Panther Flat Campground

Star3.91
329 reviews
PO BOX 228
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

584 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open from May 19 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Six Rivers National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Panther Flat Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 to $30 per night depending on site type and season. Peak season rates apply from May to September.
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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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Provider
707-457-3131
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What Campers Say

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 329 reviews

181 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacioushiking

Some mention

noisecrowded

"Panther Flat Campground receives generally favorable reviews, with many praising its natural beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to the Smith River. However, there are recurring issues with noise, overcrowding, and occasional staff unresponsiveness."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 228

Panther Flat Campground

PO BOX 228

Driving directionsFrom Highway 101 north of Crescent City, California, take highway 199 east for 16 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Highway 199 (paved), which offers year-round access. Seasonal maintenance work can occasionally block road access, as noted in user reviews.
Nearby places
Gasquet (2 miles, 5 min drive)
Crescent City (16 miles, 20 min drive)
Eureka (approx. 70 miles, 90 min drive)
Medford, Oregon (approx. 60 miles, 75 min drive).
Nearby supplies
Gasquet has a small grocery store offering canned and dry goods but no produce. Crescent City (16 miles away) offers major retailers, fuel stations, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Panther Flat Campground

The campground's microclimate creates a refreshing retreat where morning mist dances through the trees and afternoon sunshine filters through the forest canopy. While the region's signature cool, humid conditions bring occasional rain showers that nourish the lush landscape, summer emerges as the perfect season for camping adventures. During these golden months, clear skies prevail, temperatures remain comfortable, and the weather sets an ideal stage for riverside relaxation and forest exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season offers best swimming/rafting but suffers from overcrowding and noise.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Offseason reviews note a quieter, more peaceful experience and pleasant microclimate.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers misty mornings, wild huckleberry season, and fewer crowds than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Campground open year-round first-come; cooler, humid weather and quieter but few winter activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 19 - September 8 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 19 to September 8 annually for reservations; first-come, first-served season runs September 9 through May 18.
  • Current Alerts: Wildfire-related closures and road maintenance interruptions are possible.

About Panther Flat Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Six Rivers National Forest, Panther Flat Campground invites you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature along the pristine Smith River. This hidden gem combines the comforts of modern amenities—including flush toilets and refreshing coin-operated showers—with the raw beauty of ancient forest surroundings. Each campsite is thoughtfully nestled beneath a canopy of towering trees, offering cool shade and the gentle sounds of the nearby river.
Panther Flat Campground accommodates tent and RV camping, offering options for single-family and double sites. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others are reservable.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in available at any time, but recommended during daylight hours.
Check-out
Sites must be vacated by noon on departure day.
Stay Limit
Stay limit of 14 consecutive nights enforced year-round.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Panther Flat Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its proximity to the Smith River and the surrounding forest. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, sunbathing, rafting, and hiking. The campground also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like Redwood National Park.
HikingNo trailheads are located within the campground, but hiking opportunities are abundant nearby. Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome, and French Hill trailheads are within 10 miles. A botanical trail leading to a Darlingtonia bog is just one mile away.
FishingFishing in the Smith River is a highlight, with opportunities to catch salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. User reviews frequently praise the quality of fishing.
SwimmingThe Smith River provides swimming opportunities, though some users mentioned that the available 'pool' and small sandy beach can get crowded. Snakes were reported in the water by some visitors.
BikingBiking is listed among the activities, though no specific trails or paths at the campground are detailed.
BoatingRafting is popular on the Smith River, which features up to Class 5 rapids. No specific details about boat rentals or docking facilities were provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are available, though no specific species were highlighted in the materials provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as snakes have been noted near the river. Seasonal wildfires and theft have also been reported.
Active AlertsWildfire-related closures and road maintenance interruptions are possible.

Weather at Panther Flat Campground

Reviews

3.9
329 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Panther Flat Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Panther Flat Campground receives generally favorable reviews, with many praising its natural beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to the Smith River. However, there are recurring issues with noise, overcrowding, and occasional staff unresponsiveness.
Review Summaries
Based on 329 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the campground’s cleanliness, spacious sites, helpful staff, and proximity to the river. Many describe the setting as peaceful and beautiful, with excellent access to...
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Based on 329 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from generators and neighbors, overcrowding at the river and beach areas, and occasional issues with campsite reservations being incorrectly handled. Some also noted...
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Based on 329 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for the showers, and consider visiting in the offseason to avoid crowds. Sites near the entrance offer easier access to the river. Avoid sites close to Highway 199 if noise is a...
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Based on 329 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention overcrowding and noise, while offseason reviews describe a quieter experience. Some users noted increased cleanliness challenges during busier periods.
Based on 329 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Showers are $0.50 for 3-4 minutes of hot water." "The Smith River access is fantastic, but the small beach gets crowded." "Great campground for families, but noise levels can be high."
Based on 329 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 016 is noted for its spaciousness and proximity to the river trail, though it lacks privacy. Site 023 received mixed reviews due to its location near noisy neighbors. Site 032 is described as...
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Based on 329 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users noted that while facilities are accessible, the steep trail to the river may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 329 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews focused on pet-related experiences.
Based on 329 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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