Deer Creek Trailhead

0 review

End of Deer Creek Rd. No. 097

Quick Facts

6,102 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ketchum Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,102 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ketchum Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Deer Creek Trailhead

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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USFS

Provider

208-622-5371

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Campground Map

End of Deer Creek Rd. No. 097

Deer Creek Trailhead

End of Deer Creek Rd. No. 097

Driving directionsFrom Ketchum, drive south approximately 9 miles on ID 75. Turn west onto Deer Creek Road (Forest Road #097) and drive approximately 9 miles west to the end of the road.

Located at the end of an unpaved road (Deer Creek Rd. No. 097). Accessibility is likely limited during certain weather conditions, though no seasonal closures are explicitly stated.

Nearby places

Ketchum (9 miles

approximately 9 miles south on ID 75), null

Nearby supplies

Ketchum (9 miles south)—supplies, fuel, groceries, and other essentials available in the city.

Best Time to Camp at Deer Creek Trailhead

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Idaho's high country, where winter's crystalline landscape gives way to sun-drenched summer adventures. During the coldest weeks, temperatures hover around 30°F during the day before plunging to a crisp 10°F at night, with generous snowfall blanketing the trails. But come summer, the mercury climbs to a perfect 83°F under brilliant blue skies. Plan your visit during the golden weeks of late June through mid-July (weeks 26-28) when warm temperatures, bone-dry trails, and endless sunshine create ideal conditions for exploration. Avoid early January's deep freeze or late May's unpredictable storms for the best experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers sun-drenched hiking, biking and backpacking access via multiple trails.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal transformation noted; fall likely good for colors and quieter trails though not detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring opens trails after snowmelt but conditions can be variable; no specific spring info provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Overview references winter's crystalline landscape but no groomed services; access may be limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Unknown.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round (due to lack of closure information).
Current Alerts: None stated.

About Deer Creek Trailhead

Tucked away at the end of Deer Creek Road, this hidden gem serves as your gateway to adventure on the Deer Creek Trail No. 158 and Kinsey Creek Trail No. 319. As one of the Ketchum Ranger District's best-kept secrets, Deer Creek Trailhead offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, complete with essential amenities including a vault toilet and interpretive signage that brings the local landscape to life. What makes this spot truly special is its access to some of the only narrow-track OHV trails (under 50 inches) in the entire district—a rare find for riders seeking technical challenges through pristine forest terrain.

Deer Creek Trailhead is not a traditional campground. It serves primarily as an access point for trails and off-highway vehicle use. There are neither designated campsites nor accommodations for tent, RV, or group camping.

Historical SignificanceWhile the official records may be sparse, these trails have quietly served generations of outdoor enthusiasts, from early forest rangers to modern-day adventurers seeking solitude in the Sawtooth wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Idaho's high country, where winter's crystalline landscape gives way to sun-drenched summer adventures. During the coldest weeks, temperatures hover around 30°F during the day before plunging to a crisp 10°F at night, with generous snowfall blanketing the trails. But come summer, the mercury climbs to a perfect 83°F under brilliant blue skies. Plan your visit during the golden weeks of late June through mid-July (weeks 26-28) when warm temperatures, bone-dry trails, and endless sunshine create ideal conditions for exploration. Avoid early January's deep freeze or late May's unpredictable storms for the best experience.

ElevationPerched in the mountain foothills where the air grows thin and the views expand, this trailhead offers that perfect high-country feel without venturing into extreme alpine territory.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a classic Idaho forest setting where towering conifers create natural cathedral ceilings overhead. The interconnected trail system winds through diverse terrain perfect for hiking boots, mountain bike tires, or OHV tracks. Whether you're spreading a picnic blanket in a sunny meadow or navigating technical trail sections, the landscape offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in a pristine forest environment that feels worlds away from civilization.

Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Sawtooth National Forest, this area showcases the region's signature forested mountains and valleys. The terrain here has been naturally sculpted to create an OHV paradise, with trails threading through geological features that challenge riders while preserving the delicate forest ecosystem. The unique topography supports some of the only sub-50-inch OHV trails in the region, making this a distinctive destination within the greater Sawtooth landscape.

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Check-in

Not applicable.

Check-out

Not applicable.

Stay Limit

Not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Groups

Group camping is not a feature of this trailhead.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTrailhead layout with a vault toilet and interpretive sign. No designated site divisions mentioned.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-in/first-come-first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable due to non-reservable status.

AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.

Site SizeNot applicable, as this site is a trailhead, not a traditional campground.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not applicable due to the nature of the site as a trailhead.

Recommended SitesRecommendations would include bringing your own water as potable water is not available. Avoid winter camping unless prepared for frigid conditions.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities focus on outdoor recreation at Deer Creek Trailhead, including mountain biking, hiking for both day trips and backpacking, OHV trail riding, and picnicking. These activities cater to outdoor enthusiasts who prefer rugged and less-developed environments.

HikingThe site offers access to two trails: Deer Creek Trail No. 158 and Kinsey Creek Trail No. 319. These trails accommodate both day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips.

BikingMountain biking is supported, with trails likely offering rugged terrain suitable for experienced bikers.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include snow accumulation during winter months and lack of potable water. No mention of wildlife dangers such as bears.

Active AlertsNone stated.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.