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Moderate to BookNational Forest

Running Deer Campground

Plumas National Forest, California

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As of October 2026, Running Deer Campground is a campground in Plumas National Forest, California with 38 campsites. Running Deer Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Running Deer Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Running Deer Campground is located at 39.7353° N, 120.9531° W.

people allowed on each site: 6

Running Deer Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Running Deer Campground

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Standard 38

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Running Deer Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the AREA RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps
01	Standard	6
02	Standard	6
03	Standard	6
04	Standard	6
05	Standard	6
06	Standard	6
07	Standard	6
08	Standard	6
09	Standard	6
10	Standard	6
11	Standard	6
12	Standard	6
13	Standard	6
14	Standard	6
15	Standard	6
16	Standard	6
17	Standard	6
18	Standard	6
19	Standard	6

Site	Type	Sleeps
20	Standard	6
21	Standard	6
22	Standard	6
23	Standard	6
24	Standard	6
25	Standard	6
26	Standard	6
27	Standard	6
28	Standard	6
29	Standard	6
30	Standard	6
31	Standard	6
32	Standard	6
33	Standard	6
34	Standard	6
35	Standard	6
37	Standard	6
38	Standard	6
41	Standard	6

About Running Deer Campground

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

Rules and notices at Running Deer Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Running Deer Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Bears may frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage

For more information on the Plumas National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas

Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Running Deer Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Running Deer Campground?

Running Deer Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 38 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Running Deer Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Running Deer Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Running Deer Campground have?

Running Deer Campground has 38 campsites.