Panther Bay Park
3.7118 reviewsPanther Bay Park
$22.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly fees range from $22 to $50 depending on site type. Standard electric sites are $22-$24, while group shelter electric sites are $50. Fees do not include taxes or discounts.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Panther Bay Park serves as your gateway to the pristine waters of Norfork Lake. This intimate campground offers 15 well-appointed sites, each featuring electric hookups and convenient water access for filling your RV's holding tanks. Adventure awaits just beyond your campsite, with scenic hiking trails winding through the forest, full-service marinas ready to launch your lake explorations, and boat ramps providing easy access to some of the region's finest fishing waters.
Panther Bay Park accommodates various camping styles with 15 campsites featuring electric and water hookups. Specific group and primitive camping details are not available.
Historical SignificanceSet within the shadow of the legendary Ozark National Forest, Panther Bay Park connects visitors to a landscape steeped in American frontier heritage. This rugged terrain has shaped generations of mountain folk, from Native American tribes who first navigated these hollows to the hardy settlers who carved out lives among the ridges and valleys. Today, the park serves as a living testament to the enduring allure of the Ozarks' natural splendor.
Weather and SeasonsPanther Bay Park enjoys the mild climate characteristic of the Ozarks, with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. Late autumn brings particularly delightful conditions, with crystal-clear skies dominating nearly three-quarters of November days and pleasant temperatures hovering near 60°F. While the area's natural beauty shines year-round, savvy campers should note that seasonal flooding can occasionally affect accessibility during heavy rain periods, adding to the wild, untamed character of this lakeside retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from 22,000 acres of crystal-clear water, framed by densely forested hills that stretch to the horizon. Panther Bay Park immerses you in the raw beauty of the Ozark wilderness, where ancient hardwoods tower overhead and 550 miles of scenic shoreline invite endless exploration. Wildlife thrives in this pristine ecosystem – from white-tailed deer browsing at dawn to bass lurking in the lake's hidden coves. The surrounding hollows and ridges create a dramatic backdrop that changes with each season, offering photographers and nature lovers an ever-evolving canvas of natural splendor.
Geological RegionCarved by millennia of flowing water, the dramatic landscape surrounding Panther Bay Park showcases the Ozarks' remarkable geological story. The campground sits where the North Fork River feeds into the massive Norfork Lake reservoir, itself a testament to the marriage of natural forces and human engineering. Ancient limestone bluffs and weathered sandstone formations peek through the dense forest canopy, while the lake's intricate shoreline weaves between wooded peninsulas and secluded coves. This unique confluence of river, lake, and mountain creates a geological wonderland where the White River system has sculpted one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the central United States.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility appears to be limited due to frequent flooding of connecting roads and small accessible areas. One user noted difficulty turning around with a trailer due to road flooding.
Sites SizeSites are described as being smaller than advertised and tight for larger vehicles. A user with a 24-ft trailer noted challenges with site length.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not specifically detailed in reviews or authoritative sources.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #11 is recommended for RVs due to its larger size. Tent campers may prefer sites offering elevated views of the Ozarks.
Best CampsitesUsers highly rated site #11 for its large size and ease of access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group Shelter Electric is available for $50 per night, but no additional details about capacity or facilities are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains 15 campsites with electric hookups arranged in one loop. Sites feature shared water hookups and varying sizes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 1, 2025, reservable from June 21, 2025, until September 29, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via app, or by contacting the service center.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyReservations canceled up to 2 days before start date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Panther Bay Park offers recreational activities such as hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks, fishing opportunities with a variety of freshwater game fish in Norfork Lake, and swimming areas nearby. However, accessibility to some facilities like the marina and boat ramps may be impacted by road closures.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available and lead to picturesque overlooks of the Ozarks. Trails in the nearby Robinson Point National Recreation Trail are also highlighted.Fishing
Norfork Lake supports a wide variety of freshwater game fish, including bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and catfish.Swimming
Swimming is listed as a recreational activity, though no specific details about designated swimming areas or facilities are provided.Boating
The Panther Bay Marina and several nearby boat ramps allow for easy access to boating activities on Norfork Lake. However, the road leading to the marina is closed, requiring a detour.Wildlife viewing
The area is densely wooded, offering opportunities for nature observation and photography.Winter Activities
No specific information about winter recreation activities is provided.Water Sports
Water-related activities such as fishing and boating are highlighted, but no specific non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires should use locally bought firewood to prevent invasive species.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsFlooding of connecting roads is mentioned regularly in both authoritative and user reviews. A reviewer noted, 'Road connecting it to other parts of the park was flooded.' Other hazards include potential wildlife.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 64%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - September 29, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Norfork Lake, Panther Bay Marina, and several boat ramps for recreational access.
Common complaintsComplaints include foul-smelling water, shared water hookups, difficulty accessing the campground due to road closures, and poorly maintained bathrooms. For example: 'The water smelled like sewer...the smell completely filled our camper,' and 'Road leading to the campground was closed.'
HostMixed reviews regarding park hosts: Positive feedback describes hosts as 'very friendly' and 'helpful,' while negative feedback includes hosts being overly nosy or unresponsive.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Mountain Home, AR, travel approximately 10 miles east on US 412/62. The entrance to the campground will be on the left just before you cross the 62 bridge. Follow signs into campground.
The campground can be reached from US 412/62. However, user reviews describe challenges in access due to road closures and lack of signage. A reviewer mentioned, 'Road leading to the campground was closed...had to drive three miles to the back entrance.' Another review stated, 'Too difficult to back out!' This may affect ease of navigation.Nearby places
Mountain Home, AR - approximately 10 miles (travel time not specified)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
3.7
18 reviews
Panther Bay Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Panther Bay Park are highly polarized. Positive feedback highlights quiet and peaceful surroundings, cleanliness, and a friendly camp host. Negative reviews criticize poor water quality, inadequate maintenance of facilities, and road closures causing access challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include a peaceful atmosphere, large and shady campsites, friendly park hosts, and relatively easy access to the park from the main road (for some users).
Based on 18 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include bad water quality ("The water smelled like sewer"), road closures causing significant access issues, poorly maintained bathrooms ("stinky bathrooms" with wet floors), and...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Suggestions from users include being prepared for potential road detours, carrying extra hose for water hookups, and renting a marina slip if boating. Tent campers may find the park more suitable due...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention overcrowded conditions and road closures. Fall sees fewer complaints, with some positive mentions of the peaceful environment and friendly hosts.
Based on 18 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The water smelled like sewer," "The camp host seemed to be great," "This campground needs work badly," "It was a very peaceful campground for an overnight stay," "We had a relaxing time. No one...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews reveal mixed experiences: Site #17 had issues with sewer-like water smell but was described as peaceful by another user; Site #10 had water hookup difficulties; Site #11 was...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Frequent flooding and closed roads limit accessibility. Trailers face challenges turning around in the flooded areas, and detours make access difficult.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews addressing pet-related amenities.
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025