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Deer Island Campground in Virginia
Moderate to Book

Deer Island Campground

Philpott Lake, Virginia

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As of October 2026, Deer Island Campground is a campground in Virginia with 22 campsites. Deer Island Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

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people allowed on each site
6

Deer Island Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Changes allowed: 2 change(s) per reservation
  • Maximum stay: 14 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Deer Island Campground, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Deer Island Campground

  • Boat-in 22

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Deer Island Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Deer Island loop.

SiteTypeSleeps
1D - 21DBoat-in6
1D - 21D 1Boat-in6
1D - 21D 2Boat-in6
1D - 21D 3Boat-in6
1D - 21D 4Boat-in6
1D - 21D 5Boat-in6
1D - 21D 6Boat-in6
1D - 21D 7Boat-in6
1D - 21D 8Boat-in6
1D - 21D 9Boat-in6
1D - 21D 10Boat-in6
1D - 21D 11Boat-in6
1D - 21D 12Boat-in6
1D - 21D 13Boat-in6
1D - 21D 14Boat-in6
1D - 21D 15Boat-in6
1D - 21D 16Boat-in6
1D - 21D 17Boat-in6
1D - 21D 18Boat-in6
1D - 21D 19Boat-in6
1D - 21D 20Boat-in6
1D - 21D 21Boat-in6

About Deer Island Campground

Overview

Deer Island is a boat-access only campground with 21 primitive sites available by reservation only. The sites are non-site specific. The 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. Potable water and pit toilets are located on the island.

Philpott Lake Virtual Tour: https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/virtual/philpott/tour.html

Recreation

The lake provides visitors with great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers enjoy fishing for large and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Many miles of hiking and biking trails surround Philpott Lake, allowing visitors to get out and explore this scenic area.

Natural Features

Philpott Lake covers 2,900 acres and has 100 miles of shoreline. The lake's steep, rocky banks meet beautiful mixed forests of oak, maple, hickory, pine and cedar. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area: Deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl are commonly viewed.

Nearby Attractions

The lake is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, which includes 5,300 acres of public recreational lands.

Rules and notices at Deer Island Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Deer Island Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Two vehicles are allowed per campsite.

A fee of $7/day will be charged for extra vehicles at the campground.

Alcohol is prohibited.

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit Invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.

Deer Island Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Deer Island Campground?

Deer Island Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 22 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Deer Island Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Deer Island Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Deer Island Campground have?

Deer Island Campground has 22 campsites.

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