By:
Submission
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. 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. ADA Access: N
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.
Amazing site, very quite. We had a double site that was nice and roomy and secluded
No cell service (Verizon) but that’s not an issue when you’re camping unless you need to do work.
Not far from the town either if you forget anything.
Excellent place to camp..
Easy access to the creek..
.beach area on the gravel and rocks, bring your lawn chair sit near the water and get your feet wet.
Busy weekend, but trash and restrooms stayed very clean. We barely got our RV in a space that said we would fit and then some. Camp hosts were friendly and helpful. Good spacing between campsites for privacy. Not many spots right on the creek, however. Was fairly quiet in the evening, but woke up to children screaming and crying both mornings. We lucked out on early season weather!
The camp hosts were extra helpful to find us space. The pit toilets are very clean and I can see it's all about who hosts the place as I know some don't go extra miles on things. If I lived closer, this would be my go-to spontaneous getaway campground!
Lots of things to do around the CG (gravel riding, hiking, etc.) and inside (hiking and wading in the creek).
Because our usual camping spot was threatened with fire and too much smoke, we ended up at Panther Creek. It was a pleasant surprise to find it so close to Portland.
The reservable spots were booked throughout the time we were there so we ended up at a “first come, first served” spot (#32, if I remember right). A good sized spot though we spent most of our time with our friends in the next spot over (surprisingly large).
The camp host was a pleasant person and accommodating. Kept the pit toilets stocked and fairly clean. The site we were at was pretty close to the toilets so that was nice. The water (Panther Creek) was relatively close (a short walk) and a welcome dip for the hot weather. The water was cold! (A little over 40 degrees, if I recall). There were a few places were one could sit at the edge and chill (literally and figuratively).
The campground is a short drive to the falls. The campground is also a stopping point for folks on the PCT. Hiking part of the PCT is a nice activity and easy to get to. Ran into a few folks doing the PCT both on the trail and in/near the campground. There are other trails to hike in the area, too.
