Panther Meadows Campground

Star4.42
58 reviews

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Usually opens around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Shasta-Trinity National Forest site

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Panther Meadows Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping at Panther Meadows Campground is free. There are no fees for campsites.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 58 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshiking

"User reviews for Panther Meadows Campground highlight its scenic beauty, close proximity to trails, and peaceful, primitive experience. The lack of basic amenities, such as potable water and modern restrooms, is noted, as are the stunning opportunities for stargazing."

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Campground Map

Panther Meadows Campground

41.3550, -122.2018

Driving directionsFrom the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station, head east on Alma Street (towards the mountain). Cross the railroad tracks and turn right at the signal onto Mt. Shasta Blvd. Continue two blocks to the next signal at Lake Street and turn left. Stay on Lake Street. You will climb a hill and veer to the left. You are now on Everitt Memorial Highway. Stay on this road through the four way stop, past the school (on the right) and over the railroad tracks. You will leave town and begin driving up the mountain. In 12 miles, you will arrive at Bunny Flat Trailhead. Continue another 1.7 miles past Bunny Flat and you will see a sign on your right for Panther Meadows Campground. Turn right into the unpaved parking lot. The campsites are a short walk from the parking area.
The campground is accessible via Everitt Memorial Highway, which is a paved road. The final access to the unpaved parking lot may require caution but is not described as particularly difficult. Accessible seasonally due to snowpack.
Nearby places
Mount Shasta (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in the town of Mount Shasta, approximately 12 miles away, where you can find groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Panther Meadows Campground

Summer arrives late at Panther Meadows, with the campground typically opening its gates around July 1st as winter's grip finally loosens on the high country. The season extends through November 1st, though Mother Nature ultimately decides when snow will reclaim these heights. Even in the heart of summer, temperatures can plummet below freezing after sunset, transforming warm afternoons into crisp, star-filled nights that demand proper cold-weather gear. Spring and fall visitors should prepare for sudden snowstorms that can dust the meadows in white, creating an ever-changing alpine landscape that shifts between seasons in a matter of hours.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (July–Sept): clear skies, wildflowers and trail access; busiest time for visitors.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into Nov; quieter in October and still scenic—good shoulder season for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens around July 1; spring is generally snowbound and the campground is closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Typically closed in winter due to snow; winter camping not possible at the site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season is likely between July and late October, depending on snowpack.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Usually opens around July 1st and closes November 1st, depending on snowpack.
  • Current Alerts: None reported. The campground was temporarily closed for certain periods but is currently open.

About Panther Meadows Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 7,500 feet on the majestic slopes of Mt. Shasta, Panther Meadows Campground offers adventurers a rare opportunity to camp near the timberline in California's most iconic volcanic peak. This remote walk-in sanctuary features 15 intimate sites, each equipped with tables and fire rings, where campers can experience the raw beauty of the high country. With only a vault toilet and no water facilities, visitors must come prepared with their own water supply or purification equipment for the nearby mountain streams. This free, first-come-first-served haven operates on a unique 3-day annual limit, ensuring that its pristine sub-alpine meadows remain unspoiled for all who make the journey to this extraordinary elevation.
Panther Meadows Campground provides only primitive camping options. It is a walk-in campground offering space for tents. There are no RV hookups, group sites, or cabin options available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24/7
Check-out
Open 24/7
Stay Limit
3day limit per person per year

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Panther Meadows Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying scenic views of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding area. The open vistas make it ideal for stargazing.
HikingThe campground offers easy access to day hikes, including trails through the sub-alpine meadows and nearby areas. One reviewer mentioned, "Easy access to hikes." Another review highlighted the trail entrance at the campground and suggested staying more than two nights to explore all the trails.
Wildlife viewingThe sub-alpine environment offers opportunities to view birds, squirrels, and other local wildlife. One user mentioned seeing squirrels and birds during their stay.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsEcologically sensitive area with fragile sub-alpine meadows. High-altitude camping can lead to cold temperatures and requires preparation. Wildlife may be present but no bear encounters are reported.
Active AlertsNone reported. The campground was temporarily closed for certain periods but is currently open.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Panther Meadows Campground

Reviews

4.4
58 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Panther Meadows Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Panther Meadows Campground highlight its scenic beauty, close proximity to trails, and peaceful, primitive experience. The lack of basic amenities, such as potable water and modern restrooms, is noted, as are the stunning opportunities for stargazing.
Review Summaries
Based on 58 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the free camping, the scenic views, and the proximity to hiking trails. One user described it as "the most amazing campground in the world," while another praised the "clear sky at...
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Based on 58 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the cleanliness of the restrooms, and occasional noise from other campers. One reviewer mentioned encountering "pseudo hippies" asking for...
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Based on 58 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water or a water purification system, as there is no potable water on-site. Arrive early to secure a spot since all sites are first-come, first-served. Call the ranger station for...
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Based on 58 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during the high season (July–September). During the off-season (October), users found it easier to secure a spot. Winter camping is not possible as the...
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Based on 58 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Gotta say, the toilet here has the best smell I've ever experienced at campgrounds, no odor at all!" "No issues with our tent on this day either. Would have loved to stay longer." "My goodness the...
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Based on 58 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8 was noted for its proximity to the restroom and its suitability for multiple small tents. Other sites were described as scattered, with moderate privacy.
Based on 58 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with accessibility needs were provided.
Based on 58 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences with pets were provided.
Based on 58 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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