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Hurkey Creek (Riverside County Park)
Overview
Overview
Hurkey Creek Park is a scenic, high-elevation destination nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains. Known for its rustic, forested atmosphere, this park offers a peaceful retreat for campers seeking to disconnect from city life. The campground provides a traditional camping experience with a quiet, natural landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons. It serves as a tranquil base camp for those looking to immerse themselves in the surrounding mountain wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Mountain Center, CA, the park sits at an elevation of roughly 4,500 feet, offering a refreshing escape from the desert heat. The area is defined by its majestic Ponderosa pines and expansive open spaces. Because it is located away from major urban centers, visitors benefit from minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for stargazing at night. The high mountain air and quiet surroundings create a distinct sense of isolation.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is designed for those who appreciate a classic outdoor experience. Visitors will find primitive and partial hookup sites suitable for various RV sizes, though guests should check specific site dimensions before arrival. The grounds include basic restroom facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings for evening gatherings. With vast acreage, there is plenty of room to stretch out, and the park is known for being pet-friendly, allowing furry companions to enjoy the mountain trails.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities in the surrounding San Jacinto Mountains. The area is crisscrossed with numerous hiking and mountain biking trails that cater to various skill levels. Nearby Lake Hemet is a popular destination for fishing and boating. For those interested in local culture, the charming town of Idyllwild is just a short drive away, offering quaint shops, art galleries, and a variety of local dining options for a weekend outing.
Who This Park Is Best For
Hurkey Creek is ideal for travelers who prefer secluded, nature-focused camping over the amenities of a high-end resort. It is perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and RVers who enjoy dry camping or basic utility sites in a forested setting. If your goal is to spend your days hiking through pine forests and your evenings around a campfire under the stars, this Riverside County Park will feel like the perfect mountain getaway.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Paul Blevins
Quiet campground for a Sunday-Monday trip. A little road noise from Hwy 74. Lots of birds and critters to watch while relaxing. A little buggy but it's summer. The portable Ryobi bug zapper did a great job. The space was $38 a night. Check in at 2 p.m. and checkout at 11 a.m.
Denise Hadley
I have been camping at Hurkey Creek for 30 years. I love tent camping among the beautiful pine trees. It was very hot, so I always enjoyed being in the shade. Hiked around the campground a little. It was a very restful 11 days. It was quiet. The first week had only a sliver of a moon. So at night the sky looked like black velvet, littered by stars. It was magnificent! The thunderstorm that passed through twice in the second week barely had any water. My neighbors were lovely. It was a perfect camping trip.
Paul MacMurray
Nice campground, most spots have decent enough shade, some fairly open sun ones. Grounds are nice, and bathrooms are plenty fine, but I didn't find showers (might be there?). Nice playground for kids near entrance area. Fires were NOT allowed while we were there, check ahead of time so you can prepare with camp stoves and lights.
Dale Solomon
40 members of GOPS enjoyed 3 days of camping in Group Site C. Yummy potluck dinner and also a taco fest. At night a silent disco dance party.
andrew ha
Excellent camp ground with a nice creek for the kids to play in. No cell reception unless you have Verizon. Great place to unplug without being to far from Temecula or Hemet.