Hurkey Creek Park Campground Guide

Hurkey Creek Park Campground is located near Lake Hemet about 7.5 miles south of the town of Idyllwild. The campground is set in woodlands that feature a seasonal creek, tall pine trees, and terrific mountain views.

Getting to Hurkey Creek Campground

From the LA/Riverside area: Get off the I-10 at Banning, and head south on Route 243 for 28 miles to Mountain Center. Turn slightly left onto CA-74 East and travel for 3.4 miles, then turn left at Apple Canyon Road into the park. From San Diego: Get off I-15 at Temecula onto CA-79. Travel for 17 miles, then turn left onto CA-371 East. Continue for 21 miles, then make a left onto CA-74 West. Travel for 9.1 miles and make a right onto Apple Canyon Road into the park.

The Campground

This is a popular campground for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the extensive trail network to the north of the campground. Also near the campground is the trailhead for hiking Spitler Creek Trail, a strenuous 5-mile trail that climbs from a trailhead elevation of 4920 feet to 7000 feet.

The campground offers 130 developed and primitive campsites, as well as large group camping areas in five separate loops that can accommodate 80-100 campers each.

Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, fire rings/grills, and a children’s playground. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.

Portions of the surrounding wilderness are closed to hiking as they recover from recent wildfires. Check with park officials for the latest updates about closures.

For more information on camping and hiking in the area, check out our Idyllwild campground guide and our overview guide for Idyllwild.