USDA Forest Service · California
Running Deer Campground
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 41
- Hookups
- 41 with water, 41 no hookups
- Season
- June 15 to September 6
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 5,223 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T good · T-Mobile none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- BLACK ROCK CREEK (NFSR 22N57) · bituminous surface treatment · moderate degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Plumas National Forest
- Nearest town
- La Porte
- Address
- OLD LITTLE GRASS VALLEY ROAD, La Porte, CA
- Phone
- 530-534-6500
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Swimming
41 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
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
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41° | 28° | 13° | 57° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 42° | 27° | 9° | 60° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 42° | 28° | 14° | 75° | 10 of 11 |
| April | 50° | 30° | 13° | 67° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 64° | 40° | 25° | 78° | 3 of 11 |
| June | 74° | 47° | 33° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 85° | 55° | 45° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 84° | 56° | 49° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 76° | 49° | 39° | 85° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 66° | 40° | 29° | 79° | 4 of 10 |
| November | 51° | 33° | 18° | 68° | 8 of 10 |
| December | 42° | 27° | 11° | 60° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Red Feather Campground · USDA Forest Service · 0 mi
- Little Beaver Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Horse Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 10 sites
- Red Feather California · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 59 sites
- Little Beaver a Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 119 sites
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.