Deer Creek Forest Camp
03 reviewsnull
Deer Creek Forest Camp
$2.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
Camping fee is $5 per single site and $2 per extra vehicle per night.
About this campground
Rising from the ashes of the 2015 Stickpin fire, Deer Creek Forest Camp stands as a testament to nature's resilience in the heart of Colville National Forest. This intimate six-site campground may not yet mirror its former glory, but visitors consistently discover it to be 'an amazing gem' amid the recovering landscape. Young trees stretch skyward alongside established understory vegetation, creating a unique camping experience where you can witness nature's renewal firsthand. Each thoughtfully designed site features generous 50-60 foot parking spurs accommodating both back-in and pull-through setups, complete with picnic tables and fire rings for those cherished evening gatherings. Equestrian adventurers will appreciate the horse corrals becoming available in late June 2024.
The campground accommodates a mix of camping styles, including tent and RV camping, with six campsites available, two of which are suitable for RVs.
Historical SignificanceThis resilient campground carries within it the story of fire and rebirth, having been transformed by the dramatic Stickpin fire of 2015 before undergoing careful reconstruction. Today, it serves as a vital gateway to some of the Pacific Northwest's most treasured pathways, including the legendary Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the doorstep of both the scenic Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail and the challenging Taylor Ridge Trail, paths that have drawn hikers and horseback riders for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high country, where winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland with crystalline freezing conditions. As summer arrives, the mountain air turns crisp and clear, offering campers long days of sunshine under brilliant blue skies. These dry, moderate summer temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring the surrounding trails and enjoying comfortable nights around the campfire, making every moment of your stay memorable.
ElevationPerched high in the embrace of Colville National Forest, this mountain sanctuary offers the rare opportunity to camp among a landscape in active regeneration. The elevated setting provides cooler temperatures, clearer air, and a front-row seat to watch as the forest writes its comeback story, one season at a time.
Natural Features and SceneryWitness a forest in renaissance, where Douglas fir seedlings stand alongside towering ponderosa and lodgepole pines that survived the flames. The understory bursts with life as aspen groves shimmer in the breeze, while native shrubs and grasses carpet the forest floor. Come spring and summer, wildflowers paint the meadows in brilliant hues. This recovering ecosystem supports a thriving community of wildlife—from the haunting calls of owls at dusk to glimpses of deer at dawn, while black bears roam the deeper woods and industrious gophers maintain their underground kingdoms.
Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Colville National Forest, this high-elevation refuge showcases the remarkable regenerative power of the Pacific Northwest ecosystem. The 2015 Stickpin fire created a unique landscape where visitors can observe ecological succession in action. The diverse forest community includes resilient Douglas fir, stately ponderosa pine, hardy lodgepole pine, and quaking aspen, all interwoven with native shrubs, grasses, and seasonal wildflowers that herald the forest's bright future.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites have level parking spurs approximately 50-60 feet long.
Sites PrivacyDue to the 2015 fire, the campground is described by user reviews as 'very open and exposed,' lacking the privacy of a dense forested setting.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended Campsites'Be sure to bring an awning if you camp,' per a user review due to open exposure.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers mentioned. However, two sites are noted as large enough for campers/RVs.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No designated group camping areas are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutMix of back-in and pull-through campsites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and level parking spur (50-60 feet long).
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open from May 17 to October 28.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability likely as reservations are not explicitly stated.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with trails such as the Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail and the Taylor Ridge Trail nearby. Wildlife viewing is also highlighted, with mentions of deer, birds, and occasionally bears.
Hiking
The campground is across from the northern trailhead of the Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail and close to the Taylor Ridge Trail, which is noted for mountain biking and hiking.Biking
The Taylor Ridge Trail is described as a popular mountain biking destination, and the Kettle Crest Trail is also bike-friendly.Wildlife viewing
User reviews frequently note wildlife sightings, including deer, birds, owls, and occasionally bears.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not outlined in the source materials.Water Sports
No water sports activities are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in developed fire rings.
- Quiet hours between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPost-fire area recovery means limited tree cover as noted by users ('looks very open and exposed'); presence of bears requires proper food storage.
Active alertsNo current alerts specified.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Nearest emergency services are likely in Republic, WA (22 miles away), including hospitals and police stations. No ranger station specifically mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not detailed in the source material.
Proximity to water featuresThere is a water trough for horses across the paved county highway. No other water sources available.
Common complaintsLack of water sources ('Has no water source but is close by to a town where you can get some'); exposure due to limited tree cover post-fire ('looks very open and exposed').
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Republic, WA: Take highway 21 north 22 miles to Curlew. Turn right on county road 602 (Deer Creek Highway) for 10 miles. The campground will be on your left at the summit of the highway, up a short access road.
Short access road off a paved county highway. No mention of road closures or unpaved stretches.Nearby places
Republic, WA (22 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive)
Curlew, WA (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Republic, WA (22 miles away), including groceries and camping essentials. User reviews note the availability of supplies in nearby towns.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Deer Creek Forest Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the campground as a 'gem' despite being 'very open and exposed' after the 2015 fire. Positive wildlife observations and clean facilities are frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the clean and well-stocked outhouse, level parking spurs, and abundant wildlife such as deer, birds, and occasional bears. The stargazing opportunities are also praised, with one...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted the exposed nature of the campground due to the 2015 fire, which has left the area less forested and without much shade. One reviewer suggested bringing an awning for this reason.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water as there is no potable water onsite. Given the open nature of the campground, bringing an awning or other shade structure is recommended.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is well-suited for summer and early fall, as the lack of shade may make it less comfortable during hotter months. Wildlife sightings may vary by season, with potential...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'On a clear night with no moon you can see a good portion of the Milky Way.' - Theodore Jakobetz. 'AMAZING camp site... clean and stocked with TP.' - Mike. 'The Kettle Crest is a beautiful place, but...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews note there are six campsites, with two large enough for RVs. All sites have fire rings and picnic tables.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features or user feedback on accessibility are not mentioned.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets must be kept on a leash, as stated in the campground regulations, but no reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025