Deer Island
00 review620 Salthouse Branch Rd., Henry, VA, 24102
Deer Island
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
Facility rates by season include $26 nightly rates for standard non-electric campsites during peak season. Other fees may apply based on reservation methods or late cancellations.
About this campground
Escape to your own private island paradise at Deer Island, where adventure begins with a boat ride across the shimmering waters of Philpott Lake. This exclusive boat-access campground invites you to disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness camping. With 21 primitive campsites scattered across the island, you'll find your perfect spot to pitch a tent under the stars. Despite its remote feel, the campground thoughtfully provides potable water sources and pit toilet facilities, ensuring your wilderness experience remains comfortable.
Deer Island is a primitive camping destination accessible only by boat. It features 21 non-specific primitive sites, reservable year-round.
Weather and SeasonsTime your island adventure perfectly by visiting during the prime camping months of April through October, when warm days and cool nights create ideal outdoor conditions. As seasons shift across the lake, weather patterns can transform your journey to the island—spring brings vibrant wildflowers and migrating birds, summer offers long days perfect for swimming and exploring, while fall paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle lapping of lake waters against rocky shores and the morning songs of countless birds welcoming the day. Philpott Lake's crystal-clear waters stretch as far as the eye can see, reflecting the dense canopy of oaks, maples, and hickories that cloak the surrounding hills. Watch for white-tailed deer emerging at dawn to drink from hidden coves, wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush, and playful squirrels leaping between towering pines and aromatic cedars. As evening falls, raccoons venture out for their nightly adventures while waterfowl glide silently across the darkening waters.
Geological RegionCarved into the ancient Appalachian landscape, Philpott Lake sprawls across 2,900 pristine acres, its 100 miles of natural shoreline creating countless hidden coves and secluded beaches. The lake's distinctive steep, rocky banks tell a geological story millions of years in the making, now crowned with a magnificent mixed forest where mighty oaks stand sentinel alongside graceful maples, sturdy hickories, evergreen pines, and fragrant cedars. This diverse ecosystem creates a natural amphitheater of wilderness that changes with every season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for Deer Island.
Sites SizeSites are primitive and no specific size details are provided.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit details are provided about the privacy level of the campsites.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.
Groups
No group camping information is provided for Deer Island.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNon-site-specific layout with 21 primitive campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1st through October 31st. Non-peak season from November 1st to March 31st.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov, via the mobile app, or through the contact center.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before scheduled arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within 1 day of check-in) also forfeit the first night’s use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Deer Island offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming. Visitors can explore Philpott Lake and its surrounding trails. Anglers particularly enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
Hiking
There are many miles of hiking trails around the lake, but specific trail details or access points from Deer Island are not provided.Fishing
Anglers can fish for species such as large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.Swimming
Swimming is possible in Philpott Lake; however, no specific swimming areas or safety measures are described for Deer Island.Biking
Many miles of biking trails surround Philpott Lake, but specific biking routes related to Deer Island are not detailed.Boating
Boating is a significant activity at Deer Island. Access is boat-only, and visitors must launch from designated ramps during specific times of the year.Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife includes deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned for Deer Island.Water Sports
Deer Island offers opportunities for non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing, though these are not explicitly detailed in the source information.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Don't Move Firewood campaign emphasizes buying and burning locally-sourced firewood to prevent forest pests.
- Quiet hours are Park gates closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep and rocky terrain along lake banks may pose a hazard. Wildlife such as raccoons and deer are present.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1st through October 31st.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities on the island.
Proximity to water featuresPhilpott Lake surrounds the campground with direct water access for boating and fishing.
Campground Map
620 Salthouse Branch Rd., Henry, VA, 24102
Driving directionsThe 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.
Deer Island is boat-access only. Access requires launching from nearby ramps depending on the season. The closest ramp during peak season is at Salthouse Branch campground, while non-peak season ramps include Twin Ridge, Goose Point, and Ramp 1.Camper Reviews
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Last updated August 10, 2025