Panther Creek Campground

Star4.47
244 reviews
Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA
Great HikingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open from May 23rd, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Mt Adams Ranger District 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 Creek Campground
$25.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites range from $25.00 to $45.00 per night during peak season. There is an $8.00 extra vehicle fee per night and a firewood...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$45.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
509-427-3677
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 244 reviews

76 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwell-maintained

"Overall, Panther Creek Campground receives highly positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.53 across all reviews. Common praises include the lush natural environment, privacy between sites, and proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls. Issues raised by users include occasional maintenance lapses in restrooms and accessibility challenges for larger trailers."

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Campground Map

Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA

Panther Creek Campground

Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA

Driving directionsFrom Carson, WA: Travel 6 miles north to Old State Highway, (follow signs) turn right and then take your first left on Panther Creek Road. Proceed on Panther Creek Road for 4 miles to the campground.
Access is via a narrow one-lane road for approximately 2 miles before reaching the campground. "There are small areas on that road where one can pull to the side but the space is very limited." User reviews mention difficulty for trailers over 15 feet, with tight corners and limited passing space.
Nearby places
Carson (12 miles north, approximately 15 minutes), Hood River (approximately 30 minutes southwest).
Nearby supplies
Carson, WA offers groceries, fuel, restaurants, and supplies such as camping equipment. "Wind River Market has camping supplies and Dollar General provides basic necessities." Hood River also includes laundromats and specialized stores.

Best Time to Camp at Panther Creek Campground

From May through September, Mother Nature shows her gentler side at Panther Creek, blessing visitors with gloriously comfortable conditions. Days unfold with temperatures dancing between a refreshing 60°F in the morning to a pleasant 83°F by afternoon. The air stays remarkably comfortable throughout the season, free from the oppressive humidity that plagues other summer destinations—perfect for everything from morning hikes to evening campfire gatherings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Peak season; summer praised for creek access, hiking and comfortable conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall recommended for fewer bugs and vibrant foliage; season ends Sep 20.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Late spring open from May 23 only; limited early-spring access and cooler weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Sep 20; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23rd, 2025 to September 20th, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23rd, 2025 to September 20th, 2025. First-come, first-served period from June 20th, 2025 to June 24th, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire bans or road closures may affect usability.

About Panther Creek Campground

Nestled where ancient trails meet towering evergreens, Panther Creek Campground offers 33 pristine sites carved into the heart of the wilderness. Here, the legendary Pacific Crest Trail crosses through your backyard, while the melodic waters of Panther Creek serenade lucky campers who snag one of the coveted creekside premium sites. This forested sanctuary promises the kind of privacy and tranquility that makes you forget the outside world exists.
Panther Creek Campground offers various camping options including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites. Premium sites close to the creek provide added amenities such as picnic tables and grill-equipped fire pits.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Panther Creek Campground provides a wide range of recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts and families. Highlights include access to the Pacific Crest Trail, proximity to Panther Creek Falls, and opportunities for creek wading and wildlife observation.
HikingThe campground directly connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities. Panther Creek Falls and Falls Creek Falls are nearby and highly praised by users for their accessibility and beauty.
FishingFishing is possible at nearby Goose Lake, which offers trout fishing opportunities. Panther Creek itself is not ideal for fishing but is accessible for wading and creekside relaxation.
SwimmingPanther Creek features multiple swimming holes that campers can access easily. The water is cold but refreshing during hot summer days.
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers excellent opportunities for observing diverse flora and fauna. One user reported seeing bear prints, indicating a rich wildlife presence.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bear prints near trails" were reported by a visitor. The narrow gravel road poses driving challenges, especially for trailers above 15 feet in length.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire bans or road closures may affect usability.

Weather at Panther Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5
244 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Panther Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Panther Creek Campground receives highly positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 4.53 across all reviews. Common praises include the lush natural environment, privacy between sites, and proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls. Issues raised by users include occasional maintenance lapses in restrooms and accessibility challenges for larger trailers.
Review Summaries
Based on 244 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious sites, access to Panther Creek and hiking trails, helpful hosts, and well-maintained vault toilets.
Based on 244 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues such as dirty bathrooms and silty water from pumps. Narrow and challenging roads for trailers, and some users reported noisy neighbors.
Based on 244 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring earplugs for weekend stays to avoid disturbance from noisy campers." "Select higher-numbered sites closer to the creek for more privacy." "Plan ahead for large trailers to avoid difficulties...
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Based on 244 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highly praised for creek access and hiking opportunities. Early fall offers fewer bugs and vibrant foliage. Winters and early spring are not ideal due to campground closure.
Based on 244 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campground with large sites—quiet, private, and scenic." "The camp host was accommodating, and the vault toilets were clean." "Panther Creek provides swimming holes that are cold but...
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Based on 244 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 23: Ideal for large groups; fits five vehicles and five tents. Site 24: Highly recommended for proximity to the creek and privacy. Site 10: Avoid due to lack of shade unless you bring canopies.
Based on 244 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites are noted but detailed accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in either authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 244 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Most sites are pet-friendly, with ample room for multiple tents and dogs. Several users specifically praised the campground for accommodating pets.
Based on 244 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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