Running Deer Campground

For us Californians, there’s an undeniable charm to escaping to our state’s vast national forests, where towering trees meet clear lakes and the air is filled with the scent of pine. When you’re dreaming of a quintessential mountain camping experience, complete with access to a beautiful reservoir and abundant wildlife, Running Deer Campground in Strawberry Valley is a name that often comes to mind. Located within the scenic Plumas National Forest, this campground offers a beloved retreat for those of us seeking to unwind, explore, and truly connect with the natural world that makes California so special.

Running Deer Campground is situated adjacent to the picturesque Little Grass Valley Reservoir, a feature that immediately elevates its appeal. As one reviewer aptly put it, "campgrounds are clean and have easy access to the lake, it is a very beautiful area, deer walking throughout the campground was a plus." This highlights the key draw of Running Deer: its direct connection to water-based activities and the serene, wild atmosphere. Whether you’re into fishing, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the tranquil lakeside views, this campground serves as an excellent base. The namesake "deer walking throughout the campground" further emphasizes the immersive wildlife experience that many of us cherish when heading into the wilderness.

However, as with many of California's stunning natural areas, a visit here requires awareness and respect for its wild inhabitants. One crucial piece of advice from a past camper rings true: "There are bears and they know what a ice chest looks like. It's warm during the day, it's cool at night it is the perfect camping experience!" This candid insight about proper food storage in bear country (specifically, American black bears common in the Sierra Nevada) is vital for ensuring a safe and harmonious visit for both campers and wildlife. Being "bear aware" is a responsibility we Californians take seriously, ensuring our food is secured in vehicles or provided bear lockers to prevent unwanted encounters.

While some past experiences noted needs for improvement, such as "the bathrooms are getting run down, and no camp host?" and concerns about "campers were very load until 2 AM, campers where driving in the campground like it was a nascar track," these insights provide a realistic picture. It reminds us that even popular campgrounds can have their challenges, emphasizing the importance of respectful behavior from all visitors to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. Despite these points, the overall sentiment, captured by "Been here twice now and love it!" and "It is the perfect camping experience!", suggests that the stunning location and the inherent outdoor joy largely outweigh minor inconveniences for many.

Running Deer Campground is located at an Unnamed Road, Strawberry Valley, CA 95981, USA, within the Plumas National Forest. This strategic location places it on the eastern shore of the beautiful Little Grass Valley Reservoir in the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains, at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. For Californians, especially those from the Northern and Central parts of the state, access to Strawberry Valley typically involves driving on well-maintained state highways that lead into the forest.

While the address may seem generic, the campground is part of a developed recreation area within the national forest, meaning it's generally accessible by paved roads. Visitors usually approach via county roads or forest service roads that branch off main routes, leading directly to the campground. The roads within the campground itself are also paved, as noted by official sources, making it convenient for both tent campers and those bringing RVs or trailers.

The drive to Running Deer Campground offers scenic views of the Plumas National Forest, characterized by thick stands of pine and fir trees, rolling hills, and glimpses of the reservoir. While cell service is generally not available in the immediate campground area, this contributes to the desired disconnection from daily life, allowing for a more immersive outdoor experience.

The community of Strawberry Valley, while small, and nearby towns like La Porte offer some very basic services, but it's always advisable for campers to stock up on groceries, fuel, and any specialized supplies in larger towns before heading into the forest. This combination of straightforward road access and a truly natural setting makes Running Deer Campground a desirable destination for a wide range of California campers seeking a mountain-lake escape without venturing into extreme backcountry. It's a place where you can easily drive to your site and then immediately step into the tranquility of the forest and the refreshing waters of the lake.

• Tent Camping Sites: Provides numerous sites suitable for pitching tents.
• RV & Trailer Camping Sites: Accommodates recreational vehicles and trailers, with paved parking spurs at each site.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Grates: Equipped with a fire ring and grate for campfires and grilling (subject to local fire restrictions and burn bans, which are common in California).
• Flush Toilets: Offers developed restroom facilities with flush toilets for convenience.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable (drinking) water is available throughout the campground.
• Food Storage Lockers (Bear Boxes): Essential bear-resistant lockers are available at sites for safe food storage.
• Trash Collection: Designated trash collection points for waste disposal.
• Boat Launch/Ramp Nearby: Easy access to Little Grass Valley Reservoir for boating activities.
• Paved Roads: Roads within the campground are paved, enhancing accessibility and ease of navigation.

• Lakeside Access: Direct and easy access to Little Grass Valley Reservoir for swimming, boating, fishing (trout and kokanee salmon), and water sports.
• Wildlife Sightings: Frequent deer sightings within the campground, contributing to an immersive nature experience.
• Plumas National Forest Setting: Nestled within a beautiful national forest with dense pine and fir trees, offering shade and a classic Sierra Nevada ambiance.
• Bear Country Experience: Located in active bear territory, requiring and promoting responsible food storage and bear awareness for an authentic wilderness interaction.
• Extensive Trail System: Access to the 14.5-mile Lakeshore Trail for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with connections to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Developed amenities like flush toilets and picnic tables make it suitable for family camping.
• Beautiful Scenery: Offers picturesque views of the lake and surrounding forested mountains.
• Variety of Recreation: Abundance of activities including fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and nature viewing.
• Cool Mountain Evenings: "It's warm during the day, it's cool at night," creating comfortable conditions for sleeping.
• Campfires Allowed: Provides the quintessential camping experience with crackling campfires (when conditions permit).

Address: Unnamed Road, Strawberry Valley, CA 95981, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

For inquiries and reservations concerning Running Deer Campground, the provided phone numbers (877) 444-6777 and +1 877-444-6777 connect to the national reservation service for federal campgrounds. As Running Deer Campground is part of the Plumas National Forest, reservations are managed through Recreation.gov.

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during the peak summer season and on weekends, as this is a popular campground. The Recreation.gov website allows you to check site availability, view campsite details, and secure your booking.

While the provided phone numbers are for reservations, for specific, real-time information about current campground conditions, local fire restrictions, bear activity updates, or any immediate concerns, it is often best to contact the relevant Ranger District office of the Plumas National Forest. The Feather River Ranger District would typically oversee the Strawberry Valley area. Their contact information can be found on the official U.S. Forest Service website (FS.USDA.gov) under the Plumas National Forest section. This proactive approach ensures you have the most up-to-date information for a safe and enjoyable camping trip at Running Deer.

For us Californians, Running Deer Campground offers a truly appealing blend of natural beauty, accessible outdoor recreation, and the quintessential mountain camping experience. It’s perfectly suited for locals because it aligns with our deep appreciation for our state's diverse landscapes, providing a convenient and rewarding escape to the Plumas National Forest.

The prime location on Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a major draw. We Californians love our lakes, and the "easy access to the lake" for fishing, swimming, and boating makes Running Deer an ideal summer destination. The added bonus of "deer walking throughout the campground" creates that immersive wildlife encounter we cherish when we venture into our state's wild spaces. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories, and individuals can find peace amidst the towering pines.

While some reviews highlight areas for improvement like older facilities or occasional noise from other campers, these are often minor concerns when weighed against the overall experience. The consistent theme from visitors is a deep appreciation for the beautiful setting and the natural opportunities it affords. The direct feedback about "bears and they know what a ice chest looks like" is not a deterrent for us; rather, it’s a familiar reminder of the responsibility that comes with sharing space with wildlife in California's forests. We understand the importance of being "bear aware" and taking necessary precautions, as it's part of the authentic wilderness experience.

Running Deer Campground provides a well-rounded camping trip: accessible by paved roads, offering essential amenities like flush toilets and drinking water, yet still feeling like a true escape into nature. It’s a place where we can enjoy campfires, explore miles of trails, and simply soak in the cool mountain nights after warm days. For Californians seeking a memorable lakeside camping adventure in a beautiful forest setting, Running Deer Campground remains a highly recommended choice.

Running Deer Campground

Unnamed Road, Strawberry Valley, CA 95981, USA