Panther Creek Campground — Hotel in Hood River

First time at Panther Creek Campground. This was a last minute reservation and really got lucky with the only available camp site on Labor Day Weekend 23D (Double Site). I was a bit worried at first with our 24ft travel trailer (27.7 overall length) going to this campground because their recreation.gov app says that a trailer with a max length of 35ft is ok on some of their sites including ours, but the website fs.usda.gov says that the maximum vehicle length is 25ft. But we had no issues. I will say that traveling to this campground with something bigger than my trailer would not be recommended due to narrow campground roads and backing in to most sites will be difficult. Our trailer was the biggest one on the campground but we made it in and out just fine. If you plan to travel with a bigger trailer than a 20ft trailer, site 23D is your best option or any double site and you should be fine. Keep in mind that before getting to the site there is about 2 miles of a very narrow road. I did not have any oncoming traffic on my way to and out of the campground on the narrow road but that would have been very interesting. There are small areas on that road where one can pull to the side but the space is very limited. Overall, it was a great experience and lots to do around the campground. I will definitely be back next summer. And will reserve site...

I want to start off with saying this CAMP GROUND IS MEANT FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS is what the host told us, as well for single families. Not for group families our family payed $45 each night Sunday night thru Tuesday night. The host was very peaky with us from being TOO LOUD TO hearing our kids run from spot 5 to her camper. On top of that the site we got which was #5 was for 12 people with ONLY 2 Vehicles allowed. Our family is big so other family members got sites 2,3,4 with only 1 Vehicle allowed in each site she came and charged us for the extra vehicles. SMH on top of that the wasps are crazy there we had them flying all over our campsite all day! We also ran into a wasp hive that our family members ended up getting stung! All kids where traumatized we have camped in other camp grounds never any sort of issues. I would not recommend this place there is really nothing to do the river is not even deep enough for swimming the wasps are crazy when having food out ! Host is some what nice . We would’ve really appreciated seeing some sort of information on regards of this campground, being just for older or single families as well as how bad the wasps are around this campground. It’s not worth the drive nor the money...

Because our usual camping spot was threatened with fire and too much smoke, we ended up at Panther Creek. It was a pleasant surprise to find it so close to Portland.

The reservable spots were booked throughout the time we were there so we ended up at a “first come, first served” spot (#32, if I remember right). A good sized spot though we spent most of our time with our friends in the next spot over (surprisingly large).

The camp host was a pleasant person and accommodating. Kept the pit toilets stocked and fairly clean. The site we were at was pretty close to the toilets so that was nice. The water (Panther Creek) was relatively close (a short walk) and a welcome dip for the hot weather. The water was cold! (A little over 40 degrees, if I recall). There were a few places were one could sit at the edge and chill (literally and figuratively).

The campground is a short drive to the falls. The campground is also a stopping point for folks on the PCT. Hiking part of the PCT is a nice activity and easy to get to. Ran into a few folks doing the PCT both on the trail and in/near the campground. There are other trails to hike in...