Panther Creek campground campground
CARSON, Washington

Panther Creek campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
33 campsites
Open in maps

33

Total Campsites

Campground

24

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

1

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Panther Creek campground

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

  • 33 total campsites listed.
  • 24 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 1 accessible campsite listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (33).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Panther Creek campground photo 2
Panther Creek campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Panther Creek campground special

Panther Creek Campground sits in a lush, mossy corridor of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, right where the legendary Pacific Crest Trail crosses Panther Creek near Carson, Washington. The setting is quintessential Pacific Northwest: towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and a soundtrack of rushing water that lulls campers to sleep each night. The campground is relatively small and intimate, making it a favorite among hikers who want a base camp near the PCT without the crowds of more developed sites. Panther Creek itself is a beautiful stream perfect for wading, cooling off on warm days, or simply sitting creekside with a book. The surrounding forest offers excellent opportunities for wildflower hikes in late spring and mushroom foraging in autumn. The campground is typically open from late May through September, with the sweetest stretch being July and August when temperatures are mild and the creek runs clear. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early on Friday is wise for weekend trips. The nearby Columbia River Gorge provides world-class windsurfing, waterfall hikes, and scenic driving. The town of Carson is just a short drive away for supplies and the famous Carson Hot Springs, a perfect post-hike soak. This is a campground that rewards those who love simplicity and forest solitude.

Campsite Inventory

33 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

33total sites

24

Reservable

1

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Double, Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back-In

Driveway Grade

Slight

Driveway length (ft)

20, 35

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

Max guests

12, 6

Max vehicle length (ft)

20, 30, 35, 40

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Yes

Shade

Full

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

541-338-7869

Getting There

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Panther Creek campground.

How do reservations work for Panther Creek campground?

Reservation availability for Panther Creek campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Panther Creek campground?

Panther Creek campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (33).

Where is Panther Creek campground located?

Panther Creek campground is in Washington near CARSON. Coordinates: 45.8197, -121.8797.

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