Frissell Crossing Campground

Star4.14
54 reviews
57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR, 97413, USA

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$18 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from April 30 t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens American Land & Leisure site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Frissell Crossing Campground
$18.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $18 to $36 for standard non-electric campsites during the peak season from April 30 to September 6. Reservation service fees may...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
801-226-3564
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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 54 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspaciouswell-maintainedsites

Some mention

reservation

"Reviews of Frissell Crossing Campground are generally positive, with users praising its quiet and secluded atmosphere, natural beauty, and proximity to hiking and other outdoor activities. Common complaints center around inconsistent maintenance of restrooms and facilities."

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Campground Map

57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR, 97413, USA

Frissell Crossing Campground

57600 McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Bridge, OR, 97413, USA

Driving directionsFrom Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive (Forest Service Road 19). Turn right on Aufderheide Drive and continue south about 3/4 mile. Veer right at the Y and continue 20 miles to Frissell Crossing Campground.
The access is via paved roads for 20 miles along Aufderheide Drive. Road conditions were not explicitly mentioned but the limited reviews suggest it can be a trek to get there.
Nearby places
Blue River (24 miles, approximately 35 minutes)
Eugene (51 miles, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
Springfield (47 miles, approximately 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies would likely be in Blue River, OR, about 24 miles away. Specifics on groceries, camping supplies, or fuel were not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Frissell Crossing Campground

Summer brings perfect camping weather to Frissell Crossing, with warm days cooled by mountain breezes and starlit nights that showcase the Milky Way in all its glory. During peak season, you'll enjoy comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and campfire gatherings. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, though heavy snowfall may limit access—making this truly a fair-weather destination for most adventurers.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest Apr 30–Sep 6; summer praised for warm days, cool nights and stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes Sept 6; fall camping generally unavailable.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from Apr 30; late spring can be pleasant but reviews favor early/late summer to avoid crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside Apr 30–Sep 6, so winter stays are not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 30 to September 6 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 30 to September 6. The campground is closed outside this period.

About Frissell Crossing Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, Frissell Crossing Campground offers an authentic escape to the wilderness where time seems to slow down. This hidden gem, crafted by the skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, invites you to experience camping as it was meant to be—simple, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature. With its vault toilets and hand-pumped water, this rustic retreat strips away modern distractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquil sounds of the forest and the gentle murmur of the nearby South Fork McKenzie River.
Frissell Crossing Campground caters to campers seeking a primitive, back-to-nature experience. The campground primarily supports tent camping and does not offer modern amenities like RV hookups or lodging.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14-night stay within a rolling 60-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Frissell Crossing Campground offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities in a serene environment. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and nature viewing. The area is surrounded by natural attractions, including the Three Sisters Wilderness, Box Canyon Trail, and Cougar Lake Reservoir. The proximity to Terwilliger Hot Springs is another significant draw.
HikingThere are numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area, including the Box Canyon Trail and Mink Lake Basin Trail. One reviewer mentioned 'some nice trails that lead into the Three Sisters Wilderness for some great hiking.' Trails vary in difficulty and offer opportunities to explore the lush forest and scenic views.
FishingFishing opportunities abound in the South Fork of the McKenzie River. A camper noted, 'Great spot for fly fishing. Keep in mind the cutthroat trout are all native and must be released.' Regulations apply, so anglers should verify local guidelines.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the nearby creek and river areas. However, there are no designated swimming areas, and accessibility may vary depending on the specific campsite location.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible within 10 miles of the campground, offering opportunities for enthusiasts to explore the rugged terrain.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is excellent for wildlife viewing. Commonly spotted animals include birds, deer, frogs, and squirrels. One camper highlighted their experience, saying, 'The wildlife I have seen here are birds, deer, frogs and squirrels.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the presence of wildlife like bears, and limited access to potable water without prior treatment. The site is primitive with no cell service.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Frissell Crossing Campground

Reviews

4.1
54 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Frissell Crossing Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Frissell Crossing Campground are generally positive, with users praising its quiet and secluded atmosphere, natural beauty, and proximity to hiking and other outdoor activities. Common complaints center around inconsistent maintenance of restrooms and facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the peaceful setting, spacious campsites, proximity to natural attractions, and opportunities for recreation. One user called it 'the perfect place to hear nothing but the rushing...
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Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include inconsistent maintenance of vault toilets, particularly during busy weekends, and occasional delays in trash removal. One camper noted, 'Restrooms were out of TP during a full...
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Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra supplies, particularly toilet paper, and being prepared for a lack of cell service. Filtering or boiling the hand-pumped water is also advised.
Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, but reviews highlight a preference for early or late summer to avoid overcrowding and maintenance lapses. Fall camping is desirable but unavailable due to seasonal...
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Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places on Earth.' - Anne Starke 2. 'No showers and have to use an old-style water pump.' - Israel J Bynum 3. 'Small, clean, well-maintained...
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Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 06 receives consistent praise for its privacy, size, and river access. One user called it 'the bomb-diggity' and another described it as excellent. Site 09 was noted for being cramped when...
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Based on 54 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback on accessibility features is available.
Based on 54 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviews highlight the campground as a dog-friendly location. One camper appreciated the forest service roads for dog walks during less intense activity days.
Based on 54 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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