Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Six Rivers/Panther Flat
Overview
Panther Flat Campground, nestled within the Six Rivers National Forest, serves as the premier destination for travelers exploring the Smith River National Recreation Area. This well-maintained facility offers a peaceful retreat among towering evergreens and is one of the few campgrounds in the region that remains open year-round. It provides a quintessential Northern California forest experience for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the sights and sounds of the coastal mountains.
Location & Surroundings
Located just east of Gasquet, CA, the park sits on a scenic terrace overlooking the Middle Fork of the Smith River. The surroundings are characterized by a dense canopy of Douglas fir, madrone, and oak trees, providing ample shade and privacy between sites. Because it is situated within the Smith River National Recreation Area, the air is crisp, and the atmosphere is defined by the proximity to the emerald-green waters of the last major undammed river system in California.
Amenities & Park Features
While the experience is primarily rustic, the park offers several essential comforts for RVers. There are 38 campsites available, with features including:
- Accommodations for RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length.
- Access to potable water and flush toilets throughout the loop.
- Individual sites equipped with a paved parking spur, picnic table, and fire ring.
- On-site coin-operated showers which are a rare luxury for forest service campgrounds.
Note that there are no hookups, making this an ideal spot for those prepared for dry camping in a lush forest environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the Smith River, famous for its crystal-clear water and opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and world-class salmon and steelhead fishing. Just a short distance away, the Darlingtonia Trail offers a unique look at rare carnivorous plants native to the area. Additionally, the park serves as an excellent base camp for visiting the Redwood National and State Parks, where visitors can hike among some of the tallest trees on Earth within a short drive.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers who prioritize natural beauty and river access over resort-style amenities. It is an ideal fit for families looking to spend their days by the water and for RVers who enjoy a traditional forest camping experience. If you prefer the tranquility of a secluded woodland setting and do not mind the lack of electricity or sewer connections, Panther Flat provides an unmatched sense of place in the heart of the Six Rivers.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Plyply
Great campground with decent space between campers. Has restrooms and showers in two locations, with the showers being coin operated so bring some quarters.
Dima Tsoy
Fantastic base camp for Six Rivers adventures! We stayed at Panther Flat and it exceeded expectations! At just $15/night, this hidden gem offers incredible value with clean flush toilets and hot coin-operated showers (50¢ for 3 minutes—rare for Forest Service!). Our spacious site (#16) was surrounded by towering Douglas firs with privacy from lush huckleberry bushes between campsites. The short 3-minute walk to Smith River's crystal-clear swimming holes was perfect for cooling off after exploring nearby redwood groves. Highway 199 creates some road noise, but the pristine river access and proximity to Redwood National Park make it worthwhile. Camp host kept facilities immaculate. Note: book through Recreation.gov for summer; first-come first-served off-season.
Karina
One of the cleanest campgrounds I've stayed in. I still had cell service but my boyfriend didn't. Nice large sites and parking spots. There was a standing dead tree with bring green marking. I reported it to the host and the FS showed up and removed the flagging. Said it was a "watch tree" and not a remove tree. It was in striking distance of 2 tent pads and 2 tables.
Sarah Barker
Really beautiful campground. The whole thing is protected by a bluff so even if there is a lot of wind on the highway, the campsite itself is calm. Each site is clean and spacious but with enough foliage that you get decent privacy. And bathrooms are really nice, they have flush toilets, motion-sensor lights at night and are kept quite clean. And there is a cute creek a 5-minute walk away. Was really impressed with this one, highly recommend!
Christine Blakeney
Fabulous campground. Sites are nicely separated. If you can get a spot closest to the river, you’ll have less road noise and more sounds of the river. It even has showers but bring quarters.