Running Deer Campground
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
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.
Need to Know
- Bears may frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage
For more information on the Plumas National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
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.
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.
Changes & Cancellations
$23/site per night
Contact Information
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OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD La Porte CA
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 530-534-6500
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 36, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 24, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 35, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 27, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 02, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 25, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 07, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 32, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 31, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 29, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 41, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 04, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 30, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 40, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 37, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 39, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 23, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 33, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 38, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 34, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 26, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 28, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
