Deer Island

Star4.15
11 reviews
620 Salthouse Branch Rd., Henry, VA, 24102
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,024 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open from April 1st ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Philpott Lake Recreation Area site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Deer Island
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates by season include $26 nightly rates for standard non-electric campsites during peak season. Other fees may apply based on reservation...
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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

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Provider
540-365-7005
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 11 reviews

Most mentioned

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Campground Map

620 Salthouse Branch Rd., Henry, VA, 24102

Deer Island

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.

Best Time to Camp at Deer Island

Time 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in peak season Apr–Oct; summer offers boating, fishing and swimming opportunities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall colors from maples and oaks plus cooler nights make autumn a prime time to visit.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring (Apr onward) is listed as prime months with mild weather and opening of season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility is open Apr 1–Oct 31; winter season is outside official open dates.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1st through October 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 1st through October 31st. Non-peak season from November 1st to March 31st.

About Deer Island

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

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.
HikingThere are many miles of hiking trails around the lake, but specific trail details or access points from Deer Island are not provided.
FishingAnglers can fish for species such as large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Philpott Lake; however, no specific swimming areas or safety measures are described for Deer Island.
BikingMany miles of biking trails surround Philpott Lake, but specific biking routes related to Deer Island are not detailed.
BoatingBoating 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 viewingCommon wildlife includes deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep and rocky terrain along lake banks may pose a hazard. Wildlife such as raccoons and deer are present.

Weather at Deer Island

Reviews

4.2
11 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Deer Island is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Deer Island.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

No user reviews are available to highlight positive aspects.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No user reviews are available to note recurring issues or complaints.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user reviews are available to provide tips or recommendations.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews are provided to analyze seasonal trends.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct user quotes are available.
Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No user reviews are available to identify best or worst campsites.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews are available to provide feedback on accessibility.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews are available to assess experiences related to pets.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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