Running Deer Campground

OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD
La Porte, CA

Notice

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 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 .

Dec 17, 2025 – Dec 18, 2026

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

Camp site features

Across 41 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 41 sites
Picnic table: 21 of 41 sites
Pets allowed: all 41 sites
Longest RV: 33 ft
Largest party: 6 people
Equipment: Boat, CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 14.1 mi · Pioneer RV Park

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

17 reviews

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1 stars

Leslie U