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Tent campers who want deep-forest solitude without paying for it. The Corral Gulch Trail to Chankhelulla Wilderness starts nearby, the Douglas fir canopy holds temperatures down on hot summer days, and 13 sites rarely fill on weekdays.
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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Forest Rt. 1, Deerlick Springs, Yolla Bolla Ranger District.
Tent campers who want deep-forest solitude without paying for it. The Corral Gulch Trail to Chankhelulla Wilderness starts nearby, the Douglas fir canopy holds temperatures down on hot summer days, and 13 sites rarely fill on weekdays.
No potable water on-site means hauling in every drop you'll need. Add the single-lane access road, no cell service, and a ranger station that's closed weekends, and this place is genuinely unforgiving for anyone unprepared for self-sufficient camping.
Reference information about Deerlick Springs Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>This campground has 13 sites and vault toilets. Trailers are not recommended. There is no water so please bring enough for your trip.</p>
Total of 13 units. Tent only.
The elevation is 3,000 ft. This rustic campground, pack it in, pack it out, stretches out beside two creeks under a thick stand of mature Douglas fir. Under maintained, the campground has a wilderness feel. However, the three walk-in tent sites at the trailhead are situated next to a stream and are very nice. Adjacent to the campground is Deer Lick Springs Resort, formerly a popular location for its spring water that allegedly cured many health problems. The resort, like the campground, is in need of attention.
Open May 26 through November 1
The parking aprons are grass and gravel and are all about the same size.
From Platina, CA, take State Rt. 36 west 8.3 miles to Deerlick Springs sign. Turn right at sign onto Forest Rt. 1 (dirt and gravel, single-lane with some turnouts) and go 11 miles to campground on left. NOTE: Forest Rt. 1 is rough in stretches - not very RV-friendly.
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Summer is the best time to visit. The Douglas fir canopy creates a cool refuge from valley heat, with daytime highs around 65–85°F and nights dropping into the 40s–50s at this elevation. The campground is fully accessible from late May through early November. Trails and creekside areas are easiest to reach during summer months, though late-season visitors should watch for wildfire smoke or restrictions. The low site count keeps things quiet except on busy summer weekends.
Open May 26–Nov 1; canopy creates cool refuge with daytime highs ~65–85°F in summer.
There is no water so please bring enough for your trip.
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