Panther Bay Park

3.71

26 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$22 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$22 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Panther Bay Park

$22.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fees range from $22 to $50 depending on site type. Standard electric sites are $22-$24, while group shelter electric sites are $50. Fees do...

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(870) 425-2700

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What Campers Say

3.71

Mixed Reviews

Based on 26 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulfriendlysites

"User reviews for Panther Bay Park are highly polarized. Positive feedback highlights quiet and peaceful surroundings, cleanliness, and a friendly camp host. Negative reviews criticize poor water quality, inadequate maintenance of facilities, and road closures causing access challenges."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Panther Bay Park

36.3705, -92.2506

Driving directionsFrom Mountain Home, AR, travel approximately 10 miles east on US 412/62. The entrance to the campground will be on the left just before you cross the 62 bridge. Follow signs into campground.

The campground can be reached from US 412/62. However, user reviews describe challenges in access due to road closures and lack of signage. A reviewer mentioned, 'Road leading to the campground was closed...had to drive three miles to the back entrance.' Another review stated, 'Too difficult to back out!' This may affect ease of navigation.

Nearby places

Mountain Home, AR - approximately 10 miles (travel time not specified)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Panther Bay Park

Panther Bay Park enjoys the mild climate characteristic of the Ozarks, with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. Late autumn brings particularly delightful conditions, with crystal-clear skies dominating nearly three-quarters of November days and pleasant temperatures hovering near 60°F. While the area's natural beauty shines year-round, savvy campers should note that seasonal flooding can occasionally affect accessibility during heavy rain periods, adding to the wild, untamed character of this lakeside retreat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open and busy in summer; reviews cite overcrowding and road closures affecting experience.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall reviews note fewer complaints, pleasant weather and peaceful conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Official open season begins May 1; limited/closed in early spring per park dates.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park seasonal open May 1–Sept 29; closed outside that period for winter stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1, 2025 - September 29, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts May 1, 2025, reservable from June 21, 2025, until September 29, 2025.
Current Alerts: null

About Panther Bay Park

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Panther Bay Park serves as your gateway to the pristine waters of Norfork Lake. This intimate campground offers 15 well-appointed sites, each featuring electric hookups and convenient water access for filling your RV's holding tanks. Adventure awaits just beyond your campsite, with scenic hiking trails winding through the forest, full-service marinas ready to launch your lake explorations, and boat ramps providing easy access to some of the region's finest fishing waters.

Panther Bay Park accommodates various camping styles with 15 campsites featuring electric and water hookups. Specific group and primitive camping details are not available.

Historical SignificanceSet within the shadow of the legendary Ozark National Forest, Panther Bay Park connects visitors to a landscape steeped in American frontier heritage. This rugged terrain has shaped generations of mountain folk, from Native American tribes who first navigated these hollows to the hardy settlers who carved out lives among the ridges and valleys. Today, the park serves as a living testament to the enduring allure of the Ozarks' natural splendor.

Weather and SeasonsPanther Bay Park enjoys the mild climate characteristic of the Ozarks, with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. Late autumn brings particularly delightful conditions, with crystal-clear skies dominating nearly three-quarters of November days and pleasant temperatures hovering near 60°F. While the area's natural beauty shines year-round, savvy campers should note that seasonal flooding can occasionally affect accessibility during heavy rain periods, adding to the wild, untamed character of this lakeside retreat.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from 22,000 acres of crystal-clear water, framed by densely forested hills that stretch to the horizon. Panther Bay Park immerses you in the raw beauty of the Ozark wilderness, where ancient hardwoods tower overhead and 550 miles of scenic shoreline invite endless exploration. Wildlife thrives in this pristine ecosystem – from white-tailed deer browsing at dawn to bass lurking in the lake's hidden coves. The surrounding hollows and ridges create a dramatic backdrop that changes with each season, offering photographers and nature lovers an ever-evolving canvas of natural splendor.

Geological RegionCarved by millennia of flowing water, the dramatic landscape surrounding Panther Bay Park showcases the Ozarks' remarkable geological story. The campground sits where the North Fork River feeds into the massive Norfork Lake reservoir, itself a testament to the marriage of natural forces and human engineering. Ancient limestone bluffs and weathered sandstone formations peek through the dense forest canopy, while the lake's intricate shoreline weaves between wooded peninsulas and secluded coves. This unique confluence of river, lake, and mountain creates a geological wonderland where the White River system has sculpted one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the central United States.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group Shelter Electric is available for $50 per night, but no additional details about capacity or facilities are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground contains 15 campsites with electric hookups arranged in one loop. Sites feature shared water hookups and varying sizes.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via app, or by contacting the service center.

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation PolicyReservations canceled up to 2 days before start date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's fees.

AccessibilityAccessibility appears to be limited due to frequent flooding of connecting roads and small accessible areas. One user noted difficulty turning around with a trailer due to road flooding.

Site SizeSites are described as being smaller than advertised and tight for larger vehicles. A user with a 24-ft trailer noted challenges with site length.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not specifically detailed in reviews or authoritative sources.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #11 is recommended for RVs due to its larger size. Tent campers may prefer sites offering elevated views of the Ozarks.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Panther Bay Park offers recreational activities such as hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks, fishing opportunities with a variety of freshwater game fish in Norfork Lake, and swimming areas nearby. However, accessibility to some facilities like the marina and boat ramps may be impacted by road closures.

HikingHiking trails are available and lead to picturesque overlooks of the Ozarks. Trails in the nearby Robinson Point National Recreation Trail are also highlighted.

FishingNorfork Lake supports a wide variety of freshwater game fish, including bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and catfish.

SwimmingSwimming is listed as a recreational activity, though no specific details about designated swimming areas or facilities are provided.

BoatingThe Panther Bay Marina and several nearby boat ramps allow for easy access to boating activities on Norfork Lake. However, the road leading to the marina is closed, requiring a detour.

Wildlife viewingThe area is densely wooded, offering opportunities for nature observation and photography.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding of connecting roads is mentioned regularly in both authoritative and user reviews. A reviewer noted, 'Road connecting it to other parts of the park was flooded.' Other hazards include potential wildlife.

Active Alertsnull

Fire PolicyCampfires should use locally bought firewood to prevent invasive species.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesClose to Norfork Lake, Panther Bay Marina, and several boat ramps for recreational access.

Camp HostMixed reviews regarding park hosts: Positive feedback describes hosts as 'very friendly' and 'helpful,' while negative feedback includes hosts being overly nosy or unresponsive.

Weather at Panther Bay Park

Reviews

3.7

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Panther Bay Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Panther Bay Park are highly polarized. Positive feedback highlights quiet and peaceful surroundings, cleanliness, and a friendly camp host. Negative reviews criticize poor water quality, inadequate maintenance of facilities, and road closures causing access challenges.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include a peaceful atmosphere, large and shady campsites, friendly park hosts, and relatively easy access to the park from the main road (for some users).

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include bad water quality ("The water smelled like sewer"), road closures causing significant access issues, poorly maintained bathrooms ("stinky bathrooms" with wet floors), and...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Suggestions from users include being prepared for potential road detours, carrying extra hose for water hookups, and renting a marina slip if boating. Tent campers may find the park more suitable due...

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention overcrowded conditions and road closures. Fall sees fewer complaints, with some positive mentions of the peaceful environment and friendly hosts.

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The water smelled like sewer," "The camp host seemed to be great," "This campground needs work badly," "It was a very peaceful campground for an overnight stay," "We had a relaxing time. No one...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews reveal mixed experiences: Site #17 had issues with sewer-like water smell but was described as peaceful by another user; Site #10 had water hookup difficulties; Site #11 was...

Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Frequent flooding and closed roads limit accessibility. Trailers face challenges turning around in the flooded areas, and detours make access difficult.

Based on 26 reviews