Deer Island

About

Deer Island offers a secluded camping experience on Philpott Lake, a 2,900-acre reservoir with 100 miles of shoreline managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This boat-access only campground features 21 primitive campsites that are non-site specific, meaning campers may choose any available site upon arrival. The island provides potable water and pit toilets for visitor convenience. Philpott Lake is surrounded by beautiful mixed forests of oak, maple, hickory, pine, and cedar, with steep rocky banks characteristic of the area. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, songbirds, and waterfowl commonly spotted. The lake is excellent for boating, swimming, and fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Access to the island varies by season. From April 1st through October 31st, the closest launch ramp is at Salthouse Branch campground. During the non-peak season from November 1st through March 31st, boaters may launch from Twin Ridge, Goose Point, or Ramp 1 near Philpott Marina. The campground is adjacent to Fairystone State Park and Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, providing access to 5,300 acres of additional public recreational lands with hiking and biking trails.

Directions

Boat-access only. From April 1st through October 31st, the closest launch ramp is at Salthouse Branch campground. From November 1st through March 31st, launch from Twin Ridge, Goose Point, or Ramp 1 near Philpott Marina.