Accessible by forest road with some rough stretches, Panther Creek Campground sits within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at $25-$45 per night from mid-May through September. The 33-site campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, though L & K S. notes their "30-footer maxed out the parking spot and was the only one we saw. Most come with tents or pop-up trailers."
Old-growth trees tower over sites arranged in a double loop, with Panther Creek flowing alongside the camping area. Multiple access points lead down to the creek where dogs can cool off and campers can explore the colorful metamorphic stones in the streambed. The sound of running water carries throughout much of the campground, and reviewers consistently mention waking to birdsong and the chatter of squirrels in the canopy above.
The Pacific Crest Trail runs directly through the area, with a spur trail connecting into the campground. PCT hikers regularly stop here during their long-distance journeys. Fishing opportunities exist in the creek, and a short hike leads to Panther Creek Falls further up the forest road. Jeff K. found "multiple access points to the creek and the PCT is just outside the campground."
Three pit toilet buildings serve the campground, with reviewers noting their cleanliness and regular maintenance by hosts. Hand pumps provide potable water that campers frequently praise for its taste. Firewood is available for purchase. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with level tent pads and good spacing between camping spots. The campground offers both first-come, first-served and reservable sites.
Weekend spots fill quickly, so early arrival or advance reservations help secure preferred sites. Those seeking additional options can explore camping near Carson, about 20 minutes south.
Description
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.
Facilities
The campground consists of 33 back-in sites with parking spurs that vary from 20 to 40 feet in length. The campground's Premium Sites are adjacent to the creek and each site comes with a picnic table and grill. Potable water and vault toilets are also available.
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPanther Creek Campground is located in Washington near Carson
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/29/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/29/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
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
Drive Time
- 59 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 38 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 46 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 32 min from Yakima, WA





































