Running Deer Campground

Strawberry Valley, CA

4.6(15 reviews)

Start of the 360 degree virtual tour of Running Deer Campground

About this campground

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. 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.

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.

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.

What campers say

Running Deer Campground sits in a scenic area with easy access to a nearby lake, frequent deer sightings, and pleasant warm days and cool nights. Campsites are a mix of reservable and first-come spots; restrooms generally have flush toilets but some visitors noted aging facilities and worn fire pits. There are no showers and water availability can be intermittent, so bring extra water. Bears are active - store food securely and use available bear boxes where present. The setting is rewarding for campers seeking a rustic experience, though occasional late-night noise and driving within the loop have been reported.

Our summary of 15 traveler reviews.