Panther Flat Campground

PRIMITIVE CAMP GROUND! Not for people who need luxuries like running water, showers or flushing toilets (on that note be sure to have water with you). Stayed here for one evening in August as part of a two week camping trip. First off It was cold. Elevation of 7600 feet, bring warm gear. It was CLEAR! The sky was amazing. Can’t possibly describe the beauty, we lucked out and saw a meteor shower that night. The other campers I met were very generous and nice. The ground is hard. You are on a mountain, so bring something to sleep on. Get to the site early so you can catch a spot as with the price tag of $ 0 spots go fast. The spots themselves are LARGE so they can support a group. Spot 7 was where we slept. It is the highest of all the sites and quite large. Because there is not much for trees up there, noise carries easily unlike in your lower altitude thick growth forests. Not advised for people who have difficulty carrying gear to the spot or not comfortable on rough terrain. The paths, though clear can be a little dangerous to navigate at night even with a flashlight or head lamp.
Cost is free. You get quite a mix of people on this site based off the previous reviews. We met some college age students who were great to talk with. Some camp in the parking lot in their cars, others in the campground proper. Some claim it is a UFO hot bead. It has absolutely AMAZING views of the stars.
Be aware there are stellar jays and ground squirrels up there. Keep your tent closed or you may have a furry visitor.

Vault toilet in the day use area wafted up into our campsite. Disgusting. Camp hosts were very nice and were busy constantly cleaning the bathrooms. They are park volunteers that really deserve a paycheck for what they put up with. Campground swarming with unsupervised children, midnight music and road noise ensure you no rest. The topper was the 1am marital brawl and revving Harley. We will not be back to camp, but if we need a bathroom this is where well stop for sure.