French Pete Campground, near Blue River, Oregon, is a cozy spot tucked away in the Willamette National Forest, perfect for families and nature lovers alike. With sites that are mostly spaced out, you can enjoy a bit of privacy while still being close to the beautiful river, which is a hit for exploring and cooling off.

This campground offers basic amenities like drinking water and pit toilets, but don’t expect any frills like electric hookups or showers. Campers appreciate the clean facilities and the friendly camp host who’s always ready to help. One visitor noted, “The camp host was so sweet and was willing to help with anything,” which really adds to the welcoming vibe here.

For those looking to stretch their legs, there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby, including the French Pete Trail and stunning waterfalls like Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Just a heads up, if you’re traveling with pets, keep them close, as wildlife like cougars have been spotted in the area. As one camper warned, “Definitely be aware if traveling with dogs or any animal.” 

Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, French Pete Campground is a solid choice for a peaceful retreat in the heart of Oregon’s wilderness.

## Overview

 French Pete Campground sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet in the Willamette National Forest. This popular escape from summer heat is heavily shaded by a thick canopy of conifers. There are numerous opportunities for hiking and fishing in the area.
## Recreation

 The area offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, and scenic drives. Fishing in the McKenzie River is catch and release only for trout. The Three Sisters Wilderness Area as well as French Pete Creek and Box Canyon Trail Areas offer several miles of hiking. Additional hiking trailheads are a short drive away. Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs are nearby for a nice soak. Cougar Reservoir and Hidden Lake are also in the vicinity, offering additional recreation options. 
## Natural Features

 French Pete Campground sits at the confluence of the South Fork of the McKenzie River and French Pete Creek. The area is heavily wooded with Douglas fir trees and vine maple. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Mountain bike trails, hot springs, a boat ramp and lake accesss are within 10 miles of the campground.

French Pete Campground

Join the fun near Mckenzie Bridge. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Mckenzie Bridge. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Mckenzie Bridge

The Best Camping Near Mckenzie Bridge, Oregon

The fate of the French Pete Creek drainage -- one of the last relatively untouched drainages that connected the lower-elevation and higher-elevation western Cascades --was uncertain when I marched to "Save French Pete" with my University of Oregon Outdoor Program colleagues and 3000 other supporters in 1969\.

Years later (1977-78?), we gathered at this campground to celebrate the preservation of French Pete and the establishment of this campground for future generations. It is a lovely, green place to camp year-round, IMHO. (Be prepared for cold and wet weather from September-July and rain year-round.)

Be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks when hiking or picnicking along the creek from spring through fall.

Glad I Helped Save French Pete (1969 ff)

There was flight grass to put my tent on, which added some extra padding when sleeping. The camp host was very nice, somewhat chatty.

Right in the creek, very comfortable.

Ranger review of Banner and Oak Baseball hats at French Pete campground, Oregon.

As a Ranger for the Dyrt I have the pleasure and opportunity to test and review product every so often, this is my review of the Banner and Oak "Sierra" and "Nebo" baseball hats; conducted at French Pete campground off hwy 126 in Oregon.

**Campground Review**

   French Pete campground is a smaller, somewhat primitive campground located in Oregon, Off hwy 126 and the Aufderheide forest road #19. It has less than 20 sites, two pit toilets, water and trash services and costs less than $20 per night. They also offer wood sales from the onsite camp host. French Pete is not a year round campground, and does not offer full hookups.

    My site, #16 was in the rear off the grounds right on the small river that feeds the Mckenzie. It being late August the river was low, but you could tell that if you stayed in spring during the snow melt, the river would come right up to your "doorstep" or tent step; if you will.

  Within the campground there is not much for the kids other than enjoying nature and learning the outdoors. Up hwy126 though, you will find many hiking opportunities and waterfalls such as Tamolich blue pool, and Sahalie/Koosah falls. They are some distance from the site, but are highly suggested for anyone who enjoys the scenery Oregon has to offer. If you don't want to venture too far, there is the French Pete trail across from the campground, and just a ways back down 19 is a very popular (clothes optional) "Terwilliger" hot springs.  Just be ready, as this is the most popular hot springs around this area.

  Overall a decent campground off the beaten path, I suggest bringing all your necessitates with you as it is a trek to get back to services and would break the solitude that this campground offers.

**Product review**

\*\*[https://bannerandoak.com/collections/hats?gclid=CjwKCAjwzdLrBRBiEiwAEHrAYkMK0KP-YclvbaiBT0CkYv8WHgI2EaDywGGzLmmeX9GR68j7oJOEbhoC9H0QAvD\_BwE](https://bannerandoak.com/collections/hats?gclid=CjwKCAjwzdLrBRBiEiwAEHrAYkMK0KP-YclvbaiBT0CkYv8WHgI2EaDywGGzLmmeX9GR68j7oJOEbhoC9H0QAvD_BwE)  
\*\*

[https://youtu.be/y6BpvP4\_n3A](https://youtu.be/y6BpvP4_n3A)

   Banner and Oak are U.S.A. based and everything is made here as well. They offer clothing geared towards the outdoors and have a small selection of apparel based accessories.

   I chose the "Nebo" baseball hat; named for the mountain, and the "Sierra" baseball hat; not sure of the origin of that name…

Both hats are ol' school snapback, with high crowns and a slight curve to the bill. Personally I prefer fully curved bills like I used to wear playing baseball. You can hand curve these to fit your style, but I noticed that they don't hold a curve too well. No biggy, just means I have to re-curve each time I wear them.

  They are very well made, with stitched on patches and outdoors inspired logos. I have received many compliments on how they look and how they fit. I recommend checking out their site to see if you can find a style you like, you wont be disappointed.

Ranger review: Banner and Oak Baseball hats at French Pete campground

Tucked back in the deep forest lays old french pete, everything’s covered in moss and old growth, the camp host was so sweet and was willing to help with anything. The bathrooms were cleaned nightly! The river running behind the campground is beautiful and swimmable. 

One night there were 4 of us and one time we woke up to hearing a cougar screaming, it was definitely close by, under 400ft. We managed to go to bed and woke up around 4am by a huge cat running past our heads in the tent. This was approximately June 2021. There are a lot of cougars so beware it traveling with dogs or any animal, keep them inside with you. Definitely a gem. 

One of my favorites! *cougar warning*

Our trip there a few weeks ago was fantastic! We got a great spot next to the river, and got to explore a bit of the large reservoir. Campgrounds were moderately busy, we could hear and see our camp neighbors but everyone was respectful and quiet  

Beautiful and moderately spaced campground

Nice quiet campground where the sites were mostly spaced out. The ones along the river are especially nice (although some sites do share their river access) we had tons of fun exploring up and down the river during our stay. Traveled with myself, 1 dog and my 6 year old son. 

Photos of French Pete Campground

Real photos from real campers