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Running Deer Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — La Porte · California · Plumas National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Plumas National Forest |
| Location | La Porte · California · Plumas National Forest · 39.73528, -120.95306 · Map |
| Sites | 41 public sites counted from the federal listing — 41 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 41 sites Water hookups at 0 of 41 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 41 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 41 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 33 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 1 sites · 30 ft: 1 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 41 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Drinking waterLake access |
| Phone | 530-534-6500 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
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
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Oroville CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceRed Feather California
0 mi straight-line · Oroville CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceLittle Beaver A Campground
2 mi straight-line · Oroville CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceWyandotte A Campground
2 mi straight-line · LaPorte CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceDeanes Valley Family Cg (CA) Plumas Nf
11 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Running Deer Campground
La Porte · California · Plumas National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | La Porte · California · Plumas National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 33 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 41 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233728 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.