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Camping

Established Camping

Panther Creek Campground

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from September 20, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

Panther Creek Campground, near Carson, Washington, is a serene spot tucked away in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This place is all about the natural beauty, featuring spacious sites surrounded by towering mossy trees and the soothing sounds of a rushing creek.

The campground is perfect for both tent campers and RVs, though larger rigs might find it a tight squeeze. Visitors rave about the clean pit toilets and the well-kept picnic tables, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. One camper noted, “The sound of the creek lulled us to sleep,” highlighting the peaceful atmosphere that many appreciate here.

For those looking to stretch their legs, the Pacific Crest Trail is nearby, offering stunning views and a chance to meet fellow hikers. The creek also provides a refreshing spot for a quick dip on warmer days. As one happy camper put it, “We will definitely be back here soon,” which speaks volumes about the charm of Panther Creek.

While the sites are well-equipped, some campers mentioned that they can feel a bit close together, but the overall vibe remains relaxed and friendly. Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a longer adventure, Panther Creek Campground is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to unwind in nature.

Description

National Forest

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Overview

The Campground sits along Panther Creek at the intersection of the Pacific Crest Trail. Driving on FR65, 4.7 miles upstream from the campground, visitors can enjoy an easy hike to Panther Falls. __Campers can enjoy the privacy provided by a variety of shade-loving plants and a thick forest of cedars, ash, firs and alder.

Recreation

Hikers have close access to the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 2,663 miles from Mexico to Canada. Outstanding scenic views are available all along this trail.

Natural Features

Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by Congress in 1982. Panther Creek Campground is located in the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Elevations here range between 1,200 feet at the Wind River Work Center, 12 miles north of Carson, WA and 12,276 feet at the summit of Mt. Adams. The Mount Adams Ranger District offers a diverse array of habitats and natural features, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows, glaciers, and low and high elevation lakes.

Contact Info

This location has limited staffing. Please call (509) 427-3677 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Panther Creek Campground makes a great base to explore Mount Adams and the Columbia River Gorge. The town of Carson is nearby, which is known for its hot springs. It also has a golf course, restaurants and shopping.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

Fee Info

Extra Vehicle Fee $8.00

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Location

Panther Creek Campground is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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.

Address

Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District
Carson, WA 98610

Coordinates

45.8197222 N
121.8797222 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

19 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2024

Lots of privacy

A nice, woodsy campground, with lots of privacy between camp sites. Nice flat and level outlined areas for us tent campers. Only down side was that it was a bit of a hike to the restroom (the National Forest site map showed one near the entrance where there wasn't one).  While I reserved, mid-week there were a number of open sites for those without reservations. Some of the sites are really large and can handle a bigger group. Some PCT hikers stayed here due trail closure further north due to forest fire.  Would recommend.

Site30
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Kevin M., August 9, 2024
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Kevin M., August 9, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2023

Woodsy

Deeply forested, gorgeous, well spaced sites, located up an easy road, nearest cell signal is about 4 toward Carson.

Site14
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 15, 2023

Beautiful Older Campground

My favorite type of campground! Feels remote, quiet, clean, well established with giant mossy trees and a river rushing through the camp.
The pit toilets were very clean and there were only 3 or 4 other groups camping. The sound of the creek lulled us to sleep and we woke bright and early to the sound of birds and chittering squirrels. We stayed in site 19. The sites have a lot of green space between them so I would imagine that even if there were a lot of people in the campground, it wouldn’t feel crowded. There were also lots of paths that led to the river. 10/10 would recommend and we’ll be visiting there again.

Site19
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Michell C., May 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Michell C., May 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Michell C., May 15, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2022

Beautiful creek

We stayed in a spot that was right at the bridge. Great for at least 2/3 cars. We had 2 tents. Trees for hammocks. Fire pit. Nice place to forage a bit while walking around.

SiteNo label
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Miranda M., September 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Miranda M., September 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Miranda M., September 19, 2022
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2022

Great well equipped sites

Got one of the few first come first served slots, a couple left when arriving at 4pm on a Monday. Slots were well equipped with fire pits, table and plenty of space to camp and park. Great, clean toilets and water pump. Only downside was sites were quite close together with not much privacy

Site21
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2021

Great hidden gem

Went after labor day and the campground was mostly empty. Nice creek for a quick swim. Closes for season in mid Sept.

Site19
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

Unexpected favorite

Honestly not sure what we were expecting when we stayed here last weekend, but WOW it could be our new favorite. Quiet, secluded, somewhat close (less then two hours from home), and beautiful. Situated on the Pacific Crest Trail, we hiked a bit of it and met a few people who had been hiking for months, starting on the Mexico boarder! Gorgeous stretch of the trail! The creek is pristine. Dogs had fun cooling off after our hike. We typically like staying where we have electricity and water but the grounds were so beautiful that it didn’t matter. You couldn’t camp here with a larger RV. Our 30-footer maxed out the parking spot and was the only one we saw. Most come with tents or pop-up trailers. Great specs for multiple tents. We will definitely be back here soon.

Site8
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by L & K S., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by L & K S., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by L & K S., August 9, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2021

We love Panther Creek

we love panther creek.  It is a most comfortable place to camp.  Peaceful, lots of trees.  The creek providing wonderful white noise.  Could not ask for a better place to park your rv or tent.

Sitedo not remember exact spot
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Feb. 14, 2021

Quiet and beautiful setting!

Nice campground that doesn’t feel crowded at all. Some camp sots are better situated then others, so do research before making reservation. Restrooms were clean, host was very friendly and helpful and everyone in the campground was doing great about keeping social distance as of Aug 2020. River was easy to talk to for fishing. Still pretty cold to swim in. PCT was a great for day hikes. Definitely on our list to return to!

Reviewed Jul. 24, 2020

A really nice quiet campground

This is a great campground in a nice forest setting.  Nice big sites with a level tent pad.  Multiple access points to the creek and the PCT is just outside the campground. Water, pit toilets(clean) and firewood are available.  Good spacing between sites, but not a ton of privacy.  Saw lots of birds.

Site20 and 17
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Jeff K., July 24, 2020
  • Panther Creek
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Jeff K., July 24, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2020

Great Spot

We have stayed here a couple of times now, both by accident when our intended destinations were full. The sites are pretty well spread out in a double loop with 3 double pit toilets and 2 hand pumps for water. There are several places to access the creek and play in the cold, shallow water. The stones in the stream are a rainbow of metamorphic rock.

Across the road is a horse camp that the PCT goes through. There is a spur from the PCT directly into the campground for easy access. There is a beautiful view of Mt. Hood just a couple of miles up the trail. Further up the road is a short hike to some beautiful falls. The road continues for a long way, eventually looping up to Cougar, making for a lot to do in the area. Camas is a short drive for most supplies though for spirits you'll have to go to Stevenson about 30 minutes away. Overall an accessible and pleasant place to camp.

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2019

Easy walk to nice waterfall

I've been here several times, most recently in December 2018. It's nice that it's still accessible when other roads are starting to close for the winter. The falls still had some flow. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided. There's also potable water and vault toilets. I think they take reservations during the open season, around April-October, and the cost is $24/night

  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Juice B., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Juice B., August 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Juice B., August 10, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Hidden Gem in Gifford Pinchot

This is my go-to campground when visiting the Gorge area. Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, just north of the town of Carson. Its about a 20 minute drive to the Columbia river, and 10 minutes to the small town of Carson. Its tucked away down a beautiful Forest road. You are nestled amongst towering old growth trees, wild ferns and thimbleberries, with Panther Creek running alongside the camp. The 2018 season had excellent campground hosts, I hope they return next year! They were very friendly and had helpful tips for trails in the area.

The pit toilets were clean, though heavy smell of ammonia which is not unusual at campgrounds like this. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There are potable water pumps, as well as garbage and recycling. Frequented mainly by families, and some PCT hikers, as it is located just of the PCT trail. They have first come first serve as well as reservable sites. It fills up quickly on the weekends, so if you dont have a site reserved I highly recommend getting there early. Each regular site is $18 a night. Enjoy!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Heartworn H., September 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Heartworn H., September 29, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2018

The cleanest campground around

The campground is nestled into a lovely forest setting in GPNF located near the gorgeous Panther Creek falls. The campground humbly boasts some of the best tasting fresh water around, and the well source is frequently tested for bacteria and well managed. You’ll wake up to lovely birdsong and if you’re on the side of the campground closest to the creek you’ll be lulled to peaceful slumber by the sound of the water nearby. The hosts keep the campground immaculately clean and are frequently making rounds about the place. They are some of the friendliest helpful people you could ever ask to have hosting a campground. The bathrooms are the cleanest I’ve ever seen and the hosts are frequently complimented by campers on how spotless they are kept. There is a short feeder trail out to the PCT and PCT thru-hikers often find themselves coming into the campsite to the warmest welcome. True “trail angels”, hosts Lisa and Bryon have a cache of trail “goodies” for PCT hikers who find themselves at the campground. They offer peaceful respite and maybe even a ride if they’re headed into town. For car campers, locals and tourists alike, the hosts are ripe with ideas for local adventure with extensive knowledge of trails in the surrounding GPNF, Trapper Creek, and Indian Heaven Wilderness areas. There is a multitude of good reason why Panther Creek is a hands down area favorite.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Aimee W., July 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Aimee W., July 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Aimee W., July 24, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Nice and clean

We stayed on site 15. The sites was a little hard to get into because of all the cars, trucks parked on the roadway, the owners were happy to move vehicles to get us in (5er,34ft). lots of creek fun, pool ,half price for campers. Large playground but not in the shade. It was very hot over July 4th. You can’t get to Cherokee lake from the campground. very clean and nice. Visit the camp station area birds on display .

  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Malinda C., July 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Malinda C., July 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Malinda C., July 17, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2017

Wonderful

A wonderful campsite. It's next to great trails and the site it's self is very well maintained. I will definitely be back.

Reviewed Mar. 23, 2015

Better in the fall?

This campsite was well appointed with well water, pit toilets, a short walk to the creek, firewood for sale, great hosts. However, during the peak summer months, being in a wind break makes for a hot, stuffy, buggy experience. Our campsite was furthest from the creek, and a spot closer to the creek may have been better. I will go back to Panther Creek, but possibly to try a fall trip instead.

  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Bill M., March 23, 2015
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Bill M., March 23, 2015
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2015

In the Middle of Everything

Right by Mt. Hood, Hood River and the wind surfing, Pacific Crest Trail, huckleberry picking, Portland, Vancouver, etc.

  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Bjorn S., January 5, 2015
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Bjorn S., January 5, 2015
  • Review photo of Panther Creek Campground by Bjorn S., January 5, 2015
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Panther Creek Campground?

    Panther Creek Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Panther Creek Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Panther Creek Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Panther Creek Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Panther Creek Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Panther Creek Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Panther Creek Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Panther Creek Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Panther Creek Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Panther Creek Campground?

    There are 33 campsites at Panther Creek Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts