RUNNING DEER CAMPGROUND
Plumas National Forest, CARunning Deer spreads across the eastern shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, putting campers steps from a 1,615-acre lake in the Northern Sierra. With 40 sites designed for equestrian use, it's the horse-friendly option among eight campgrounds circling this mountain lake at 5,060 feet.
Campground Details
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 40
- 💵Fee per Night
- $23
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,060 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.73528, -120.95306
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 530-534-6500
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground sits in thick stands of pine and fir, with some sites overlooking the lake and others tucked into forest cover. All 40 sites accommodate both tents and RVs on paved parking spurs, though you won't find utility hookups. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring with grill. The boat ramp gives direct water access.
Flush toilets and potable water keep things civilized, while trash collection handles the cleanup. The equestrian focus means this campground caters to visitors bringing horses, though it's open to all campers.
The Lake
Little Grass Valley Reservoir was created by flooding in the 1960s and now serves up fishing for trout and kokanee salmon. The lake handles boats, swimmers, and water skiers across its considerable acreage. A 14.5-mile Lakeshore Trail loops the entire perimeter, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
That lakeshore loop connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, opening up day hike options on sections of the 2,650-mile route between Canada and Mexico. The area transforms in winter, becoming a popular snowmobiling destination.
What to Know
Reservations are required for the $23 nightly fee. Running Deer is one of eight campgrounds around the lake, so if it's full, you have options — though this is the designated equestrian facility if you're traveling with horses.
Fowler Lake, a natural lily pond, sits 12 miles northeast at 5,446 feet for those seeking a smaller, quieter water experience away from the reservoir's activity.