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Established Camping

Running Deer Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

WATER AVAILABILITY IS NOT GUARANTEED at this facility due to seasonal conditions. Flush toilets are not available when water reserves run out - portable restrooms will be provided. Please come prepared with enough water for consumption, cooking, and cleaning.

Running Deer Campground is located in Plumas National Forest, featuring forested terrain with nearby lakes and streams. The area experiences temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Visitors can explore Little Grass Valley Reservoir and the historic town of La Porte, both offering recreational activities and local history.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Plumas National Forest

Overview

Running Deer Campground is located on the eastern shore of the Little Grass Valley Reservoir, giving visitors ample opportunity to fish, swim, boat and enjoy nature. It is one of eight campgrounds in the area, providing access to a beautiful mountain lake and various hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails that meander through the scenic hills and valleys.

Recreation

The 1,615-acre lake provides ample opportunities for visitors to fish, boat, swim and water ski. Anglers can expect a catch of a variety of trout and kokanee salmon, among other species of fish. The Lakeshore Trail, which loops 14.5 miles around the lake, is available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which stretches from 2,650 miles from Canada to Mexico, across three states. A variety of day hikes can be done on portions of the trail.

Natural Features

The campground is located in the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern California at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. It is adjacent to the Little Grass Valley Reservoir, which was formed by flooding in the 1960s. The campground and the lake are surrounded by thick stands of pine and fir trees. There are multiple campgrounds located around the lake as well as cabins on the south side. The campground is also the center of a popular snowmobiling area during winter months.

Nearby Attractions

About 12 miles northeast of the lake lies a small, natural lily pond, called Fowler Lake. It sits at an altitude of 5,446 feet and is a beautiful sight.

Charges & Cancellations

$23/site per night

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Location

Running Deer Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Oroville, California, travel east on Highway 162 to Olive Highway. Turn right and continue 5 miles to Forbestown Road. Turn right and go 16 miles to La Porte Road. Turn left and travel 27 miles to La Porte, then 2 miles to signs for the recreation area. Turn right and continue just over 2 miles to the campground.

Address

OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD
La porte, CA

Coordinates

39.7352778 N
120.9530556 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2024

Lake side

Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline.

Site23
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Running Deer Campground by Michael B., September 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Running Deer Campground by Michael B., September 16, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Running Deer Campground?

    Running Deer Campground allows vehicles up to 33 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Running Deer Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Running Deer Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Running Deer Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Running Deer Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Running Deer Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Running Deer Campground?

    There are 41 campsites at Running Deer Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts