French Pete Campground

Star4.41
48 reviews
French Pete Campground, Blue River, OR, 97413, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$22 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from April 30 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and 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
French Pete Campground
$22.00 - $44.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $22 for tent-only non-electric sites to $44 for standard non-electric sites during peak season. Additional charges include $8 per...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
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

4.41

Recommended

Based on 48 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleansites

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access to the campground is via paved roads, specifically Highway 126 and Aufderheide Drive (Forest Service Road 19). The roads are suitable for standard vehicles, though some sections may require caution during winter due to snow or ice.
Nearby places
Blue River (approx. 4 miles, 10 minutes), Rainbow (approx. 30 minutes), McKenzie Bridge (approx. 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found in the towns of Rainbow and McKenzie Bridge, located about 30 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at French Pete Campground

French Pete transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this forest haven. Summer arrives with gentle warmth, creating perfect conditions for camping under the stars and exploring sun-dappled trails. As autumn approaches, the vine maples burst into flame-colored brilliance against the evergreen backdrop. Winter brings dramatic change – heavy rains transform the creeks into rushing torrents, while snow occasionally dusts the forest floor, creating a wonderland for the hardy few. Most visitors find their sweet spot from late spring through early fall, when mild temperatures and dry conditions make outdoor adventures most enjoyable.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in OR

Open and busiest season (Apr 30–Sep 6); summer noted for excellent hiking and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes after Sep 6; fall season largely unavailable for booking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens Apr 30 (late spring); some spring conditions and access are available but limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed from Sep 6 to Apr 30; winter camping not offered.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 30 - September 06 (Peak Season). 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.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts reported.

About French Pete Campground

Where French Pete Creek meets the South Fork of the McKenzie River, a hidden sanctuary awaits beneath towering evergreens. French Pete Campground invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature in this deeply wooded retreat. Here, morning light filters through the forest canopy while the gentle murmur of converging waters provides nature's soundtrack. Adventure beckons from every direction – whether you're setting out on nearby hiking trails, planning a day trip to the stunning Cougar Reservoir, or seeking the therapeutic waters of nearby Terwilliger Hot Springs. This is camping as it should be: peaceful, pristine, and perfectly positioned for exploration.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Standard check-in is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Standard check-out is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within a rolling 60-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking opportunities include several miles of trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area, French Pete Creek, and Box Canyon Trail. These trails vary in difficulty and are accessible directly from the campground or a short drive away. 'The French Pete trailhead is directly across the road,' noted one user.
FishingFishing in the McKenzie River is available but is catch-and-release only for trout. 'Great location for fly fishing,' according to one reviewer.
SwimmingSwimming areas are available nearby, including the Slide Creek Campground swimming area.
BikingMountain bike trails are located within 10 miles of the campground, providing additional recreational options.
BoatingBoating opportunities are available at nearby Cougar Reservoir and Hidden Lake. There is a boat ramp within 10 miles of the campground.
Wildlife viewingThe heavily wooded area, featuring Douglas fir trees and vine maple, makes it ideal for spotting local wildlife.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBrownish well water is safe but may appear off-colored; mosquitoes are present but not overwhelming.
Active AlertsNo current alerts reported.

Weather at French Pete Campground

Reviews

4.4
48 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
French Pete Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #15: Access to a private river spot, but described as small and rocky. Site #2: Large and scenic but less private due to proximity to the camp host. Site #9: Very small, more suitable for van or...
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Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities were noted.
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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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