Panther Creek Campground Washington - Gifford Pinchot

Panther Creek Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and nestled in a heavily forested area with dense trees and plenty of shade.  The campground rests along the edge of Panther Creek and is adjacent to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Panther Creek Campground is home to 26 campsites and provides campers with vaulted toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and potable water.  The sound of the nearby creek is an added plus to this cozy campground in the middle of the woods.  The campsites are spaced out relatively well though, as with most campgrounds, there are some sites that get you a little too close to your neighbors.  Even so, there are plenty to choose from and unless you are here in the middle of the summer there shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot

Things to Do

Panther Creek campground may be close to its namesake, however, this isn’t a large body of moving water and fishing isn’t much of an option.  For recreational opportunities, visitors should be ready to drive.   The following is a short list of nearby attractions when staying at Panther Creek:

• Backwoods Brewing – Located in the town of Carson you most likely drove right by this popular brewpub.  Good eats and great beer is just a short 13 minute drive!  Pro Tip: Bring a Growler and get it filled to take some beer back to camp with you.
• Panther Creek Falls – This picturesque waterfall is just a short drive beyond Panther Creek Campground on Forest Road 65.  It is NOT marked with any signs so be sure to visit our page for details on how to get to it.
• Wind River – Looking to do some fishing? Wind River offers a better option than Panther Creek and is just a short drive away.  Consider parking at Beaver Campground and scoping out the river from there.
• Puff Falls – An incredible waterfall and swimming hole with a unique hike up the creek.  Also a short drive away from Panther Creek Campground
• Falls Creek Cave – This lava tube is an incredible adventure that you won’t forget.  Also just a short drive from the campground.  Enter at your own risk!!!

Pros/Cons

Pros: Lots of nearby activities, drinking water and clean campground, shaded well for hot summer days

Cons: Too much shade if you are looking for sun.  Swimming in Panther Creek is not really ideal.

Directions

From Highway 14 in the Gorge make your way to the small town of Carson, Washington.  Head north through Carson on the Wind River Highway for roughly 8 miles.  On the right hand side keep an eye out for signs indicating you are near the turn off for Panther Creek Campground.  Make a right on Warren Gap Road.  Follow this road until you essentially run into Panther Creek Campground at the first major junction.