Notice: "Plumas National Forest decided in early January of this year to suspend reservations for the 2025 season at Red Feather, Running Deer, and Little Beaver Campgrounds. This decision was made due to a number of issues, including but not limited to the water system challenges and hazard tree problems that pose a risk to public and employee safety. No final decisions have been made on closing these sites at this time. Other Little Grass Valley Reservoir campgrounds, Wyandotte and Horse Camp, can be reserved. Peninsula Tent and Black Rock Campgrounds are also available on a first come, first served basis." Running Deer is closed for the season.
Running Deer Campground is on the northeastern shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir in the Plumas National Forest. Visitors to the campground enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, and hiking.
Several mountain roads lead to the remote reservoir - (1) Highway 162 and Forbestown Road out of Oroville, (2) County Road 21 off Highway 20 near Marysville.
Running Deer Campground has 41 sites among pine and fir trees. Several campsites are described as waterfront. All the sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.
Notice: "RV campers may fill freshwater tanks at Tooms RV dump station only. There is no water available to fill tanks on the east side of Little Grass Valley Reservoir."
| Running Deer Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Running Deer Campground Location: | northeast shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, 68 miles northeast of Marysville |
| Elevation: | 5,100 feet |
| Mileage and driving time from gateway city: | Marysville - 68 miles, 1:47 Oroville - 54 miles, 1:44 (via Hwy 162 and Forbestown Rd.) |
| Number of Sites: | 41 |
| Camping Season: | Open late May through early September, weather permitting |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 (fee per night for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | on leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Plumas National Forest |
| Feather River Ranger District: | (530) 534-6500 |
| Reservations for Running Deer Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available: | Running Deer Campground reservations can be made whenever the campground is open. First-come, first-served is available for unreserved sites. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations can be made for camping dates up to 6 months in advance of arrival. |
| Maximum RV/trailer Length: | 40 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated, but restrooms are accessible |
| Favorite Campsites: | #13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 |
| Fees: | $23 per night
$25 for lakeside campsites |
| Reservations: | Running Deer Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Running Deer Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, food locker, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water not available at this time [2025] |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | Nearby |
| Area Map: | Little Grass Valley Reservoir Map |
| Attractions near Running Deer Campground: | Lakeshore Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Maidu Boat Launch Ramp, Blue Water Beach Day Use Area, boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming, swim beaches, horseback riding, mountain biking
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated August 2025 |
Running Deer Campground
Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a 1,600-acre lake set at 5,000 feet in the Plumas National Forest east of Oroville. Visitors to Running Deer Campground and the surrounding area have many opportunities for recreation.
Check for any campground updates:
Plumas National Forest - Running Deer Campground
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024