Weekend availability at Deer Island
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 19, 12:05 AM PT- Fri, Sep 25Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Oct 2Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Oct 9Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Oct 16Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Oct 23Limited1/1 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
How booked is Deer Island?
as of September 19Sites are open right now — we found space out to Nov. That changes fast at a campground. We check Deer Island around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Weekdays still have room — for now.
Weekends (Saturday night)
Weekdays (Wednesday night)
Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 22
About this 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.
Getting there
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 near the Philpott Marina.
Activities
- BOATING
- FISHING
- PADDLING
- CAMPING
Never miss an opening at Deer Island
Popular Virginia campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Deer Island around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
Not ready to subscribe? Get a free weekend heads-up.
We'll email you if Deer Island opens up for a weekend you pick. No account needed.
Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.