How much does camping cost at Panther Flat Campground?

Camping fees at Panther Flat Campground range from $15-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Panther Flat Campground 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Panther Flat Campground before I book?

Yes! Panther Flat Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Panther Flat Campground?

Panther Flat Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Flat Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Panther Flat Campground?

Fire policies at Panther Flat Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Panther Flat Campground have?

Panther Flat Campground has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Panther Flat Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Panther Flat 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 Flat Campground?

Panther Flat Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Panther Flat Campground?

Popular activities at Panther Flat Campground include Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Panther Flat Campground

3.89

329 reviews

PO BOX 228

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Six Rivers National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Six Rivers National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Panther Flat Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-15578: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

707-457-3131

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 228

Panther Flat Campground

PO BOX 228

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).

Weather at Panther Flat Campground

Current alerts(3)

Additional fees will be collected at the campground for more than one vehicle. A limit of one extra vehicle is allowed.
Click here to learn more about the Six Rivers National Forest
There are no electricity, water or sewer hookups at the campground

Best Time to Camp at Panther Flat Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild weather, thinner crowds, and colorful forest scenery — expect crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons in the 50s–70s°F range. Trails are usually dry and ideal for hiking and biking, fishing picks up as river levels moderate, and the madrone and riparian maples show seasonal color. Because summer reservations end in early September, you’ll often find quieter campsites and a more peaceful Smith River experience in October. Peak months: October, September, May, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as the best window: crisp weather, dry trails and improved fishing conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. 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.

About Panther Flat Campground

Panther Flat Campground sits along the Smith River in Six Rivers National Forest, near Gasquet in far northern California. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, and direct river access for swimming and fishing. The setting is peaceful during fall when crowds thin and maples show seasonal color, though Highway 199 runs nearby.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild weather, thinner crowds, and colorful forest scenery — expect crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons in the 50s–70s°F range. Trails are usually dry and ideal for hiking and biking, fishing picks up as river levels moderate, and the madrone and riparian maples show seasonal color. Because summer reservations end in early September, you’ll often find quieter campsites and a more peaceful Smith River experience in October. Peak months: October, September, May, June

Elevation584 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Smith River. California's last major undammed river. Runs alongside the campground, carving through ancient bedrock and creating both calm swimming holes and Class 5 whitewater rapids downstream. Mature Douglas firs and cedars form the canopy, with Pacific madrone's distinctive red bark adding color among the understory huckleberry shrubs. The forest floor stays cool and shaded most of the day. The river is the main draw: crystal-clear water over smooth stones, accessible via a short walk from most sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground; only campsites are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit of 14 consecutive nights enforced year-round.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site
no explicit maximum stated.

Groups

No group camping details provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov and its mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and showers are available. Some users mentioned that the terrain might be challenging for individuals with mobility issues, particularly the steep trail to the river.

Site SizeSites are reportedly large and can accommodate multiple tents or large RVs. Specific sites were noted to have spacious parking aprons.

PrivacyReviews indicate mixed privacy levels. While some sites are well-spaced with vegetation providing privacy, others are near public areas like the river trail, reducing privacy.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose odd-numbered campsites (1-17) for proximity to slopes and the river trail. Avoid sites near the highway for reduced noise.

Best CampsitesSite 016 gets frequent mentions for its river proximity, size, and bathroom access. Site 033 offers more privacy and stays clean. Sites near the entrance provide easier river access but pick up more road noise from Highway 199. Avoid sites closest to the highway if you're sensitive to traffic sound.

Need help booking Panther Flat Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Panther Flat Campground offers a range of modern amenities in the scenic Six Rivers National Forest. The campground provides flush toilets, coin-operated showers, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills at each site. A visitor center at the Gasquet Ranger Station offers free maps and brochures. Accessible facilities include flush toilets and showers. However, there are no electricity, sewer, or water hookups at the campsites. User reviews highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, but some expressed concerns about showers not being cleaned regularly or being locked sporadically. Others appreciated the hot water in showers, which operates at about $0.50 for 3-4 minutes.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Fishing

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

329 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 329 reviews.

Site 032Loved
Site 032 is described as private despite being near the entrance.
Site 016Mentioned
Site 016 is noted for its spaciousness and proximity to the river trail, though it lacks privacy.
Site 023Issues noted
Site 023 received mixed reviews due to its location near noisy neighbors.

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...

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...

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...

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