Deer Creek Campground
4.188 reviews/Deer Creek Road
Deer Creek Campground
$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 charged at this site. Camping at Deer Creek Campground is free.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Montana's wilderness, Deer Creek Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with five secluded camping sites, each equipped with its own fire ring. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers with small RVs and tent campers seeking solitude away from crowded campgrounds. As a pack-it-in/pack-it-out destination, visitors become stewards of this pristine environment. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line in nearby waters teeming with trout, explore winding forest trails, or forage for wild huckleberries and prized morel mushrooms that dot the forest floor.
The campground features dispersed camping suitable for small RVs and tents.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 3,200 feet elevation, Deer Creek Campground experiences the full drama of Montana's mountain weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, though access becomes an adventure in itself, dependent on snowfall and road conditions. Seasoned visitors swear by the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall, when crisp mornings give way to warm afternoons, wildflowers carpet the meadows, and the crowds have yet to arrive—creating perfect conditions for those seeking tranquility in nature's embrace.
ElevationAt 3,200 feet above sea level, Deer Creek Campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days. This elevation brings its own character to the camping experience—mornings may greet you with a light frost even in late spring, while autumn arrives early with golden larches and crisp, star-filled nights. The altitude ensures that winter arrives with authority, transforming access roads into seasonal passages that require careful planning and proper equipment.
Natural Features and SceneryThe soothing melody of Deer Creek provides the soundtrack to your stay, as noted by visitor Weston Spencer who raved about the 'cool campsite right by the creek.' The campground embraces you with towering evergreens that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. As camper Paul B. observed, there's something special about the 'woodsy primitive atmosphere' that makes you feel genuinely connected to the wilderness. Morning mist rises from the creek, deer tracks appear in soft earth near the water's edge, and the forest reveals its secrets to those who take time to look and listen.
Geological RegionDeep within the sprawling Lolo National Forest, Deer Creek Campground showcases the rugged beauty of western Montana's mountain ecosystem. This 3,200-foot perch offers access to a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and carved by countless streams. The surrounding forest creates a natural larder for foragers, with huckleberry patches tucked into sunny slopes and various mushroom species emerging from the rich forest floor after summer rains. Crystal-clear streams wind through the area, offering excellent opportunities for anglers to test their skills against native trout in intimate, woodland settings where every cast feels like a conversation with nature.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned. The gravel road and lack of facilities might be challenging for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for small RVs or tents. User reviews suggest some sites can fit multiple tents.
Sites PrivacySites are described as 'nice and woodsy,' with some privacy due to the natural environment. Reviews highlight a quiet, remote atmosphere.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSuggested sites are closer to creek or across from hazard tree zones. Users recommend spots for privacy.
Best CampsitesOnly one spot has a picnic table, making it a preferred choice.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No specified stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific limit mentioned.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFive dispersed sites, described as primitive and woodsy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, snow dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; first come, first served camping available only.
Walk-in Availability"Primitive campsites looked nice and woodsy... but it’s free camping." (Lorretta Holmes) Walk-up camping is the only option at this site.
Cancellation PolicyCamping is first come, first served, and no reservations are taken.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and foraging for mushrooms and berries. It is a serene location surrounded by nature.
Hiking
Day hikes are available nearby. Trail details such as difficulty and length are not specified.Fishing
Fishing is possible in the nearby St. Regis River, accessible from the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include juvenile bears and large birds like golden eagles and vultures.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available at all dispersed sites. Follow fire safety regulations.
Hazards
General hazards"Several hazard trees along the creek by deeper sites" (Buckaroo Patriot). "We saw a juvenile bear recently dead near the road... pack Montana bear spray." (Paul B.)
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak seasons are not defined, but snow-dependent conditions may affect accessibility.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site. Campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to a stream and other water features.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are a recurring concern due to gravel surface and potholes.
Campground Map
/Deer Creek Road
Driving directionsFor westbound travelers on I-90, take the DeBorgia Exit #18 and travel south under the interstate to the Deer Creek Road #236. For eastbound travelers on I-90, take the DeBorgia Exit #18 and turn right to the Deer Creek Road #236. At the Deer Creek Road #236, turn right and travel approximately 2.5 miles, crossing the St. Regis River. The dispersed camping area will be located on your right.
"The road is dirt shortly off of the highway - needed to go slow to avoid potholes and larger rocks, but still made it in a minivan." (Brittany Kraft). Other reviews also describe the road as gravel, rutted, and bumpy, suitable for forest service vehicles and slow driving.Nearby places
DeBorgia: Approx. 2.5 miles (10 minutes driving from I-90).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are null.
Camper Reviews
4.2
8 reviews
Deer Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently emphasize the remote, serene beauty of the campground and the lack of crowds. The lack of facilities, rugged road access, and potential wildlife encounters are highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
"Primitive campsites looked nice and woodsy." "Pleasantly surprised at how clean this campsite was." "Very quiet. We only saw one other camper during explorations." "The landscape is beautiful."
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
"The road is a little rutted." "Sections of the gravel road may be a bit much for some car campers." "Several hazard trees along the creek by the deeper sites."
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bear spray due to wildlife sightings. Drive slowly on the gravel road to avoid damage. Pack enough supplies as there are no facilities nearby.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground remains accessible during the shoulder season, dependent on snow. Summer reviews highlight a lack of mosquitoes.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"May want to pack some good Montana bear spray." - Paul B. "Primitive campsites looked nice and woodsy." - Paul B. "Nice place to set up a tent and sleep for a night while on a road trip." - Katrina...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Weston Spencer noted that only one spot has a table. Sites are generally sized for small RVs or multiple tents.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features, but the rugged road may pose challenges.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025