Red Diamond Campground

Overview

Camping groups looking for a more rustic riverside experience will enjoy Red Diamond in Willamette National Forest. The campground can accommodate up to 25 guests and provides plenty of shade for warm, summer days. The South Fork McKenzie River and many fishing holes can be accessed from the site. Hiking trails can be found in the surrounding area and the Cougar Reservoir is just a short drive north.

Recreation

Fishing and kayaking are popular activities on the river. Nearby is the Box Canyon Trail with excellent opportunities for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Chucksney Mountain Trail, Grasshopper Mountain Trail and Roaring Ridge are also in the area.

Facilities

The campground is laid out on one loop with picnic tables, campfire rings and ample parking. Portable toilets and trash collection are provided. No water is available, so be sure to bring your own supply.

Natural Features

The campground is nicely shaded by Douglas fir, maple and alder trees, within the midsection of the Cascade Range in western Oregon. The South Fork of the McKenzie flows nearby. The McKenzie River is a tributary of the Willamette River that runs for 90 miles, flowing into the southernmost end of the Willamette Valley. The Willamette National Forest stretches for 110 miles with varied landscapes of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams and wooded slopes.

Nearby Attractions

Head to the Three Sisters Wilderness Area to hike a part of the 260 miles of trail through 286,708 acres of wild, rugged mountains and meadows. There are also bike and horse trails within 10 miles of the campground.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Fire pit: all 1 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 1 sites
  • Group sites: all 1 sites
  • Longest RV: 60 ft
  • Largest party: 25 people

Directions

From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive (Forest Service Road 19). Turn right and proceed south on Aufderheide Drive, taking the Y and climbing to the top of Cougar Reservoir. Continue south on Aufderheide Drive for 13 miles to Red Diamond Group Campsite.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

10 reviews
4 stars
5
3 stars
4
1 stars
1
Julie B
Loop:Area Red Diamond Campground
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Nothing special for the money spent. The river has obviously channeled away from the site, where as it used to be right next to the location. There were only two massive picnic tables and they were not near the only ONE useable RV camping spot and there were only two useable tent sites.
Shane S
Loop:Area Red Diamond Campground
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
We have been coming to this site for 5 years now. Its an amazing location in the Williamite National Forest. Recommended for large camping trips with lots of people.
Molly L
Loop:Area Red Diamond Campground
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Full porta pottys. Not serviced for 2 months. No gate code before arriving. Garbage at site. But, nice setting
Molly L
Loop:Area Red Diamond Campground
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Both porta pottys were filled to toilet seats. Not been serviced for 2 months. Garbage at site from previous campers. Gate code was not given before arriving at group campground.
Andrew H
Loop:Area Red Diamond Campground
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
I love how long and spread out the campground is. Plenty of tall trees to tie tarps and a hammock too. But I wish it had an actual pit toilet and not two porta potties. When I was there a lot of people had also left a big pile of garbage next to the porta potties. It was also hard to get down to the water.
Laura H
Loop:Area Red Diamond Campground
Site:
Reviewed 6 months ago
If they don’t send you the gate padlock code, go ask the camp host at French Pete. Nice area, but river access is a trek. Lots of huge trees and native wildflowers/shrubberies.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Season dates

Peak season

Apr 30, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Apr 30, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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