Hard Rock Campground

Star4.19
13 reviews
P.O. Box 8516, Coburg, OR 97408, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,800 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure (Willamette National Forest) 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
Hard Rock Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are $35 per night during peak season from April 30 to September 6. Reservation fees and change/cancellation fees may apply.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$35.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
801-226-3564
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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanwell-maintained

"User reviews generally praise Hard Rock Campground for its secluded and scenic location. The peaceful setting, proximity to the river, and spacious site are commonly highlighted. Some complaints include occasional trespassers and lack of privacy due to the open driveway."

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Campground Map

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

Hard Rock Campground

P.O. Box 8516, Coburg, OR 97408, 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 10 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible from Aufderheide Drive (Forest Service Road 19), which is paved and leads directly to the site. Seasonal conditions such as fallen trees may occasionally block areas beyond the campground.
Nearby places
Blue River, OR (approximately 4 miles away), Coburg, OR (approximately 50 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Blue River, OR, located approximately 4 miles away for groceries, camping essentials, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Hard Rock Campground

From April through September, Hard Rock transforms into a temperate paradise where crisp mountain mornings give way to pleasantly mild afternoons hovering around 45°F. The dry summer air carries the scent of sun-warmed Douglas-fir and creates perfect conditions for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. As autumn fades to winter, the campground takes on a wilder character, with Pacific storms bringing dramatic rainfall and occasional snow dustings that transform the landscape into a moody, moss-draped wonderland.

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

Open Apr 30–Sept 6; summer brings pleasant temps, swimming and the August salmon release event.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Campground closes Sep 6, so fall access is very limited beyond early September.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens Apr 30; late spring offers cool mornings and budding greenery but limited early-spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed during winter months (outside Apr 30–Sept 6 window).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 30 - September 6 (yearly). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from April 30 to September 6 each year.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal alerts like fallen trees blocking roads beyond the campground may occur.

About Hard Rock Campground

Tucked away along the rushing waters of the South Fork McKenzie River, Hard Rock Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude in nature's embrace. This intimate, primitive group site rewards adventurers with the kind of peaceful seclusion that's increasingly rare, where the only sounds are the river's melody and the whisper of wind through ancient trees. Just moments from the sparkling waters of Cougar Reservoir, this hidden gem provides the perfect basecamp for groups looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with each other.
Hard Rock Campground is exclusively a tent-only, group camping site. It is designed for small groups of up to 10 people and lacks facilities for RVs or individual camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within a 60-day rolling period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Hard Rock Campground offers limited but enjoyable recreational opportunities, including fishing in the South Fork of the McKenzie River, hiking trails nearby, and wildlife viewing. Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere and the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
HikingHiking trails are located nearby, such as the Castle Rock Trail, which offers dense Douglas-fir forests and impressive views of the McKenzie River valley.
FishingThe river provides catch-and-release fishing opportunities for wild redside and cutthroat trout. Cougar Reservoir, nearby, supports motorized boating and fishing activities.
SwimmingThere is a swimming hole along a private trail at the campground, as reported by reviewers. The water is calm and suitable for cooling off.
BoatingCougar Reservoir, located nearby, is open to motorized boating and offers a scenic setting.
Wildlife viewingReviewers have mentioned opportunities to observe salmon drops in August, as the campground is near a release site for salmon retrieved from the Cougar Dam. Other wildlife sightings may include local flora and fauna.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include aggressive trespassers, wildlife interactions (bears), and fallen trees in the area. The campground is bear-aware, requiring proper food storage.
Active AlertsSeasonal alerts like fallen trees blocking roads beyond the campground may occur.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Hard Rock Campground

Reviews

4.2
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Hard Rock Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Hard Rock Campground for its secluded and scenic location. The peaceful setting, proximity to the river, and spacious site are commonly highlighted. Some complaints include occasional trespassers and lack of privacy due to the open driveway.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments emphasize the campground's privacy, scenic views, and proximity to the river. Reviewers appreciated the calm swimming hole, ample space for group activities, and the opportunity to...
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Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on trespassers accessing the site due to unclear signage, occasional disturbances from fishermen, and the lack of potable water or advanced facilities.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving the site well in advance due to its popularity. Bringing your own water and being prepared for primitive camping conditions are necessary. Some reviewers suggest adding...
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Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during summer months due to favorable weather and the salmon release event in August. Reviewers appreciate the cool water for swimming and the opportunity to relax by...
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Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"There's a nice little spot on the river where the water is fairly calm, so our dogs can wander around the water." - Carrie Entler "What a deal—a private campground all to yourself for $31 a night...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground offers only one site, which is described as spacious and clean. Reviewers noted that it is a tent-only group site ideal for small gatherings.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are provided.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviewers note that the site is pet-friendly, with ample space for dogs to roam and play in the river. However, occasional fishermen and trespassers may disturb pets.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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