Panther Flat Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted during winter months but are recommended for summer weekends and holidays when the campground frequently fills.
Hydrologic Outlook issued December 29 at 9:26PM PST by NWS Eureka CA
ESFEKA A series of atmospheric rivers will bring an increased risk for urban and small stream flooding late this week and into this weekend. The first round of rain will arrive Wednesday night into Thursday and provide generally light to moderate rainfall amounts. Locally heavy rain is expected in the King Range. This initial period of rain will set the stage for a more intense rainstorm expected to arrive Friday into Friday night. Current indications are for the heaviest rainfall to occur during the day on Friday into Friday night. The greatest risk for small stream flooding will occur during this time period and probably continue into Saturday after heavy rain has ended due to the lag in rainfall run-off. Road closures will be possible. At this point, the area of greatest concern is in southern Humboldt and northwest Mendocino counties. Small rivers, streams and creeks such as Elk river, Jacoby creek and Mattole river could exceed their banks and flood area roads. Southern Mendocino and Lake counties may also experience heavy rain and road flooding will be possible. Mainstem rivers will also likely rise sharply and will need to be monitored for possible flood stage exceedance. Be on the lookout for watches, advisories and warning as this next heavy rain event unfolds. Stay alert and remember to never attempt to drive through water covered roads. Water may be moving much faster than you think.
About
Panther Flat Campground is the largest and most popular campground in the Smith River National Recreation Area, featuring 38 campsites on a flat about 50 feet above the Middle Fork of the Smith River. The campground sits within a mature forest of Douglas fir, cedar, and Pacific madrone trees, with lush huckleberry bushes filling the spaces between sites. Highway 199 borders the south side of the campground. While the campsites themselves don't offer river views, a short three-minute walk down a trail leads to the adjacent Panther Flat Picnic Area, which provides excellent river viewing and access. The picnic area features grills, water, a horseshoe pit, and eight picnic tables, with two short paths leading to swimming holes, including one with a small sandy beach. The Smith River is famous for its pristine bright blue waters and offers world-class fishing for salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout, as well as whitewater rafting opportunities with up to Class 5 rapids. The campground is one of the most modern in the area, with some of the largest parking aprons suitable for RVs. It offers flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and drinking water. Nearby attractions include California's Redwood National Park and the Pacific Ocean within 20 miles. Hiking opportunities abound, with Elk Camp Ridge, High Dome, and French Hill trailheads all within 10 miles, and a botanical trail to a unique Darlingtonia bog just a mile away.
Directions
From Highway 101 north of Crescent City, take Highway 199 east for 16 miles to the campground. From the Visitor Center in Gasquet, turn left on Highway 199 and travel 2.5 miles east.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (707) 457-3131 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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