Panther Creek Campground

One of the many great campgrounds in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. We camp here at least once a year. Going this weekend for sure. If you are from California or Oregon this is a one star campground and you should avoid it. More for us!

This place is awesome and so was the host when me and my brother were there (you are a cool guy larry!). The tall trees surround you as you lookup and there is foliage everywhere making it very pretty and green. Panther Creek is a short walk from almost all the campsites and you can go view the panther creek waterfall up the road. The site itself is tucked back and it seemed like people with trailers struggled pulling into sites, but for a tent campsite it is more than perfect, with a graded flat site bench + fire pit. The facilities were immaculate (for a campground). The whole experience of this campsite was more than satisfying. I would say this is a great place for a night or so but any more than that you might find yourself out of things to do.

We generally love it here but it is noisy, dusty and the camp host isn’t very friendly. Not a lot of places to hike to.

This camp site was awesome. We camping with our 1yr old little guy in a tent. Camp sites were big and very private. We went during Labor Day weekend and the park wasn’t sold out which was awesome for us. The big bonus was having a small river /​big stream going through the park. It was awesome for those hot days. Another thing to note is that the park is very shaded which was great during the summer but any other time of year I would imagine it’s very cold in that park. Enjoy!

A beautiful campground, but one of the worst camping trips I have ever experienced. The camp host was an absolute nightmare. Of the four camp sites our party occupied, not one of us was immune to harassment for reasons that are still unclear to us. We however, were assaulted by a barking dog for six hours straight one day, and nonstop air rifles for two solid days and nights by our neighbors. I do believe the police finally put a stop to that as at least one arrest was made for outstanding warrants. I know all about these people because we were able to clearly hear and watch the show at 3:00 A.M. Upon encountering fellow outdoor enthusiast at the nearby lake, they confirmed our opinion of Hoodoo campgrounds by stating that they will avoid at all costs parks run by the Hoodoo organization. A sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. I will NEVER go back.

On Labor Day weekend this big campground was crowded with a capital «C.» It is very easy to get to and drew a crowd this nice weekend. We had a primo site near the river, but the two big groups to either side of us were noisy well into the darkness. I thought the camp host Gary should have quieted them and so did my camping partner.
To sjum it up, one camping group brought a ping pong table and probably held a tournament, because they were still going strong at 11 p.m.
If you want a peaceful, quiet outdoor experience under the Washington night sky, I suggest you camp elsewhere.

It was a little tough to find, but once we were in we didn’t want to leave. It’s like a little woodland oasis. The sites are very spread out and the campground was peaceful and serene. Surrounded by tall tress and a beautiful creek which, If you are daring enough to take a dip, be careful of the swift current.
There are very limited utilities here — merely outhouses and one or two well pumps for water. No hand sanitizer in the outhouses. But the campground hosts were very nice and accommodating. They sell firewood for $ 6 a bushel and are quite strict about bringing in your own.
Overall, a wonderful, affordable camping experience. I will definitely be returning in the near future.

This was a great spot! We also loved the camp host Jackie. She was a highlight of the trip and so entertaining.

We recently stayed at Panther Creek and loved it. It is right on the PCT for hiking and running. Jackie, the Campground Host, is a delight and works hard to maintain impeccable grounds.
The sites off lots of privacy. The old growth forest is covered with moss.
Water is provided via a hand pump into your container, which you then pour into your camper. Bring a hose or a good funnel for this!

This is a great little campground. Lots of cool spots. The camp hostess was super friendly. We got a spot right on the water and it was super relaxing camp weekend.

Whenever the H family goes camping, we always come here. It is a very close drive from our home to basically the middle of nowhere. It is only about 6 miles outside of Carson.
The campground is always very clean. There is a camp host named Jackie who takes really good care of this place. She has been here for about the last three years and seems to be very proud of what she does. She is basically a long lost friend every time we see her because she remembers us every summer.
Anyways, there are tent sites and RV sites. Most are reservable but there are some that are first come, first serve for those who are just passing through or decide last minute to go camping. The sites are pretty big so you can fit quite a few people in most of them! Prices are decent too.
There are some nice trails to go on around the campground as well. You can walk by the creek, over a bridge, and up a pretty steep trail if you’re willing for a good workout. The only thing is, watch out for bears because yes, they are out here. There are some easier trails around too if you just feel like taking a leisurely stroll.
The only downside to this place is the fact that the bathrooms are pretty sketchy. I’m talking basically just a wooden shack with a men’s side and a women’s side and just two holes in the ground. It seems to get pretty stinky too considering they are just one step up from a honey bucket. Oh well, camping is camping… right?