How much does camping cost at Panther Bay Park?

Camping fees at Panther Bay Park range from $22-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Panther Bay Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Panther Bay Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Panther Bay Park?

Panther Bay Park is open May 01 to September 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Panther Bay Park?

Yes, Panther Bay Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Panther Bay Park?

Fire policies at Panther Bay Park: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Panther Bay Park have?

Panther Bay Park has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Panther Bay Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Panther Bay Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Panther Bay Park?

Panther Bay Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Panther Bay Park?

Popular activities at Panther Bay Park include Hiking, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Panther Bay Park

3.71

26 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Arkansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$22 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$22 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Panther Bay Park

$22.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

30 AMP w/ Water: $24.00; 30 AMP w/o Water: $22.00; Group Shelter Electric: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(870) 425-2700

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Campground Map

Panther Bay Park

36.3705, -92.2506

Nearby places

Mountain Home, AR - approximately 10 miles (travel time not specified)

Weather at Panther Bay Park

Current alerts(4)

No firearms allowed
No livestock at this facility
Off-road vehicles are not permitted
STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood.

Best Time to Camp at Panther Bay Park

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak scenery, and lower crowds — daytime temps typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the 35–50°F range. Water clarity improves and fishing often picks up as fish feed more actively in cooler water, while hiking and wildlife viewing are excellent with vivid oak and hickory color. Boating is pleasant with calmer winds and fewer weekend traffic jams than summer, but check marina/service hours because some reduce/ Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as best: cooler temps, improved water clarity, better fishing and fewer complaints.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts May 1, 2025, reservable from June 21, 2025, until September 29, 2025.

About Panther Bay Park

Panther Bay Park sits on Norfork Lake in northern Arkansas, operated as a small seasonal campground with tent, RV, and group sites. Campers enjoy shaded sites near the water with electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers. Fall brings vivid oak and hickory color, cooler water that improves fishing, and comfortable temperatures for hiking the surrounding trails.

Panther Bay Park accommodates various camping styles with 15 campsites featuring electric and water hookups. Specific group and primitive camping details are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, peak scenery, and lower crowds — daytime temps typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the 35–50°F range. Water clarity improves and fishing often picks up as fish feed more actively in cooler water, while hiking and wildlife viewing are excellent with vivid oak and hickory color. Boating is pleasant with calmer winds and fewer weekend traffic jams than summer, but check marina/service hours because some reduce/ Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation653 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a spot where the North Fork River meets Norfork Lake, surrounded by limestone bluffs and dense Ozark hardwoods. The lake stretches across 22,000 acres with 550 miles of shoreline winding between wooded peninsulas and coves. Ancient sandstone formations break through the forest canopy, and the elevation sits at 653 feet. White-tailed deer browse the understory, and bass hold in the lake's hidden pockets.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging options available at Panther Bay Park.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group Shelter Electric is available for $50 per night, but no additional details about capacity or facilities are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via app, or by contacting the service center.

AccessibilityAccessibility appears to be limited due to frequent flooding of connecting roads and small accessible areas. One user noted difficulty turning around with a trailer due to road flooding.

Site SizeSites are described as being smaller than advertised and tight for larger vehicles. A user with a 24-ft trailer noted challenges with site length.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not specifically detailed in reviews or authoritative sources.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #11 is recommended for RVs due to its larger size. Tent campers may prefer sites offering elevated views of the Ozarks.

Best CampsitesSite #11 gets consistent mentions for its size and easier access compared to other spots in the loop.

Need help booking Panther Bay Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Panther Bay Park offers 15 campsites equipped with electric hookups and access to water for filling holding tanks. Additional nearby amenities include the Panther Bay Marina and multiple boat ramps, providing easy access to Norfork Lake's recreational activities. "The water smelled like sewer," according to a user review, raising concerns about water quality. Showers and flush toilets are available, but user reviews report "stinky bathrooms" and "wet floors," which made the facilities slippery and hard to use.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Panther Bay Park offers recreational activities such as hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks, fishing opportunities with a variety of freshwater game fish in Norfork Lake, and swimming areas nearby. However, accessibility to some facilities like the marina and boat ramps may be impacted by road closures.

Hiking

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.7

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Panther Bay Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Panther Bay Park are highly polarized. Positive feedback highlights quiet and peaceful surroundings, cleanliness, and a friendly camp host. Negative reviews criticize poor water quality, inadequate maintenance of facilities, and road closures causing access challenges.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include a peaceful atmosphere, large and shady campsites, friendly park hosts, and relatively easy access to the park from the main road (for some users).

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include bad water quality ("The water smelled like sewer"), road closures causing significant access issues, poorly maintained bathrooms ("stinky bathrooms" with wet floors), and...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews reveal mixed experiences: Site #17 had issues with sewer-like water smell but was described as peaceful by another user; Site #10 had water hookup difficulties; Site #11 was...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Suggestions from users include being prepared for potential road detours, carrying extra hose for water hookups, and renting a marina slip if boating. Tent campers may find the park more suitable due...

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention overcrowded conditions and road closures. Fall sees fewer complaints, with some positive mentions of the peaceful environment and friendly hosts.

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The water smelled like sewer," "The camp host seemed to be great," "This campground needs work badly," "It was a very peaceful campground for an overnight stay," "We had a relaxing time. No one...

Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Frequent flooding and closed roads limit accessibility. Trailers face challenges turning around in the flooded areas, and detours make access difficult.

Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews addressing pet-related amenities.

Based on 26 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

324 W 7th Street, Mountain Home, AR, 72653, USA

Henderson Park sits on the shores of Norfork Lake near Mountain Home, Arkansas, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, attracting anglers and boaters who want direct lake access. Reviewers praise the spacious sites, lake views, and peaceful atmosphere, though the campground lacks shower facilities and waterfront sites tend to have less shade.