How much does camping cost at Panther Meadows Campground?

Camping fees at Panther Meadows Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Panther Meadows Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Panther Meadows Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up, first-come first-serve with no reservations accepted.

What is the best time to visit Panther Meadows Campground?

Panther Meadows Campground is open Peak season is likely between July and late October, depending on snowpack.. 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 Meadows Campground?

Panther Meadows Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Panther Meadows Campground?

Fire policies at Panther Meadows Campground: Campfires are permitted if fire conditions allow. Fire rings are provided at campsites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Panther Meadows Campground have?

Panther Meadows Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Panther Meadows Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Panther Meadows Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Panther Meadows Campground?

Panther Meadows Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Panther Meadows Campground?

Popular activities at Panther Meadows Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Panther Meadows Campground

4.30

58 reviews

Top 3% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Best Campgrounds California

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Usually opens around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Usually opens around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Panther Meadows Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at Panther Meadows Campground is free. There are no fees for campsites.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Panther Meadows Campground

41.3550, -122.2018

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.

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.

Weather at Panther Meadows Campground

Current alert: Panther Basin and Panther Meadows Restrictions

Best Time to Camp at Panther Meadows Campground

The campground typically opens around July 1st and closes November 1st, though snow determines the actual dates. Summer offers the most reliable access, with daytime temperatures between 50 and 70°F and nights dropping to 25–40°F. Trails are usually snow-free from early July through September. Even in summer, temperatures can fall below freezing after sunset. Spring and fall bring the possibility of sudden snowstorms.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Opens around July 1; summer offers most reliable access, warmest temps and peak season.

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.

About Panther Meadows Campground

Panther Meadows sits at 7,500 feet on Mt. Shasta's upper slopes, offering 15 walk-in tent sites among sub-alpine meadows. The campground is free and first-come, first-served, with a 3-day annual limit. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, but there's no potable water. Bring your own or plan to treat stream water. Vault toilets are the only facility.

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.

Historical Significance

Native American tribes, volunteers, and the Forest Service have collaborated on restoration projects here, working to heal the sub-alpine ecosystem through re-vegetation and erosion control. The meadows hold cultural significance for indigenous groups.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground typically opens around July 1st and closes November 1st, though snow determines the actual dates. Summer offers the most reliable access, with daytime temperatures between 50 and 70°F and nights dropping to 25–40°F. Trails are usually snow-free from early July through September. Even in summer, temperatures can fall below freezing after sunset. Spring and fall bring the possibility of sudden snowstorms.

ElevationAt 7,500 feet above sea level, Panther Meadows exists in that magical realm where forests surrender to sky. This lofty perch places campers in a high-altitude wonderland where the air is crisp and thin, offering a refreshing escape from the heat of the valleys below. The elevation creates its own microclimate, where afternoon clouds often gather to dance around the mountain's shoulders, and where every breath reminds visitors they've entered a world above the ordinary. Here, the effects of altitude are tangible – water boils at lower temperatures, exertion comes easier to the breathless, and the proximity to the heavens feels remarkably real.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a pocket of heather meadows just below timberline, with unobstructed views of Mt. Shasta's volcanic peak. Ancient lava flows have weathered into soil that supports wildflowers and alpine vegetation during the short growing season. The 7,500-foot elevation puts you close enough to see the mountain's geological structure while the meadows themselves create a contrast of delicate plants against raw volcanic rock. One reviewer called it "the most amazing campground in the world." At night, the clear sky and high elevation make for exceptional stargazing.

Geological RegionNestled just below Mt. Shasta's timberline at 7,500 feet, Panther Meadows occupies a unique geological position on one of the Cascade Range's most prominent volcanic peaks. This remarkable location places visitors at the intersection of volcanic forces and alpine ecology, where ancient lava flows have weathered into soil that now supports delicate sub-alpine heather meadows. The campground's position offers unobstructed views of the mountain's volcanic architecture while providing a front-row seat to observe how life adapts and thrives in this challenging high-altitude environment. Here, the raw geological power of Mt. Shasta meets the gentle persistence of alpine meadows, creating a landscape of stunning contrasts and natural harmony.

Scenic ViewsPanoramic views of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding alpine scenery. "Great for star gazing, clear sky at 7,500 feet."

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24/7

Check-out

Open 24/7

Stay Limit

3day limit per person per year

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutWalk-in sites, a short distance from the unpaved parking lot. The 15 sites are scattered enough that most campers find the spacing acceptable. Each site includes a table and fire ring.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted. Self-register on site.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up, first-come first-serve with no reservations accepted.

AccessibilityNo explicit information on accessibility features was provided.

Site SizeSites are described as being scattered and able to accommodate multiple small tents. One reviewer noted that site number 8 fit three single-person tents and had a level, soft sandy spot for pitching.

PrivacyThe sites at Panther Meadows Campground are described as fairly scattered, offering moderate privacy. One user commented, "I’m more of a primitive camper so was hesitant on how close people would be—not too bad.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers recommend staying at Site 8 for its level ground and proximity to the restroom. Arriving early is advised as all sites are first-come, first-serve.

Best CampsitesSite 8 gets mentioned for being level with soft sandy ground that fits three single-person tents. It's also close to the restroom. Sites are fairly scattered across the campground, offering moderate privacy.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted if fire conditions allow. Fire rings are provided at campsites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified. One user mentioned late-night drumming by other campers.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in the town of Mount Shasta, which is approximately 12 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingNo information was provided about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesA natural stream is located a short distance from the campground. 'Free Campsite!! Also has a beautiful running & drinkable MT. stream just a few min walk past camp too!'

Camp HostOne review mentions an attentive and friendly camp host. Another indicates inconsistency in enforcing the stay limit.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

58 reviews

Satisfactory

Panther Meadows Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

Based on 58 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers who pack all their water and want the mountain essentially at their doorstep. Site 8 is the practical pick for level ground near the vault toilet, and summer nights at this elevation make for some of the clearest stargazing in the Cascades.

Skip if

No potable water on-site and the vault toilets draw complaints about cleanliness. The 3-day-per-year stay limit also means this can't be a return trip this season, and first-come spots fill fast on summer weekends.

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