How much does camping cost at Deer Creek?

Camping fees at Deer Creek range from $47-$96/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Deer Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Deer Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Deer Creek before I book?

Yes! Deer Creek has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Deer Creek?

Deer Creek is open May 15 to September 11. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Deer Creek?

Deer Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Deer Creek have?

Deer Creek has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Deer Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Deer Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Deer Creek?

Deer Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Deer Creek?

Popular activities at Deer Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Deer Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Deer Creek?

Fire policies at Deer Creek: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the High Sierra Ranger District, Sierra National Forest (559) 855-5355. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.40

212 reviews

P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA, USA, 93634

Top 16% in CASummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Northern California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,031 ft

Price

$47 - $96/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,031 ft

Price

$47 - $96/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Deer Creek

$47.00 - $96.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $92.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC-PREMIUM: $49.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $47.00 (+$2.00...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-893-2111vista@vista-rec.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA, USA, 93634

Deer Creek

P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA, USA, 93634

Nearby places

Clovis (65 miles, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes)

Fresno (70 miles, approximately 2 hours)

Weather at Deer Creek

Current alerts(9)

Attention: This Deer Creek Campground is located in California Sierra National Forest. Please ensure you have the correct Deer Creek Campground prior to making a reservation.
Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals.
Click here to learn more about Sierra National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Best Time to Camp at Deer Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, comfortable days (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low 80s°F at 7,000 ft) and crisp mornings around 40–45°F, making water activities and high-elevation hiking pleasant. Huntington Lake is at its liveliest—boating, kayaking, swimming and shoreline fishing are all at their peak and the campground is fully open with services. Expect the highest crowds mid-July through early August and around holiday weekends, so book early for lakeside sites. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Peak season May 16–Sept 13; boating, hiking, fishing and warmest reliable conditions in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16 to September 13 annually; closed outside this period.

About Deer Creek

Deer Creek sits on the shores of Huntington Lake in Sierra National Forest, a high-elevation alpine campground operated by Vista Recreation. The small lakefront property offers tent, RV, and group camping with flush toilets, potable water, and direct access to swimming, boating, and fishing. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and scenic lake views, though some sites lack shade and privacy.

Deer Creek Campground supports tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Double sites are available for larger groups. Primitive camping is not described.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, comfortable days (daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low 80s°F at 7,000 ft) and crisp mornings around 40–45°F, making water activities and high-elevation hiking pleasant. Huntington Lake is at its liveliest—boating, kayaking, swimming and shoreline fishing are all at their peak and the campground is fully open with services. Expect the highest crowds mid-July through early August and around holiday weekends, so book early for lakeside sites. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7031 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryFirs and pines tower over the campground, filtering sunlight onto the forest floor. Huntington Lake provides the scenic centerpiece, visible from multiple sites throughout the property. The western slope of the central Sierra Nevada creates dramatic elevation changes from oak-studded foothills through dense conifer forests to alpine peaks above. Black bears forage regularly through the area. A seasonal toad migration adds an unusual natural element that visitors often mention.

Lodging & AccommodationsDeer Creek Campground does not provide lodging accommodations such as cabins or hotels.

Programs & ActivitiesCalifornia Land Management sponsors seasonal interpretive programs and nature walks in the summer.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within a 30-day rolling limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to one RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle and tent per single site
additional vehicle fees apply.

Groups

Group sites accommodate multiple tents or RVs and extra vehicles, but no specific guest limits are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets are provided. Some reviews praised hosts for accommodating elderly guests and maintaining facilities for broad usability.

Site SizeStandard-sized sites with some able to hold multiple tents. Double sites for tent camping allow for two RVs with tow vehicles or two extra vehicles.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels—some sites are described as tightly spaced ("Sites are tight and too close to each other."). Others provide a more secluded camping experience.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose sites on the more forested loop. For lake access, opt for sites on the lakefront loop.

Best CampsitesSites 013 and 026 receive high marks in reviews. Lakefront sites offer direct water views but come with tradeoffs. Some lack shade and sit closer together than interior sites. Double sites accommodate two RVs with tow vehicles or allow space for two extra vehicles.

Need help booking Deer Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Deer Creek Campground provides essential amenities for campers, including paved parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site. Accessible flush toilets are available, but vault toilets are not mentioned. Drinking water is on-site, and there is a pay phone for communication. Trash collection is supported, along with food lockers and tent pads. However, some reviews noted infrastructure issues such as periodic water supply disruptions and restroom closures during summer ("By the time we left only 2 of the 4 bathrooms were working."). Firewood availability is unclear with mixed user reviews ("camp host was never there to buy firewood from...").

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Deer Creek Campground offers diverse recreational activities like hiking, boating, swimming, sailing, fishing, and non-motorized water sports. Interpretive programs and nature walks are sponsored during the summer by California Land Management. Huntington Lake stands out for its water-related activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredMandatory bear boxes are installed at each site for food storage and safety.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the High Sierra Ranger District, Sierra National Forest (559) 855-5355

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, and recycling facilities are a new addition: "Love that you have recycling in the campground now!"

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

212 reviews

Recommended

Deer Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed reviews highlight Deer Creek Campground's scenic location, cleanliness, and helpful camp hosts. Complaints focus on infrastructure issues, bear encounters, and tightly spaced campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 212 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 212 reviews.

Site 023Loved
Site 023 had no shade.
Site 019Mentioned
Site 019 offers great lake views but is near road traffic noise.
Site 003Mentioned
Site 003 faces restrictions due to outdated bear boxes.
Site 026Issues noted
Site 026 experienced bear activity and uneven tent pads.

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, friendly hosts, scenic lakefront views, and activities like hiking and water sports stand out in user reviews.

Based on 212 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include bear activity ("Bear ravaging through my neighbors' food."), restroom closures, poor site spacing, and proximity to loud logging operations.

Based on 212 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Use bear boxes effectively due to high bear activity. Choose lakefront sites for views. Bring shade for campsites without tree coverage.

Based on 212 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for hiking, boating, and fishing. However, fire restrictions and logging operations may occasionally disrupt camping experiences.

Based on 212 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were meticulously clean even during the busiest times over Memorial Day weekend." "Camp hostess Carmen has transformed Deer Creek into the cleanest, most welcoming campground." "Bear was...

Based on 212 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campground hosts are noted for accommodating elderly guests. Accessible flush toilets are available.

Based on 212 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with leash rules strictly enforced: "Two pets per site and leashed at all times."

Based on 212 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation lake access with maintained facilities and don't mind compact site spacing.

Skip if

You need shaded sites with privacy or plan to visit outside the summer season.

Nearby Campgrounds

P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA 93634, USA

Kinnikinnick sits in the Sierra National Forest near Lakeshore, a very small campground operated by Vista Recreation at high elevation above Huntington Lake. The alpine setting provides access to Kaiser Wilderness trails, lake fishing, and swimming during summer months. Flush toilets, potable water, and a quiet atmosphere make it a clean, well-maintained base for high-country recreation.