Panther Flat Campground

The camp hosts went out of their way to help us.

We were happy with the facilities and very much appreciative of the help that the camp host provided. The bathrooms were very clean and the site has pay hot showers available. The campground is just up the hill from the Smith River, and just down the hill from US 199. As far as we could tell, all of the camp spots are in heavy shade all day long. The decibel level in this campground from the road noise of US 199 was surprisingly high. For as many trees as there were separating off the campground this was a bit of a shock, but the level was not so high that I would not have stayed here. Others may disagree with me on that, so be warned. There is a path from one of the bath houses that goes down to the Smith River. The day use area for the river has a very nice little beach area (think suitable for a small family only size) that is kind of hidden, just upstream of the parking lot. A sign near the parking lot warns to beware of snakes in this area. We had reserved a spot in this campground several weeks prior for one night, and upon arrival at about 4 PM found that specific camp site full of someone's stuff, but no car. As our name was on the reserve tag we were pretty sure it was our spot for the night, so we checked in with the camp host. It was his day off, but he helped us out anyway, and confirmed that it was supposed to be our spot for the night. Really any of the spots in the campground would have been acceptable, but they were all full up for the night. After about an hour of phone tag with supervisors they had forest service police come out and they were going to pull the stuff out of the spot. The forest service police and the owners of the stuff showed up at about the same time. The previous occupants were convinced they had the spot for another night, but could not provide any documentation to that effect. In the end they gathered their stuff and left after making a big huff. We were a bit nervous after that, but the rest of our stay was uneventful.

Great camp ground with toilets and showers. Fantastic swimming hole but small and crowded.

Generators are allowed to operate until 10 pm. The people next to me had two going. Couldn't even hear the river. This policy needs to be changed. Noise makers up to 10pm?

Really beautiful spot. Quiet and clean. Access to the river and a very simple enjoyable experience. So happy I found this spot just outside of the Redwood forest!

This camping is on the smaller side. It was great all-around. One thing that got me was the amount of tall skinny firs. If it's windy, you'll be up all night by falling cones. Or worried one might give out and fall. I think some thinning needs to be done. Other than that I recommend this spot. Oh and the camp sites are not near the water. And some have trails that lead to the river. Pretty cool.

We were in site number 32 which we were worried about because it appears to be right at the entrance so we thought we'd hear cars coming and going all the time but we really didn't. There is a bit of a wooded area between the site and the entrance that actually ended up being a fun adventure area for our kids. We were also concerned about being so close to the restrooms and shower but our campsite is the only one, other than the host, on our side of the restroom so we didn't have to deal with people walking by our site a lot. It ended up being pretty darn private! We had a 10 person tent and a 7 person tent and a hammock which we had plenty of room for. There was clearly another spot we could have put a tent if needed. The hosts were really great and kept everything really clean. The shower was a scorcher!! But that might have been because it was so cold outside :-) . The campground was very close to redwoods! The road in to Crescent City is gorgeous with many tall and large trees! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to be able to return.

Loved this campground. Easy access to town, Redwoods, ocean and Smith River. The host is nor allowed to sell firewood so come prepared. Pay showers and flushing toilets were a big plus. You can hear cars on 199 but it's not bad. Spaces feel private.

We come this time every year, always a great experience and well run campground.

Great campground, clean facilities, flush toilets and well-lit bathrooms. Bring quarters for the shower, you only need a few for a nice, hot shower.