Deer Creek Campground

For Californians seeking the quintessential mountain lake escape, Deer Creek Campground at Huntington Lake stands out as a truly special destination. Tucked under dense fir and pine trees along the shore, this campground offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and essential amenities, making it a favorite for families, water enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unplug and reconnect with the great outdoors in the Western Sierra Nevada.

As one passionate visitor declared, it's "Pretty sure this is one of my favorite places on earth. An absolute beauty of a hidden gem in the Sierras. I have lived all around the world and around the country and Huntington Lake is one of the most special places I hold in my heart. Absolutely recommend." This sentiment echoes across many reviews, highlighting the profound connection campers feel to this serene location. Its appeal is further solidified by its convenience: "Not too far from Fresno and about 2:45 from Bakersfield," making it an accessible slice of paradise for many Southern and Central California residents.

The allure of Deer Creek is undeniable, particularly for those who cherish direct access to water. Campers eagerly "try to get the lakefront sites to enjoy the water," a testament to the stunning views and immediate recreational opportunities the lake offers. This guide will provide a detailed look into what makes Deer Creek Campground a cherished spot for California locals, from its picturesque setting to its convenient facilities and endless outdoor activities.

Deer Creek Campground is beautifully situated on Huntington Lake Road in Lakeshore, CA 93634, USA, deep within the Sierra National Forest. This prime location places it directly on the shores of Huntington Lake, a high-elevation alpine lake known for its clear waters and surrounding pine and fir forests. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 6,975 feet, ensuring cooler temperatures during California's warm summer months, making it a refreshing escape.

For Californians, the drive to Deer Creek Campground is part of the adventure. It's accessible via Highway 168 east from Clovis, through Shaver Lake, and continuing on to Huntington Lake. This route winds through stunning mountain scenery, offering glimpses of the diverse Sierra Nevada landscape. The campground is approximately an hour past Shaver Lake and about an hour from Fresno, making it a manageable drive for a weekend getaway from the Central Valley. For those coming from further south, like Bakersfield, the drive is around 2 hours and 45 minutes, a reasonable distance for such a rewarding destination.

Once at the campground, all 28 campsites have paved access, making them suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet in length. This ease of access within the campground ensures a smooth setup upon arrival. Its proximity to the resort community of Lakeshore also means that basic services and amenities are conveniently close by, balancing the wilderness experience with practical needs. Deer Creek is generally open from early May to early October, with specific dates dependent on weather and snow conditions, so it's always wise to check current opening status before planning your trip.

Deer Creek Campground is equipped with a range of services designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of campers, particularly for a mountain lake setting.

• Campsites: The campground offers 28 individual campsites, suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (with a maximum vehicle length of 40 feet). Each site includes a paved spur for parking, a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate, and a food storage locker. Several sites, particularly numbers 8-13, are "right on the water," offering direct lake access and stunning views. Campsites 7, 15, 18, 24, and 28 are designated as 'double sites' for larger groups.
• Flush Toilets: A significant amenity for many campers, Deer Creek provides clean and well-maintained flush toilets. This greatly enhances comfort compared to more primitive campgrounds with vault toilets. Some reviews specifically praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
• Drinking Water: Potable (drinking) water is readily available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water without needing to bring large quantities or filter from the lake.
• Food Storage Lockers: Given that the Sierra National Forest is bear country, each campsite is equipped with a bear-proof food storage locker (measuring approximately 17 inches deep by 49 inches wide by 17 inches high). This is essential for safely securing food and scented items from wildlife.
• Boat Mooring: A unique service for water enthusiasts, boats can be moored near some of the lakefront campsites, offering unparalleled convenience for those bringing their watercraft.
• Dump Station: While the campground itself does not have RV hookups or showers, a dump station is available in the Huntington Lake area, allowing RVers to properly dispose of wastewater.
• Pay Phone: For emergency use or limited connectivity, a pay phone is available, as cellular service can be fair to limited in the immediate area.
• Reservations: Campsites at Deer Creek are reservable through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations must be made at least three days in advance, and there is typically a two-night minimum on weekends and a three-night minimum on holidays. Fees are around $44.00 for single sites, with additional fees for extra vehicles.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at Deer Creek Campground, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside a vehicle.

Deer Creek Campground is renowned for several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts across California.

• Stunning Lakefront Sites and Views: Many of the campsites offer direct access to Huntington Lake and provide spectacular scenic lake views. This is particularly appealing for those who enjoy waking up to the sight of shimmering water and the fresh mountain air. The campground is especially popular during the annual sailboat regatta, offering a unique vantage point.
• Abundance of Water Activities: Huntington Lake is a hub for various water sports. Campers at Deer Creek have easy access to fishing, boating (motorized and non-motorized), sailing, swimming, and kayaking. Many visitors emphasize that "Kayaking is a must each morning before the winds kick in around 10am," when the water is "glass." A marina and boat launch are conveniently nearby, with boat rentals available.
• Cool Mountain Temperatures: Nestled at a high elevation, Deer Creek Campground offers a welcome respite from California's summer heat. Temperatures in the summer typically stay in the 70s, providing a comfortable environment for outdoor activities and sleeping.
• Proximity to Hiking and Wilderness: The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the Sierra National Forest. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, including trails to nearby waterfalls and magnificent vistas like Mushroom Rock. The proximity to the Kaiser Wilderness offers access to a wider network of hiking trails with scenic alpine and meadow views.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite being a National Forest campground, Deer Creek is consistently praised for its cleanliness. Reviews frequently mention "super clean restrooms with running water" and campsites that are "very clean upon arrival." The presence of helpful and friendly staff often contributes to this positive experience.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With activities like swimming, fishing, and nature walks, combined with the presence of flush toilets and food lockers, Deer Creek is highly suitable for families, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for children and adults alike.
• Variety of Campsite Types: The campground offers a mix of sites, including more heavily forested ones for shade and those with more open, sunny spots closer to Lakeshore, allowing campers to choose based on their preference for sun or shade and proximity to the lake.

For current information, reservations, or inquiries about Deer Creek Campground at Huntington Lake, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Huntington Lake Rd, Lakeshore, CA 93634, USA

Phone: (559) 855-5355 (This number connects to the High Sierra Ranger District, which manages the campground in the Sierra National Forest.)

Mobile Phone: +1 559-855-5355 (This is the same number, often listed as a mobile contact.)

For reservations, which are highly recommended due to the campground's popularity, especially for lakefront sites:

Website: www.recreation.gov (Search for "Deer Creek Campground, Sierra National Forest")

Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777

It is always advisable to contact the High Sierra Ranger District or check the Recreation.gov website for the most up-to-date information on operating dates, fees, site availability, fire restrictions, and any potential closures or advisories before planning your trip.

For Californians, Deer Creek Campground at Huntington Lake is not just another camping spot; it's a beloved tradition and a quintessential Sierra Nevada experience. Its suitability for locals lies in its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, excellent recreational opportunities, and well-maintained facilities, all within a reasonable driving distance from many parts of the state.

We, as Californians, cherish our access to both serene lakes and majestic mountains. Deer Creek seamlessly combines these, offering "beautiful" lakefront sites where one can "enjoy the water" directly from their campsite. This immediate access to fishing, boating, sailing, and swimming makes it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts looking for active recreation or simply peaceful relaxation by the shore. The refreshing "cooler temperatures" provide a much-needed escape from the summer heat of the valleys, allowing for comfortable days and nights.

The presence of amenities like "clean restrooms with running water" and secure "food storage lockers" significantly enhances the comfort and safety of the camping experience, making it appealing even to those new to outdoor adventures. Beyond the campground itself, the easy access to the broader Sierra National Forest and Kaiser Wilderness opens up endless possibilities for hiking and exploration. Deer Creek Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a cherished retreat that consistently delivers on the promise of an unforgettable California mountain lake getaway, year after year, fostering a deep and lasting connection with our state's unparalleled natural heritage.

For a visual tour of this serene location, consider watching this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01TN4cA4m6Q) video.

Deer Creek Campground

Huntington Lake Rd, Lakeshore, CA 93634, USA