Six Rivers National Forest runs US Highway 199 through the Smith River canyon in far northern California, and Panther Flat Campground sits directly alongside that corridor, roughly ten minutes by car from the small town of Gasquet. The campground operates year-round under US Forest Service management, with sites ranging from $15 for a single to $30 for double occupancy. Dense tree cover keeps most sites shaded, and the forest floor carries a light layer of pine needles underfoot. Nearby Grassy Flat Campground and Smith River Camp give campers additional options along the same stretch of river.
The Smith River runs adjacent to the campground, though reaching the water requires a walk down a hill and through the day-use area rather than stepping directly from a site. From certain spots, including the frequently recommended site 33, the sound of the river carries clearly. Summer temperatures can climb high, so the river access matters. Campers have spotted frogs, snails, and garden snakes along the banks, and swimming is possible during warmer months. Anglers should note the area is patrolled; a valid California fishing license is required.
Facilities here stand out for a Forest Service campground at this price point. Flush toilets, drinking water spigots distributed through the camp, and coin-operated warm showers are all on-site. Bathrooms draw consistent praise across reviews for cleanliness. Melissa W. notes the showers run warm rather than hot, quarter-operated at roughly $1 for six minutes, with no change machine available. A camp host is typically present.
Reservations are available for select sites; most operate first-come, first-served via a self-pay kiosk at the entrance. Sites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, and the layout includes pull-through options for larger rigs. Cell service is available. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park sits close by for day trips, though dogs are not permitted on trails there. Basic supplies are within a short drive, with more complete options roughly 20 minutes away in Crescent City. Those traveling between the Oregon and California coasts will find this a practical and well-maintained overnight stop.
Crystal C. sums up the value proposition directly: "the amenities compared to that of the state park itself." The campground works well for travelers with dogs, campers wanting flush toilets and showers without state park pricing, and anyone using the 199 corridor as a base for exploring the broader campgrounds around Six Rivers National Forest.
Description
Overview
Panther Flat Campground sits in the vast Six Rivers National Forest in northern California. This shady, secluded campground is just steps from the Smith River, which is famous for its bright blue waters and scenic pathway through the forest.
Recreation
Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, rafting and fishing in the Smith River. Anglers enjoy healthy fishing populations of salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Visitors also enjoy hiking, horseback riding and biking in the area. There are no trailheads in the campground, but Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome and French Hill trailheads are all within 10 miles of the site. A Botanical trail to a unique Darlingtonia bog is just a mile away.
Facilities
The campground offers multiple single-family sites and at least one double site, available for tent and RV camping. It is one of the most modern campgrounds in the area and has some of the largest parking aprons. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers and drinking water are provided. The Visitor Center at the Gasquet Ranger Station provides free maps and brochures of the area.
Natural Features
Set in a mature forest of Douglas fir, cedar and Pacific madrone trees, the campground is a short walk from the pristine Smith River. The river boasts up to Class 5 whitewater rapids. The region, thick with vegetation, is also freckled with huckleberry shrubs. The Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Eureka in northwestern California, stretching southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. U.S. 101, the famed "Redwood Highway," parallels the inland Forest along the coastline. The Forest is just east of the Redwood National Park.
Nearby Attractions
California's Redwood National Park and the Pacific Ocean are within 20 miles of the campground. Annual events include Gasquet Raft Race in July and Del Norte County Fair in August.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Road construction near our facility may cause slowdowns or traffic delays. Please consider these conditions when planning your travel. To learn more, visit this website tinyurl.com/dnstaa and/or https://dot.ca.gov/travelfor status updates.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPanther Flat Campground is located in California near Gasquet
Directions
From Highway 101 north of Crescent City, California, take highway 199 east for 16 miles to the campground.
Address
PO BOX 228
Gasquet, CA 95543
Coordinates
41.8430556 N
123.9305556 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 89 usersLast on 7/23/26- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/23/26
AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 89 usersLast on 7/23/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/23/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
