Deer Creek Campground
4.538 reviewsDeer Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $10 per night payable at the entrance. No additional reservation service fee since the campground is not reservable.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(435) 826-5499Escalante_interagency@blm.gov
About this campground
Tucked away in the enchanting Deer Creek Canyon, this intimate campground offers a genuine escape into the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Seven thoughtfully designed campsites await beneath a canopy of ancient cottonwood trees, each featuring raised tent pads and fire pits perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without potable water or trailer access, it rewards adventurers with unparalleled tranquility and some of the darkest night skies in the Southwest. Here, the rustling cottonwood leaves and distant canyon walls create a natural amphitheater where solitude and scenic beauty converge.
Deer Creek Campground caters primarily to tent campers with no options for RVs, group camping, or glamping.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high desert seasons at Deer Creek, where crystal-clear skies dominate throughout fall and winter months. Winter temperatures dance between crisp 37°F days and brisk 17°F nights, creating perfect conditions for cozy campfires and morning frost that sparkles on canyon walls. The arid climate means rain and snow rarely interrupt your adventures, with predominantly dry conditions year-round. These clear, moisture-free nights transform the campground into a natural planetarium, where the Milky Way stretches brilliantly from horizon to horizon.
ElevationPerched at 5,800 feet within the dramatic folds of Deer Creek Canyon, this high-desert oasis offers a refreshing retreat from lower elevation heat. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert and mountain ecosystems intertwine, fostering rare plant communities and providing naturally cooler temperatures that make summer camping particularly delightful. Morning mists often linger in the canyon depths while afternoon breezes carry the scent of sage and wildflowers across the campground.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a painter's paradise where crimson sand meets emerald vegetation in stunning contrast. Majestic cottonwoods spread their protective branches over each campsite, their leaves shimmering gold in autumn and providing welcome shade in summer. The understory bursts with life as native buckthorn, graceful willows, and delicate wild roses create natural privacy screens between sites. Deer Creek meanders nearby, its gentle waters supporting this desert oasis while occasionally bringing mosquitoes during warmer months—a small price for such verdant surroundings in this otherwise arid landscape.
Geological RegionDeep within the geological wonderland of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Deer Creek Campground sits at 5,800 feet where ancient forces carved intimate canyons from layered sandstone. The campground's distinctive red sandy surfaces tell stories of prehistoric seas and windswept dunes, now adorned with ribbons of green where buckthorn, willows, and wild roses follow hidden moisture. Towering cottonwoods mark the presence of Deer Creek, their massive trunks testament to decades of growth in this protected canyon sanctuary where water, rock, and sky create an ever-changing tableau of natural artistry.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified.
Sites SizeSites are described as small with a parking spot, a table, and a tent pad. One reviewer mentioned that some parking areas are not flat, while others are.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are moderate. One camper remarked on the privacy of their tent being tucked away amidst soft sand but cautioned about cacti.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest choosing sites with flat parking spaces as not all sites have even surfaces.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
14 Day limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There are no group campsites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 7 campsites featuring raised tent pads, fire pits, and parking spaces. Sites are small and may not accommodate travel trailers.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews suggest availability even during October weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the campground is not reservable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and wildlife observation. As one camper shared, "You can camp here and there is great hiking in any direction from camp. I hiked for three days and never went the same way twice." The site also offers access to a creek for wading, as mentioned in another user review.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with trails in every direction around the campground. One reviewer stated, "I hiked for three days and never went the same way twice."Wildlife viewing
The campground offers opportunities to observe local flora and fauna, as noted in user reviews describing the surrounding natural beauty.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire pits at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention mosquitoes due to the proximity of the creek and the presence of cacti near campsites.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
49
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDeer Creek is located nearby, offering opportunities for wading according to user reviews.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention small campsite sizes and uneven parking areas. One review also described being disturbed by other visitors during the night.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Boulder, travel east on the Burr Trail Rd. for 7 miles, turn left into the Deer Creek Campground.
The campground is located along the scenic Burr Trail Road, which is accessible and appears to be paved. No mention of seasonal closures or extreme terrain challenges.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.5
8 reviews
Deer Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall sentiment among users is positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.375. Reviewers highlight the campground's scenic location and tranquility but also note its small size and lack of potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the elevated tent pads, fire pits at each site, and the scenic beauty of the surroundings. One user described it as "a lovely pay site in Grand Staircase Escalante," while...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water and occasional issues with mosquitoes due to the nearby creek. One user described feeling uneasy due to unwelcome visitors at night.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water due to the lack of potable supply and being cautious of cacti while choosing a campsite. A camper suggested, "The tent bases are elevated so you don’t have...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is less crowded in the off-season, as noted by a user who visited in October and found plenty of open campsites. Another visitor in November highlighted the peaceful setting ideal for...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Ample fire pits. Red sandy surface surrounded by buckthorn, willows, and wild roses." - Craig England Jr. "Incredible spot to observe stars and Milky Way." - Rémi Julien. "I hiked for three days and...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites are small, consisting of a parking space, table, and tent pad. One user commented, "Pretty nice. Sites are very small, basically a parking place, table, and tent pad." Another noted that...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no reviews specifically addressing accessibility.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-owner experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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