Established Camping

Running Deer Campground

Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect

There are 3 alerts 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.

RV campers may fill freshwater tanks at Tooms RV dump station only. There is no water available to fill tanks on the east side of Little Grass Valley Reservoir.

Plumas National Forest decided in early January of this year to suspend reservations for the 2025 season at Red Feather, Running Deer, and Little Beaver Campgrounds. This decision was made due to a number of issues, including but not limited to the water system challenges and hazard tree problems that pose a risk to public and employee safety. No final decisions have been made on closing these sites at this time. Other Little Grass Valley Reservoir campgrounds, Wyandotte and Horse Camp, can be reserved. Peninsula Tent and Black Rock Campgrounds are also available on a first come, first served basis. Additional information about other areas and campgrounds on the Plumas National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas. We apologize for the inconvenience, please check back at a later date for more information.

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.

Facilities

The campground offers dozens of single-family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. More than a handful of the sites overlook the beautiful lake, while others are surrounded by various trees and shrubbery. A boat ramp is available within the site. Campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Utility hookups are not available and all sites have paved parking spurs. Trash collection bins are available throughout the campground.

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

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.