Deer Creek Trailhead
00 reviewEnd of Deer Creek Rd. No. 097
Deer Creek Trailhead
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeNot applicable, as this site is a trailhead, not a traditional campground.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not applicable due to the nature of the site as a trailhead.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations would include bringing your own water as potable water is not available. Avoid winter camping unless prepared for frigid conditions.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not listed.
Reserving a campsite
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTrailhead layout with a vault toilet and interpretive sign. No designated site divisions mentioned.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round (due to lack of closure information).
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.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Biking
Mountain biking is supported, with trails likely offering rugged terrain suitable for experienced bikers.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, and the site's primary focus is on summer outdoor recreation.Water Sports
Water-based recreation is not pertinent to this site.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not specified.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include snow accumulation during winter months and lack of potable water. No mention of wildlife dangers such as bears.
Active alertsNone stated.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ketchum Ranger District Office (9 miles south), hospital/police/fire services in Ketchum.
Good to know
Peak season datesUnknown.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the provided information.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes, rivers, or other water features are near the campground.
Common complaintsAbsence of potable water and picnic tables. Accessibility may be difficult in winter due to snow accumulation.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Deer Creek Trailhead has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are explicitly provided, so camper feedback cannot be summarized.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
User reviews are not included in the source material.
Common Concerns
No complaints from users are documented.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
There is no user-provided advice available for this site.
Seasonal Insights
There are no seasonal trends from user reviews available.
Camper Quotes
Direct user quotes are not included.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular sites are documented, as this location is a trailhead rather than a campground.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility reviews are documented.
Pet-Friendly Features
There is no information about pet policies or experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025