Running Deer Campground
Closed — Closed for the entire 2026 season due to maintenance and upgrades to the water system that supplies drinking water and flush toilets. Other campgrounds at Little Grass Valley Reservoir remain open.
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
A Forest Closure Order with the limits for amount of time and number of people allowed when camping on the Plumas National Forest.
From Recreation.gov
Reservations are suspended for this campground for the 2026 season due to maintenance and needed upgrades to the water system that supplies drinking water and water for flush toilets. However, reservations are available on [Recreation.gov][1] for other campgrounds at Little Grass Valley Reservoir including Red Feather, Wyandotte, & Horse Camp Campgrounds. Thank you for your understanding. For additional information on campgrounds on the Plumas National Forest please go to [https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/plumas][2][.][3] [1]: http://Recreation.gov [2]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/plumas [3]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/plumas.
About
Running Deer Campground is located on the eastern shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir in the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains at approximately 5,000 feet elevation. The campground features 40 single-family sites, with six prime locations directly overlooking the lake. Surrounded by thick stands of pine and fir trees, the campground provides access to a 1,615-acre reservoir formed by flooding in the 1960s. The reservoir offers excellent opportunities for fishing (trout and kokanee salmon), swimming, water skiing, and boating, with a boat ramp available within the campground. The 14.5-mile Lakeshore Trail loops around the lake and is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This trail connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, providing access to longer wilderness treks. Fowler Lake, a small natural lily pond, lies about 12 miles northeast at 5,446 feet elevation. Running Deer is one of eight campgrounds around Little Grass Valley Reservoir. The area is popular for winter snowmobiling. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage is required. The campground operates seasonally and typically offers reservations through Recreation.gov.
Directions
From Oroville, 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $23 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 534-6500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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