How much does camping cost at Running Deer Campground?

Camping fees at Running Deer Campground range from $23-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Running Deer Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Running Deer Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Running Deer Campground before I book?

Yes! Running Deer Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Running Deer Campground?

Running Deer Campground is open June 15 to September 06. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Running Deer Campground?

Running Deer Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Running Deer Campground have?

Running Deer Campground has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Running Deer Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Running Deer Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Running Deer Campground?

Running Deer Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Running Deer Campground?

Popular activities at Running Deer Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Running Deer Campground

3.78

30 reviews

OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$23 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Campground opens on ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Plumas National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$23 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Campground opens on ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Plumas National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Running Deer Campground

$23.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-$25: $25.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $23.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-534-6500

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD

Running Deer Campground

OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD

Nearby places

La Porte (2 miles)

Weather at Running Deer Campground

Best Time to Camp at Running Deer Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers full campground access (Running Deer is open June 15–September 6), reliably warm, sunny days and cool, clear nights—perfect for reservoir activities and trail exploration. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F and nighttime lows around 40–55 °F at 5,000 ft, which makes swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and mountain biking all at their peak. Plan for moderate to heavy use on holiday weekends and book sites/boat ramp launch times in advance; midweek stays are a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 15–Sept 6; peak season with boat access, swimming, fishing and busy weekends.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground opens on June 15th and closes on September 6th.

About Running Deer Campground

Running Deer Campground sits in Plumas National Forest near La Porte, offering mid-elevation forest camping with direct access to a reservoir. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground draws families and anglers who come for lake activities and trail access. Facilities include flush and vault toilets, potable water, and standard fire rings and picnic tables.

Running Deer Campground offers standard nonelectric sites suitable for tent and RV camping. Group camping and cabin lodging are available in nearby areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full campground access (Running Deer is open June 15–September 6), reliably warm, sunny days and cool, clear nights—perfect for reservoir activities and trail exploration. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s °F and nighttime lows around 40–55 °F at 5,000 ft, which makes swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and mountain biking all at their peak. Plan for moderate to heavy use on holiday weekends and book sites/boat ramp launch times in advance; midweek stays are a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLittle Grass Valley Reservoir dominates the view, its water reflecting the surrounding forested ridges. Pine and fir forests blanket the hillsides and shade most campsites. Some sites sit close enough to the lake for direct water access, while others are tucked into the trees farther back from the shoreline. The elevation keeps things cooler than the Central Valley floor and supports dense Sierra Nevada vegetation. Granite outcrops appear along some trails, and the reservoir itself stretches wide enough that you can't see every corner from the campground.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available within the campground. However, cabins are located on the south side of Little Grass Valley Reservoir.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for Running Deer Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov through the website, contact center, or app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in source materials.

Site SizeSites accommodate tents and RVs and generally have paved parking spurs.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site, with some situated near the lake offering scenic views and others surrounded by trees and shrubbery.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesFor views, opt for campsites near the reservoir. Those with concerns about bear activity may prefer sites equipped with bear lockers.

Best CampsitesCampsite 20 gets mentioned in reviews for its water proximity and views. Sites closer to the lake offer better access for launching kayaks or fishing from shore, though they also see more foot traffic. Tree-sheltered sites farther from the water provide more privacy and shade.

Need help booking Running Deer Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Running Deer Campground is located in the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains, adjacent to Little Grass Valley Reservoir. It features dozens of single-family campsites suitable for tent and RV camping, with some sites overlooking the lake and others nestled among pine and fir trees. Amenities include paved parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, flush toilets, drinking water (seasonal), and trash collection bins. A boat ramp within the campground offers convenient lake access. Reviewers consistently note the lack of showers, and occasional closures of water facilities and restrooms. Food storage lockers are limited, and bear encounters are frequently reported.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a wide range of activities including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and biking. The Little Grass Valley Reservoir offers opportunities for water sports, angling for trout and kokanee salmon, and access to the Lakeshore Trail, which loops 14.5 miles around the lake. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular on trails connecting to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

30 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Running Deer Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Running Deer Campground highlight its scenic beauty, proximity to Little Grass Valley Reservoir, and opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and swimming. Common issues include bear activity, inconsistent water availability, periodic restroom closures, and limited bear boxes.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the beautiful scenery, abundant recreational activities, clean facilities (when operational), and opportunities for family gatherings. The lake access and fishing are particularly...

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include bear activity, restroom closures, lack of onsite water, and limited food storage lockers. Some campsites reportedly have poorly maintained picnic tables.

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate mixed experiences; Campsite #16 receives praise for its location, while Campsite #22 has complaints about bear activity.

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers advise bringing extra water, securely storing food, and avoiding leaving ice chests outside due to bear activity. Reservations are recommended for peak season.

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular but marked by bear activity and occasional water shortages. Winter camping is centered around snowmobiling. Spring and fall attract fewer visitors but provide a quieter...

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Been here twice now and love it! There are no showers and food should be stored in coolers and bins IN THE CAR!" - Maria “Luisa” Puentes. "Bathrooms have flush toilets and kept clean. No host in...

Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not reviewed in depth, but user feedback does not highlight specific accessibility issues.

Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and there are no significant issues reported by pet owners beyond securing food due to bear activity.

Based on 30 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want affordable lakeside camping with trail access and don't mind basic Forest Service facilities.

Skip if

You need bear boxes at every site or expect consistently maintained amenities throughout the season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

3.8

(97)

Red Feather California

875 Mitchell Ave, Oroville, CA, 95965, USA

Red Feather California sits on the shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir in Plumas National Forest, a mid-elevation campground operated by the Forest Service and open during peak summer months. The campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, plus access to a 13.5-mile lakeshore trail and paved bike path. Campers come for boating, swimming, shoreline fishing, and hiking alpine meadows, with bear-resistant lockers provided for food storage.