Panther Meadows Campground

Panther Meadows Campground offers basic, primitive camping with minimal amenities. The campground consists of a large parking lot with surrounding areas where you can set up tents. There are no electric hookups, running water, or shower facilities available. This is a no-fee campground with a 3-day maximum stay limit. Visitors should be prepared for self-contained camping and pack out all trash. For those seeking more amenities, consider other campgrounds in the Mt. Shasta area that offer more developed facilities.

Panther Meadows Campground is located high on the slopes of Mount Shasta in Northern California. The campground sits in a mountain meadow area accessible via the Everitt Memorial Highway. From the main parking lot, campers can walk down to find tent sites within the meadow area. The location provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and access to alpine environments. Due to its high-mountain location, the campground is typically only accessible during snow-free months.

Panther Meadows Campground sits at approximately 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) elevation on the slopes of Mount Shasta. This high-altitude location means visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in summer, and potential altitude-related issues. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation, so pack accordingly with warm layers regardless of season. The high elevation provides stunning views but may affect those sensitive to altitude.

Panther Meadows Campground differs significantly from other Mt. Shasta area campgrounds. Unlike McBride Springs Campground, which offers more developed facilities at a lower elevation, Panther Meadows is a primitive, free campground at a much higher elevation. It's smaller and less developed than Panther Flat or Castle Crags campgrounds, which provide more amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Panther Meadows is ideal for those seeking a more rustic, alpine camping experience with direct access to high mountain trails, while other Mt. Shasta campgrounds cater to campers wanting more conventional facilities and easier access.

Several hiking trails are accessible directly from Panther Meadows Campground. The Panther Meadows Trail loops through the alpine meadows with beautiful wildflower displays in season. For more challenging hikes, the Gray Butte Trail offers panoramic views and connects to the Old Ski Bowl area. More ambitious hikers can access trails that lead toward the summit of Mt. Shasta, including the Avalanche Gulch route. Always check trail conditions before heading out, especially early or late in the season when snow may still be present on higher elevation trails.