How much does camping cost at French Pete Campground?

Camping fees at French Pete Campground range from $19-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is French Pete Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

French Pete Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at French Pete Campground before I book?

Yes! French Pete Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit French Pete Campground?

French Pete Campground is open April 30 to September 06. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at French Pete Campground?

French Pete Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does French Pete Campground have?

French Pete Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at French Pete Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at French Pete Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at French Pete Campground?

French Pete Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at French Pete Campground?

Popular activities at French Pete Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

French Pete Campground

4.22

48 reviews

French Pete Campground, Blue River, OR, 97413, USA

Top 18% in ORSummer

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$19 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from April 30 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$19 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from April 30 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

French Pete Campground

$19.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Double Site: $38.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $19.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $19.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

801-226-3564Help.Willamette.McKenzieRiver@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

French Pete Campground, Blue River, OR, 97413, USA

French Pete Campground

French Pete Campground, Blue River, OR, 97413, USA

Nearby places

Blue River (approx. 4 miles, 10 minutes), Rainbow (approx. 30 minutes), McKenzie Bridge (approx. 30 minutes)

Weather at French Pete Campground

Best Time to Camp at French Pete Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and the full suite of river activities — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. This is peak season for swimming, boating and fishing on the South Fork of the McKenzie, plus the forest trails are reliably dry for hiking and mountain biking. Weekends in July and August are busiest, so plan weekdays for more solitude; campsites are open and fully serviced during this time. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in OR

Peak season Apr 30–Sep 6; best time for hiking, fishing and swimming per reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 30 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 30 to September 6 during the 2025 peak season. Out-of-season, no bookings are available from September 6 to April 30.

About French Pete Campground

French Pete Campground sits along the South Fork of the McKenzie River in Willamette National Forest, 20 minutes from Blue River. American Land and Leisure operates this small seasonal campground with riverside tent and RV sites spaced generously apart. Campers come for the river access and trailhead proximity, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings at each site.

French Pete Campground offers a mix of camping options, including sites for tents and RVs, with a first-come, first-served policy for some sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and the full suite of river activities — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. This is peak season for swimming, boating and fishing on the South Fork of the McKenzie, plus the forest trails are reliably dry for hiking and mountain biking. Weekends in July and August are busiest, so plan weekdays for more solitude; campsites are open and fully serviced during this time. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation1800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas firs tower over the campground, their canopy shading an understory of vine maples that turn brilliant colors in fall. French Pete Creek tumbles down from higher elevations to join the South Fork McKenzie here, creating a confluence of mountain water. The landscape beneath is volcanic in origin. Ancient lava flows shaped this terrain and created the soils that now support the temperate rainforest. Moss covers fallen logs, ferns fill the gaps between trees, and morning mist drifts through the canopy. Most sites sit a short walk from water, with some backing directly onto the river.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within a rolling 60-day period.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or contact center. On-site staff may assist with late changes but are not guaranteed.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 16 sites, described as 'mostly very large' with ample room for multiple tents. Some smaller sites are also available.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some being secluded and others more open. User reviews mention that 'most sites are just a short walk from water' and some are 'tucked away.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #2 is large with river views but close to the camp host. Site #9 is very small and better suited for vans or campers. Sites #7 and #13 offer more privacy. Site #15 has access to a private river spot but is rocky and uneven.

Best CampsitesSite #2 offers size and river views but sits close to the camp host with more foot traffic. Sites #7 and #13 are tucked away for better seclusion. Sites #15 and #17 also get mentions for proximity to the river and privacy. Reviews describe most sites as very large with plenty of space between neighbors.

Need help booking French Pete Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

French Pete Campground provides a range of basic amenities, offering a comfortable yet natural camping experience. The campground features vault toilets, drinking water from a hand pump, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash collection service. User reviews indicate that the vault toilets are 'incredibly clean' and 'well-maintained,' although some noted issues with flies and odor during specific visits. The hand-pumped water, though tested monthly and deemed safe for drinking, is described as having a mineral taste and off-color appearance by some campers.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

French Pete Campground offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and scenic drives. Nearby attractions like Terwilliger Hot Springs and Cougar Reservoir provide additional recreational opportunities.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available, and vault toilets are the only on-site restroom facilities.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

48 reviews

Satisfactory

French Pete Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, French Pete Campground is highly regarded for its peaceful setting, large and private sites, and proximity to outdoor activities. The average sentiment rating for campgrounds-specific experiences is 4.32 out of 5.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 48 reviews.

Site #15Loved
Site #15: Access to a private river spot, but described as small and rocky..
Site #2Loved
Site #2: Large and scenic but less private due to proximity to the camp host..
Site #17Loved
Site #17: Spacious with river views, highly recommended.
Site #9Mentioned
Site #9: Very small, more suitable for van or camper..

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praise the campground's serene atmosphere, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts. 'Most sites back right up to the river and [have] plenty of space between camp spots,' noted...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned issues with the hand-pumped water appearing off-color and tasting of minerals, as well as occasional problems with flies and odor in the vault toilets. One reviewer described a...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water or a reliable filter due to the mineral taste of the hand-pumped water. One user recommended site #2 for its size and beautiful river view but noted it is close to the camp host...

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits were noted for high-quality hiking and fishing opportunities. Mid-week visits were quieter, offering more site options for first-come, first-served campers.

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'We just got back from French Pete and are already planning our next visit.' - Ruth B. - 'Peaceful, well-spaced campground with lots of different sized lots for small/large groups.' - Jessalyn...

Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, and one user noted that their dog 'had a blast' exploring the area.

Based on 48 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet riverside base camp for hiking and river access with well-spaced sites.

Skip if

You need flush toilets or prefer campgrounds with treated municipal water systems.

Nearby Campgrounds

P.O. Box 8516, Coburg, OR 97408, USA

Hard Rock Campground sits in the Willamette National Forest foothills near Coburg, operated by American Land and Leisure. This very small primitive campground offers riverside access for fishing and wildlife viewing, with reviewers praising its privacy and proximity to the water. The setting provides calm swimming holes and opportunities to observe salmon releases in late summer.