This is one of our family's favorite campgrounds because it's a quick drive from San Diego (and OC) and it gives us our "mountain fix" when we don't have time to drive to the Sierra Mountains. Hurkey is a large campground, 130 sites plus group areas, spread out under the Ponderosa Pines, oaks and cottonwood trees. The seasonal creek provides lots of fun for the kids and a cool place to soak feet on the hot days. The sites are well positioned to each other with the sites on the outer loops providing the largest space. There always seems to be groups of family and friends camping side-by-side here. Decent flush bathrooms and showers available. Large play structure for children at edge of camp. Some car noise can be heard from the Hwy but it's not too bad.

From the campground there are hiking trails (including the PCT) and mountain biking trails (some of the best!) but they are not well marked. For trail information and maps head a couple miles up the road to The Hub Cylcery. Lake Hemet is across the hwy for fishing and boating. No swimming allowed. No paddle boards allowed. Free access to lake is via Lake Hemet Road, not through the private camp at Lake Hemet.

THINGS to consider when camping at Hurkey Creek: Due to severe wild fire risk at times this campground will not allow wood fires (only propane). Check web site or call to confirm before heading up. Rattle snakes can be seen in this area in warmer months. This campground can get hot in the summer but there is good shade in many of the sites. If you check the weather for this campground look up weather in Mountain Center, not Idyllwild which is approx one thousand feet higher.