Running Deer Campground
Campground · California · 41 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
- 41
- Bookable sites
- 33 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 6
- People per site
- 5,485 ft
- Elevation
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 nightThe facts
- 41 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 33 ft
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND
Site types
- 41 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.
41 campsites at Running Deer Campground
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 02 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 03 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 04 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 05 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Severe | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 06 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 07 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 08 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 09 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 10 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 11 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Severe | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 12 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 13 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 14 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 15 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Severe | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 16 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | Lakefront | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 17 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 18 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | Lakefront | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 19 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 20 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | Lakefront | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 21 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | Lakefront | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 22 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Slight | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 23 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | Lakefront | 33 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 24 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 25 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | Lakefront | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 26 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 27 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 28 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 29 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 30 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 31 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 32 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Severe | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 33 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 34 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 35 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 36 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Moderate | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 37 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | Moderate | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 38 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 39 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 40 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Severe | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
| 41 | AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND | Standard Nonelectric | — | Paved | Slight | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
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.
39.73528, -120.95306 · 39°44'7.0"N 120°57'11.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 89°F in Jul, down to 46°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 48 | 52 | 58 | 63 | 72 | 81 | 89 | 89 | 83 | 72 | 56 | 46 |
| Low °F | 30 | 31 | 33 | 36 | 42 | 46 | 51 | 50 | 46 | 39 | 33 | 29 |
| Precip in | 11.3 | 10.7 | 10.0 | 5.3 | 3.6 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 3.3 | 6.8 | 11.8 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 13.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Member photos
Common questions about Running Deer Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Running Deer Campground?
- Yes, Running Deer Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Running Deer Campground have?
- 41 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Running Deer Campground?
- 33 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Running Deer Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Running Deer Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at Running Deer Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Running Deer Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Running Deer Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Running Deer Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- $23 per site $25 per Prime Lakeside site
Restrictions:
- • 14 day limit • 6 people per campsite and • 2 vehicles per campsite • 14 day camping limit, • OHV riding is not allowed in the campground, • Bear Awareness
Camping near Running Deer Campground
- Red Feather California less than 0.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Horse Campground less than 0.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Little Beaver a Campground 1.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Wyandotte a Campground 1.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Little Beaver Campground 1.1 mi · Campground
- Peninsula Tent Campground 1.7 mi · Campground
- Little Grass Valley Recreation Area 1.9 mi · Campground
- Tooms RV Campground 2.2 mi · Campground
- Black Rock Walk-in Tent Campground 3 mi · Campground
- Cleghorn Bar 6.7 mi · Campground
- Deanes Valley Campground 10.6 mi · Campground
- Ross Campground 10.8 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 530-534-6500
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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