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Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls

6 ReviewsAdd Review

A rocky ridgeline above Panther Creek Falls, reached by a short unmarked road off NF 65 just before the trailhead parking area, holds several dispersed sites at no cost. The entrance has a gate that looks locked but isn't, and the road forks into three distinct camping areas, ranging from a shaded lower zone with existing fire rings to a wide-open upper flat with no tree cover at all. Campers planning for summer heat should note that the exposed upper area can get hot enough to make fires impractical during warm stretches.

The upper area sits on bare rock, which means tent stakes won't go in. A canopy helps with sun, and the payoff at night is considerable: "Super dark at night with plenty of stars," notes Ryan J.. During the day, trailhead activity from the parking lot below is audible, though it quiets after dark. The sound of the waterfall carries up to the ridge as well, and Panther Creek Falls itself is accessible via a roughly one-mile hike directly across the road.

Campers who prefer shade and softer ground tend to favor the lower spots closer to the water, which also have established fire pits and tree cover. Those sites work better on hot days, while the upper area suits anyone prioritizing open sky and space. The Gifford Pinchot NF Dispersed — NF 60 / NF 65 Intersection campground sits a few miles north along the same forest road for those who want an alternative, and dispersed areas near Gifford Pinchot National Forest are plentiful throughout the region for campers with flexible itineraries.

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Map & DirectionsDispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls is located in Washington near Carson

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

45.8666426321729 N
121.82673435681772 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls

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5 Stars

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1 Star

83%
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5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the spacious camping areas with excellent stargazing and proximity to beautiful Panther Creek Falls. Some noted daytime activity from hikers and lack of shade in main areas, but nights remain peaceful.

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2026

Great Spot for Star Gazing

This spot was great!

It was quite rocky so we couldn't stake our tent down but we got along just fine.

Another thing is that there is no tree coverage. We knew it was going to be hot so we set up a canopy to protect us but just something to think about.

Otherwise it was a great spot and we loved how many stars we could see at night.

We will definitely be back!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 11, 2026

Quiet spot near a waterfall

This location is private and near a beautiful waterfall. Like another review mentioned, you’ll take a right onto a road before the parking site for Panther Creek Falls. There is a gate that makes it look like the camp site is closed, but it’s not locked.

I was here for a few hours on a weekday. You can hear people coming and going from the trail parking, but it’s not too noticeable. Previous visitors have made a few makeshift fire pits. And the hum of the waterfall is lovely!!

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2025

Great Location

We stayed in the large open area at the top of the rock outcrop above the trailhead parking area and it was perfect. Like someone else said, you take the road on the right just before the parking lot and then there are a few spots just up the road which are all pretty private. These are walking distance to the waterfall which is awesome, but there are about 10 additional spots with existing fire pits on the road up there. Most of them sit right up against the river under tree cover which would be ideal on hot days. It was cold and rainy so we didn’t have any issues being out in the open.

SiteTop of rock outcrop
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

Chill spot

It’s a little busy with everyone checking out the water fall during the day . Quite at night ! Nice and chill

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls by Bradley B., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls by Bradley B., June 23, 2024
Reviewed May. 28, 2023

Private

This camp site is overlooking the parking lot. It's a wide-open rocky area. Close enough to hear the falls. Super dark at night with plenty of stars.

Siteabove the panther parking lot
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2022

Beautiful dispersed camping near Panther Creek Falls

This area of Gifford Pinchot National Forest has lots of dispersed camping spots but this area was a gem. To access it, as you are driving on NF 65 you will see a small road to the right just a bit before you see the parking for Panther Creek Falls also on the right. If you are at the parking area for Panther Creek Falls and look up you will see a huge wall of rock…the area is up there and you need to turn on the road before the parking area to access it. There are actually 3 areas where you could camp: As you drive up the small road, you will notice the first, pretty large area for camping straight ahead. It looks like a road continues up toward the right but that is actually blocked. If you go to the left you will see the road continues (and you might not think there is anything up there) and you will see one more spot straight ahead and then if you continue up toward the right (hitting some branches along the way) you will come up to a large, wide open area with tons of space for camping. We were pretty excited when we saw it!

We spent one night in that huge open area and it was beautiful - the stars were amazing. During the day we would go peek over the edge and could see people parking to go to the falls. You could hear a tiny bit of road noise from up there but it was very light. You can also hear the noise of the waterfall from up on the ridge. The only downfall about this spot is that there is no shade and it was very hot, so hot that we couldn't have a fire. The second night we spent in the spot just down a tad so that we could have some shade and a fire.

The hike down to Panther Creek Falls is literally right across the road and I think these falls may be the most beautiful falls I've seen in OR or WA. It's a short mile or so hike but really pretty scenery.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls by Sarah S., June 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls by Sarah S., June 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls by Sarah S., June 27, 2022
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can you do at Panther Creek Falls?

At Panther Creek Falls, visitors can enjoy hiking the waterfall trail to view the spectacular falls, which are close enough to hear from the camping area. Stargazing is excellent due to minimal light pollution, with dark night skies revealing plenty of stars. The area provides opportunities for photography, nature observation, and relaxing in a scenic forest setting. During the day, the waterfall area receives visitors, but nights are generally quiet and peaceful.

Where is Panther Creek Campground located in Washington?

Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington state. To access the camping area, drive on NF 65 and look for a small road on the right just before the Panther Creek Falls parking area. The dispersed sites are situated on a rock outcrop above the trailhead parking lot, offering a scenic overlook of the area.

Is dispersed camping allowed near Panther Creek Falls?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed near Panther Creek Falls. There are several dispersed camping spots available in the area. The main camping area is located on a rock outcrop above the trailhead parking lot. Additional private spots can be found just up the road to the right before the main parking area. Some sites are walking distance from the parking area, while others are more secluded up the forest road.

How far is Panther Creek Campground from Lower Lewis Falls?

While specific mileage between Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls and Lower Lewis Falls isn't precisely documented, both are located within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors would need to travel via forest roads through the national forest to go between these two locations. For the most accurate directions and travel time, it's recommended to check with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest office or use a detailed forest service map to plan your route between these two destinations.

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