Panther Creek Recreation Area
4.676 reviews3995 Old Historic 441, Turnerville, GA
Quick Facts
Price
$4/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$4/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPanther Creek Recreation Area
$4.00 - $4.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Amenity Fee - $4/Vehicle/day Amenity fees are for use of Toilet Building, Trash, Picnic Areas, and/or use of Parking Lot.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider706-754-6221SM.FS.CRRD@usda.gov
What Campers Say
4.67
Top-Rated
Based on 6 reviews
41 Google reviews
Most mentioned
water
"User reviews for Panther Creek Recreation Area are mixed, with positive highlights emphasizing the trail's beauty and camping spots, while negative feedback cites safety concerns due to erosion and lack of maintenance."
Fees & Passes at Panther Creek Recreation Area
$4/night
Campsite fees
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Chattooga River Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Panther Creek Recreation Area
Experience the gentle rhythms of all four seasons at Panther Creek, where comfortable days give way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire gatherings. Historical weather patterns reveal an ideal climate with refreshingly dry conditions and moderate temperatures that make outdoor exploration a pleasure. Whether you're chasing spring wildflowers, seeking summer's cool forest shade, admiring autumn's fiery foliage, or enjoying winter's peaceful solitude, each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round
- Current Alerts: Site is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene damage. Trail is open to intermediate and advanced hikers only.
About Panther Creek Recreation Area
Nestled within a canopy of ancient trees, Panther Creek Recreation Area beckons adventurers with its stunning waterfall vistas and meticulously preserved Civilian Conservation Corps architecture from the 1930s. This woodland sanctuary offers an escape into nature where the thunderous cascade of Panther Creek Falls creates a natural soundtrack for unforgettable picnics and soul-stirring hikes along the renowned Panther Creek Trail. Currently undergoing restoration following hurricane damage, this beloved destination eagerly awaits its return to welcoming nature enthusiasts.
The Panther Creek Recreation Area mentions RV camping in official sources but focuses primarily on day-use activities due to ongoing repairs and closures.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time among the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands shaped these historic stone and timber structures during the Great Depression. These architectural treasures stand as monuments to American resilience and craftsmanship, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape they were designed to complement. Generations of local families have created cherished memories along these storied trails, making Panther Creek a living testament to the enduring bond between communities and their wild places.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythms of all four seasons at Panther Creek, where comfortable days give way to crisp, star-filled nights perfect for campfire gatherings. Historical weather patterns reveal an ideal climate with refreshingly dry conditions and moderate temperatures that make outdoor exploration a pleasure. Whether you're chasing spring wildflowers, seeking summer's cool forest shade, admiring autumn's fiery foliage, or enjoying winter's peaceful solitude, each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanting forest realm where towering hardwoods and whispering pines create a living cathedral above the legendary Panther Creek Trail. The crown jewel of this natural wonderland reveals itself as you approach the magnificent falls, where crystalline waters plunge over ancient rock faces in a spectacular display of nature's raw power. Every bend in the trail unveils new vistas, from sun-dappled forest floors carpeted with ferns to dramatic overlooks that steal your breath away.
Geological RegionDiscover the wonders of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, where millions of years of geological artistry have sculpted a landscape of rolling mountains, hidden valleys, and cascading streams. This protected wilderness serves as a vital corridor for diverse wildlife and rare plant species, offering visitors a chance to explore one of the Southeast's most treasured natural sanctuaries.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not explicitly defined in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy of campsites is not discussed in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Sunrise
Check-out
Sunset
Groups
Group site specifications are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Recreation.gov Mobile App.
Walk-in AvailabilitySpecific details on walk-up availability not provided.
Activities you can enjoy
The campground’s primary activities include day hiking and picnicking. The Panther Creek Trail offers a 3.5-mile one-way hike leading to waterfalls, suitable only for intermediate and advanced hikers due to bridge damage and erosion. User reviews frequently praise the natural beauty and access to numerous camping spots along the trail. Other recreational activities are not mentioned.
Hiking
The Panther Creek Trail is a 3.5-mile one-way hike leading to waterfalls. It is currently open only to intermediate and advanced hikers due to safety concerns like missing bridges and washed-away sections. Reviewers highlight the trail's beauty, frequent camping spots, and scenic views. For example, one user noted, 'Did the 7-mile hike. 3.5 to the falls 3.5 back. Absolutely beautiful.' Another stated, 'Great hiking area! Good parking, beautiful falls.'Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No explicit fire policies provided in the source.
Hazards
General hazardsHurricane damage affecting trail and facilities. Hikers must ford Panther Creek and tributaries due to missing bridges.
Active alertsSite is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene damage. Trail is open to intermediate and advanced hikers only.
Weather at Panther Creek Recreation Area
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Foggy
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Chattooga River Ranger District - Address: 9975 Highway 441S Lakemont, GA 30552, Phone: 706-754-6221
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are included in the fee description but are inaccessible due to closures.
Proximity to water featuresPanther Creek and tributaries flow through the area, culminating in the falls.
Common complaintsComplaints from user reviews highlight erosion, washed-out trails, and unregulated camping and fire-building.
Campground Map
3995 Old Historic 441, Turnerville, GA
Driving directionsPhysical Address: 3995 Old Historic 441, Turnerville, GA
Access restricted due to hurricane damage. Roads may be affected by closures and detours. Specific details on road accessibility not provided.Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
6 reviews
Panther Creek Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Panther Creek Recreation Area are mixed, with positive highlights emphasizing the trail's beauty and camping spots, while negative feedback cites safety concerns due to erosion and lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the trail's beauty, accessibility to waterfalls, and suitability for family outings. For example, one user wrote, 'Beautiful backwoods GA at its finest! The water is crystal clear, and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include erosion, washed-out trail sections, and poor campsite management. One user noted, 'This trail could benefit from some maintenance and access control. Several areas were...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest taking extra safety precautions when hiking due to missing bridges and erosion. One reviewer stated, 'Use extra safety precautions while on the trail to the falls.'
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonally, the area appears to attract users year-round, with winter trips noted by one reviewer and summer hikes emphasized by another. Safety and accessibility recommendations are more pronounced...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Did the 7-mile hike. 3.5 to the falls 3.5 back. Absolutely beautiful.' - Lance Davis
2. 'Great hiking area! Good parking, beautiful falls.' - C Price
3. 'Beautiful backwoods GA at its finest! The...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not available.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not address experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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