. Swimming and boating opportunities are at nearby Cougar Reservoir rather than on-site at the campground.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there drinking water at French Pete Campground?
Not currently — the hand-pump water system is out of service, so bring your own. The nearest reliable potable water is at Slide Creek Campground.
Do I need a reservation?
Some of the 17 sites can be booked on Recreation.gov; the rest are first-come, first-served.
Can I fish here?
Yes — the river here is catch-and-release trout only.
Is French Pete Trail accessible from the campground?
Yes, the trailhead is right at camp — a great pairing for hikers headed toward French Pete Creek.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or under direct physical control.
