Panther Flat Campground
The campground offers multiple single-family sites and at least one double site, available for tent and RV camping. It is one of the most modern campgrounds in the area and has some of the largest parking aprons. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers and drinking water are provided. The Visitor Center at the Gasquet Ranger Station provides free maps and brochures of the area.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereReservations are not required but recommended on summer weekends and holidays; the campground fills up frequently during these times. Walk-in campers can self-register at the entrance.
General Information
Panther Flat is the largest and most popular campground in the Smith River NRA with 38 campsites. It is located on a flat about 50 feet above the Middle Fork of Smith River. Highway 199 borders the south side. Trees shade the campground and lush huckleberry bushes fill in the area between sites.
There are no views of the river from any of the campsites. Campers must take a short (three minute) walk down the trail or drive to the Panther Flat Picnic Area for river viewing and access. The picnic area is a no-fee, day-use only area with, grills, water, a horseshoe pit, and eight picnic tables (one is double-length). It has a lovely view of the Smith River and some world class fishing. Two short paths lead from the picnic area to swimming holes; one has a small sandy beach.
Trails: There are no hiking trails out of the campground. An interpretive botanical trail featuring the Darlingtonia, a carnivorous plant, is located one mile east of the campground. Trails within a one-hour drive include Stony Creek, Myrtle Creek, Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome, French Hill, Patrick Creek, Craig’s Creek, Paradise, Little Bald Hills, Doe Flat, Buck Lake, Island Lake, and Devil’s Punchbowl.
Open all year.
Interagency Park Passes are honored at the Six Rivers National Forest:
Interagency Senior Pass: A lifetime pass for citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., age 62 or older. There is a one-time $80 fee.
Interagency Access Pass: A lifetime pass free to citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who have a permanent disability, regardless of age.
Holders of the above passes receive a 50% discount on camping fees on the Smith River NRA and Six Rivers National Forest. The passes also cover access to and use of many other Federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees.
Obtain passes at National Forest or Grassland offices; or by mail through USGS—inquire at 1 (888) 275-8747 or online at fedrecpass@usgs.gov; or visit the USGS store at https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night
Family campsites accommodate up to eight people per site, with a maximum of two vehicles. The fee is $15 per site per night. This fee includes one vehicle; a $5 fee is charged for the second vehicle. A vehicle is: a motor-home towing another vehicle, a single car or motorcycle, or a vehicle towing a trailer.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 41.84305556
Longitude: -123.9288889
Directions
From the Visitor Center in Gasquet, California turn left on Highway 199 and go 2½ miles east.
Parking
Asphalt surface parking spurs
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Accessible sites available.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills.
