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.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
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. The maximum time is 14 days in a developed campground, 14 days dispersed camping per Ranger District per year, not exceeding 30 days camping per year on the Plumas…
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!