Looking at DOC Campsites/Campgrounds
I have started a new vlog series on my companion
YouTube page all about Department of Conservation campsites and campgrounds. When I am out and about on tramping adventures I often pass through or stay at campsites. I thought it might be useful to people to have a look at some of these sites and discuss their features.
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| At the Deer Valley Campsite near Lewis Pass |
Going forward I will publish more posts about backcountry campsites but to start with lets have a look at a nice site near Lewis Pass...Deer Valley.
Deer Valley Campsite:
Deer Valley Campsite is a well known front country campsite administered by the Department of Conservation. It is located in Lewis Pass National Reserve and is just down the road from the track to Nina Hut and the start of the St James Walkway.
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| Turn off to Deer Valley Campsite on SH 7 |
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| The Deer Valley Campsite is clearly signposted |
The campsite is well signposted on SH 7 over Lewis Pass...there is a large and obvious DOC sign at the entrance to the campsite and a Transit NZ sign about 400 meters either side of the access road.
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| Gravel access road to the Deer Valley Campsite |
The campsite is close to the road but it is in a very picturesque location with dense Beech forest surrounding it, nearby mountains rising to over 1500 meters and the Lewis River. The river runs right along the edge of the campsite and it is deep enough in places to swim in while still being a gentle mountain stream.
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| Lewis River flows through the Deer Valley Campsite |
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| Picnic table at the Deer Valley Campsite |
There aren't a lot of facilities at this campsite...flat camping areas, some picnic tables, a vault toilet and a nearby river for water. The site is on a first come -first served basis with no provision to pre book sites. Most of the more basic campsites follow this pattern...the closest DOC staff are in Reefton and they are not driving here every day to manage the visitors.
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| Deer Valley Campsite has a vault toilet |
Be aware that there are MANY sandflies here....bring plenty of DEET with you!!!
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| Deer Valley Campsite: campsite payment station... |
Fees for a campsite of this type are $8 per person per night and payment can be made online, with a DOC Campsite Pass or by using campsite tickets available from DOC offices and some outdoor retailers. There are instructions about payment on the pay station attached to the fence around the toilet.
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| Deer Valley Campsite is first come-first served |
Campsites are super cheap in New Zealand especially the DOC ones. The prices were increased at the start of this year to keep in step with the general increases in other parts of the economy. It was the first increase in nearly a decade. Please pay your fees as the money is used to maintain these campsites so that future generations will be able to use them.
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| Deer Valley campsite on the DOC pages |
There are more campsites at the northern end of the area with a mix of gravel caravan spots and flat grassy tent sites. Just follow the access road a short distance to the furthest end of the road where there is a turning circle and some flat ground.
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| View to the north end of the Deer Valley Campsite |
If you are using a tent this is the best place for you to pitch up. There are some flat grass areas next to the river and amongst the beech trees. As always watch for overhead hazard's before setting up as Beech trees are notorious for shedding branches in high wind. Dont pitch too close to the river if it is raining as I have seen this river top its banks before....
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| The northern end of the Deer Valley Campsite |
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| Deer Valley Campsite: the Lewis River... |
So...that is the Deer Valley Campsite...it is basic but you could be quite comfortable set up here for a night or two. This site is very typical of the DOC front country campsites scattered around the country. . I will be looking at a variety of other sites and camp grounds to give people a good idea of what to expect..
Details: Deer Valley Campsite is three kilometers east of the northern terminus of the St James Walkway in the Lewis Pass National Reserve. It is clearly sign posted off SH 7- Lewis Pass Highway. The campsites are positioned amongst Bech forest with a lovely river running down the southern edge of the campsite. Foleys Track to the top of the Libretto Range starts directly opposite the entrance.
Facilities: The campsite has 10 non powered campsites, a vault toilet, water from nearby Lewis River. Sites are first come-first served and payment is via DOC Campsite Pass or campsite tickets deposited in the provided receptacle. Permeant fire ban in place here...DO NOT LIGHT ANY FIRES!!!
YouTube: Deer Valley Campsite
