Running Deer Campground

Star4.08
30 reviews
OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD
Summer Destination

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

Opens Plumas National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Running Deer Campground
$23.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates range from $23.00 to $25.00 per night during peak season. Additional reservation and service fees may apply depending on the booking...
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Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-534-6500
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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 30 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanlake

"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."

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Campground Map

OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD

Running Deer Campground

OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, although the journey involves highways and local roads with various turns (Highway 162, Olive Highway, Forbestown Road, and La Porte Road). Seasonal conditions or navigation challenges are not explicitly mentioned in the data.
Nearby places
La Porte (2 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are unknown based on the source material.

Best Time to Camp at Running Deer Campground

The mountain climate at Running Deer creates perfect conditions for outdoor adventures, with sun-warmed days that invite exploration and crisp, star-filled nights ideal for campfire gatherings. During peak season, visitors enjoy reliably clear skies and comfortable temperatures that make every activity more enjoyable. Morning breezes often sweep across the reservoir, bringing fresh mountain air and creating gentle ripples on the water's surface – a natural alarm clock that signals the start of another perfect day in the Sierra.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: many activities (boating, fishing, hiking); popular but marked by bears and occasional water shortages.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground officially closed after Sept 6; fall season largely not available on-site.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens June 15; spring (pre-opening) not applicable for on-site camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; winter activities occur in the region but site is not open.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15, 2025 - September 06, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground opens on June 15th and closes on September 6th.
  • Current Alerts: There have been reports of water shut-offs during certain seasons, as noted in user reviews. Bears are also actively present, requiring vigilance from campers.

About Running Deer Campground

Perched on the eastern shores of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Running Deer Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover a mountain paradise in the heart of the Northern Sierra Nevada. Here, days unfold with endless possibilities – cast your line into pristine waters teeming with fish, carve through glassy reservoir surfaces on water skis, or explore winding trails that lead through towering forests on foot, mountain bike, or horseback. Whether you're seeking aquatic adventures or terrestrial exploration, this scenic campground serves as your gateway to unforgettable Sierra experiences.
Running Deer Campground offers standard nonelectric sites suitable for tent and RV camping. Group camping and cabin lodging are available in nearby areas.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
14:00
Check-out
12:00
Stay Limit
14 nights

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking opportunities abound, particularly along the Lakeshore Trail, which circles the 14.5-mile perimeter of Little Grass Valley Reservoir and connects to the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Day hikes on portions of the trails are popular among visitors.
FishingFishing at the 1,615-acre Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a highlight of the campground experience, with an abundance of trout and kokanee salmon.
SwimmingSwimming is available at designated lake access points. However, user reviews mention that water levels can vary significantly, potentially affecting swimming conditions.
BikingMountain biking trails, including the 14.5-mile Lakeshore Trail, cater to riders of various skill levels. Some trails also accommodate horseback riding.
BoatingA boat ramp within the campground offers convenient access to Little Grass Valley Reservoir for boating, including water skiing. Various types of boats are permissible.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common, including sightings of bears. Campers should secure food and garbage in appropriate containers to minimize bear encounters.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a serious concern, as multiple reviews note encounters with bears raiding campsites, dumpsters, and food storage. The bears are described as bold and unconcerned about human presence, posing risks to campers.
Active AlertsThere have been reports of water shut-offs during certain seasons, as noted in user reviews. Bears are also actively present, requiring vigilance from campers.

Weather at Running Deer Campground

Reviews

4.1
30 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Running Deer Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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