Deer Island

$26.00/night

Estimated location

No source publishes exact coordinates for Deer Island. Its map marker is estimated from the surrounding area and can be miles from the actual site — don't navigate to it. Its official page may have the detail needed to find it on the ground.

Overview

Deer Island is a boat-access only campground with 21 primitive sites available by reservation only. The sites are non-site specific. The closest launch ramp for Deer Island, from April 1st through October 31st, is located in the Salthouse Branch campground. During our non-peak season, from November 1st until March 31st, you may launch from Twin Ridge, Goose Point, or Ramp 1. Potable water and pit toilets are located on the island.

Philpott Lake Virtual Tour: https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/virtual/philpott/tour.html

Recreation

The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Many miles of hiking and biking trails surround Philpott Lake, allowing visitors to get out and explore this scenic area.

Natural Features

Philpott Lake covers 2,900 acres and has 100 miles of shoreline. The lake's steep, rocky banks meet beautiful mixed forests of oak, maple, hickory, pine and cedar. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area: Deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl are commonly viewed.

Nearby Attractions

The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.

Camp site features

Across 22 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 22 sites
Pets allowed: all 22 sites
Largest party: 6 people

Directions

The closest launch ramp for Deer Island, from April 1st through October 31st, is located in the Salthouse Branch campground. During our non-peak season, from November 1st until March 31st, you may launch from Twin Ridge, Goose Point, or Ramp 1 near the Philpott Marina.

Stay Limit

Check in from 5 PM, check out by 4 PM.

Reviews

21 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Brian w

Loop:Deer Island

Site:

Reviewed 16 days ago

Check locations of campsites prior to your visit as they are concentrated on the northern end of the island. Water pump locations are also listed on the map.

Reginald K

Loop:Deer Island

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Our family always loves camping on Deer Island! We have a favorite camping spot, and it holds so many great memories for us. We love the feeling of having the entire island to ourselves and the beauty of the lake all around us.

James F

Loop:Deer Island

Site:

Reviewed 7 months ago

We paddled over to the island and had a great time. It was an excellent adventure for the Scouts.

Rachel G

Loop:Deer Island

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Peaceful campsites

David M

Loop:Deer Island

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Camping on the island was fun. Raccoons paid us a visit one night and the water great.

Robert S

Loop:Deer Island

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Love it there

Availability

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

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

Availability not checked yet

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Camping

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