Hurricane creek campground 0

Hurricane creek campground Introduce

Welcome to Hurricane Creek Campground, a hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking Wallowa Mountains near Joseph, Oregon. For those seeking an authentic outdoor experience, far from the hustle and bustle, this campground offers a serene and immersive escape into nature. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper or prefer the convenience of car camping, Hurricane Creek Campground provides a unique opportunity to connect with Oregon's stunning natural landscapes.

This campground is particularly cherished by locals for its peaceful ambiance and its proximity to incredible hiking and outdoor activities. Imagine falling asleep to the soothing sounds of a babbling creek and waking up to the crisp mountain air. While it offers a rustic camping experience, it provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, making it a favorite for those who appreciate unspoiled wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

Hurricane Creek Campground is conveniently located at 62378 Hurricane Creek Rd, Joseph, OR 97846, USA. While the address places it firmly in the heart of Oregon's outdoor paradise, it's important to note the specific nature of its accessibility. The drive from the paved road is generally fine, but as you approach the campground itself, the road becomes quite steep for a short stretch. This characteristic makes it particularly well-suited for tent and car camping.

For those with trailers, this steep section of road is a significant consideration, and it is generally not recommended for larger recreational vehicles. The secluded nature of the campground, while contributing to its charm, means you're truly getting away from it all. Planning your route and understanding the road conditions beforehand will ensure a smooth arrival. The journey to Hurricane Creek Campground is part of the adventure, leading you deeper into the tranquil beauty of the Wallowa Mountains.

Services Offered
  • Designated Campsites: The campground offers a variety of individual campsites, some situated near the creek for that coveted soothing sound, and others nestled among the trees, providing more privacy. While specific site numbers aren't publicly available, the general layout offers options for different preferences.
  • Pit Toilets: Hurricane Creek Campground is equipped with three well-maintained pit toilets. Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of these essential facilities, which is a significant plus for a rustic camping experience.
  • Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and organizing your camping gear.
  • Fire Rings: Most, if not all, campsites include a fire ring, perfect for enjoying a campfire, cooking meals, and gathering with your fellow campers under the stars (always check for local fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
  • Information Board: Upon entering the campground, you'll find an information board, likely providing details about the campground, local regulations, and perhaps trail maps or safety notices.
  • No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to note that there is no potable water available at Hurricane Creek Campground. Visitors must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes.
  • Pack It In, Pack It Out Policy: As with many wilderness campgrounds, Hurricane Creek operates on a strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy. This means all trash and waste must be carried out by campers, contributing to the preservation of the natural environment.
  • Fee Collection: There is a fee associated with staying at Hurricane Creek Campground, which is essential for the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities. Visitors are strongly encouraged to pay the fee to support the continued availability and quality of this beloved camping spot.
Features / Highlights
  • Secluded & Peaceful Atmosphere: One of the most celebrated features of Hurricane Creek Campground is its remarkable tranquility. Especially during the off-season or weekdays, campers often have large sections of the campground to themselves, allowing for an incredibly peaceful and private experience amidst nature.
  • Proximity to Hurricane Creek: The soothing sound of Hurricane Creek is a constant, delightful companion for campers. Many campsites are situated close enough to the creek that its gentle babbling provides a natural white noise, enhancing relaxation and sleep.
  • Ideal for Tent and Car Camping: Due to the nature of the access road, the campground is perfectly suited for tent campers and those utilizing their vehicles for car camping. It offers a genuine back-to-nature feel without requiring extensive backpacking.
  • Well-Maintained Pit Toilets: A consistent highlight in reviews, the three pit toilets at Hurricane Creek Campground are noted for their cleanliness and good maintenance, a significant comfort in a rustic setting.
  • Varied Campsite Options: While the campground is not vast, it offers a good selection of campsites. Some are right by the water, offering immediate creek access and sounds, while others are set back, providing more seclusion and a different ambiance. This variety allows campers to find a spot that best suits their preferences.
  • Beautiful Natural Setting: Surrounded by the stunning Wallowa Mountains, the campground offers picturesque views and a true immersion in Oregon's natural beauty. It's a perfect base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
  • Wildlife Presence: While a highlight for some, it's also a crucial point for awareness: bears have been noted in the area. This underscores the need for proper food storage and safety precautions, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.
Contact Information

For specific inquiries or to confirm current conditions, it is always recommended to check official sources or local forest service websites.

Address: 62378 Hurricane Creek Rd, Joseph, OR 97846, USA

Please note that direct phone numbers for this specific campground are not always publicly available due to its rustic nature. It is advisable to consult the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest website or local ranger stations for the most up-to-date information regarding fees, reservations (if any), and current conditions.

Conclusion: Why Hurricane Creek Campground is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Oregon, Hurricane Creek Campground represents an invaluable local resource for genuine outdoor recreation. Its accessibility from various parts of the state, particularly Eastern Oregon, makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer wilderness retreat without requiring extensive travel. Locals understand the allure of the Wallowa Mountains, and this campground offers a direct pathway to experiencing their raw beauty.

The fact that it’s often quieter during weekdays and the off-season resonates with those who appreciate solitude and a deeper connection with nature, away from peak tourist crowds. The emphasis on tent and car camping also aligns with a common local preference for more traditional, less amenity-dependent outdoor adventures. Many Oregonians seek out places where they can truly unplug, and Hurricane Creek Campground delivers exactly that with its lack of services like potable water, encouraging self-reliance and responsible outdoor practices.

Furthermore, the positive feedback from previous visitors, highlighting the well-maintained pit toilets and the enchanting sound of the creek, speaks to the quality of the experience. While it may see more local activity during high season weekends, its consistent appeal lies in its ability to offer a serene escape for those who know when and how to best enjoy it. It's a place where local knowledge of the area, including awareness of wildlife and the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos, truly enhances the camping experience. Hurricane Creek Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a vital part of the outdoor fabric that makes living in Oregon so special, offering an authentic and rejuvenating connection to the state's magnificent natural heritage.

Location

OregonWallowa CountyJosephHurricane Creek Road

Customer Reviews

3.0
5 reviews
J
Jayne Cravens
Oct 14, 2024

This is one of my favorite campgrounds anywhere - but your experience is going to depend very much on other campers. We've been twice, both in the off-season, the last time in the first week of October on a week day, and we had most of the campground to ourselves both times. Great for tent camping or car camping, NOT a good place to take a trailer, due to the road, which is fine from the pavement but when it goes down to the campground, it's short but quite steep. Once you drive down to the site, there is a really lousy campsite immediately on the left - don't pick that one (it's right next to the road in and out). There's another site RIGHT in front of you, near the information board, next to the water. I wouldn't choose that one either unless it was the only one available. To your left is a road to three or four sites, but note the road is super sandy. To your right is a road leading to are five or six more sites, and they are all worthwhile. This site has THREE pit toilets, all of which were wonderfully maintained when we were there. The first time we were there, we never saw or heard the people in two other campsites. The last time we were there, we got visits from the people in two other camp sites and they were lovely. In high season, on a weekend, I probably wouldn't go here - I suspect it's a party site by locals. But on a weekday and out of season, when we went, we LOVE it - the babbling river nearby is a wonderful sound all night. No water and please pack out your trash. Note that there have been bears in the area - as we are tent campers via motorcycle, we put all of our things at night in our panniers and the nearest pit toilet and then took them all away in the morning when we left. PLEASE pay the fee - it's very expensive to maintain this site.

T
Tareef Dedhar (tarfeef101)
Oct 21, 2023

Got a spot at the last-est of minutes (tho it was shoulder season). Fairly flat, there was a toilet (didn't use), some tables, etc. You might find the creek loud I guess but that's what happens if ur camping beside a creek 🤷‍♀️ if you don't like that, go somewhere else. Plenty of people like the white noise so not a detractor, just a thing to be aware of.

s
scott shelton
Jul 28, 2022

Did a quick drive through on a Saturday morning. Pro's: Very pretty setting Nice creek view at some of the sites Cons: Super busy Steep one lane road to get to the camp Do not take a trailer/Rv into this area Very unfriendly campers Over used Overall: At one time this was most likely an amazing place. Many out of the campers appeared from out of state and did not understand the negative impact of spreading out and acting like it was a city.

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Matt Spencer
Jun 15, 2025

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Angel Colvin
Jul 29, 2023