• HURKEY CREEK PARK

  Does Hurkey Creek Park have adequately paved paths to accommodate persons with limited mobility?

• Does Hurkey Creek Park have adequately paved paths to accommodate persons with limited mobility?

• While there are accessible restrooms, there are no other special accommodations for the handicapped. However, aside from the campsites themselves (which are dirt), roads and paths to restrooms are paved or concrete and so somewhat accessible.

• What is the majority of the Day Use land like? (Paved, grassy, gravel, sandy, flat, bumpy, etc.)

The day-use area has a lovely, flat, grassy meadow that is nice all year long. In summer, sprinklers provide refreshment to kids young and old who wish to play in them. There are many shade trees on the perimeter of the meadow, but the center of the meadow is open to the sun and sky. Day use areas are open all year long.

• What types of trails are within the park for walking, hiking, biking, or horse riding?

There are several trails for walking, hiking, and biking. Trails are limited in the park; however, Hurkey Creek Trail is located in the back of the Park on USFS public land. Other trails are a short drive away. Many trails enter National Forest Wilderness, where a permit is required. Horses are not allowed on the trails within the park, but there is an equestrian trail that runs along the perimeter of the park that connects with the McCall Equestrian Campground less than 5 miles away.

• How many playgrounds are in the park?

There is one very nice playground near the day-use and camping areas. Children under age 5 should have parental supervision.

• Is there water in the creek year-round, and are campers allowed to swim/wade/enter the running water?

The creek is a beautiful natural seasonal feature of the park. When water is present, campers and guests (including dogs) are welcome to splash and play.

• What activities are available in Hurkey Creek Park?

Picnic, BBQ, hiking, biking and bird-watching. The meadow offers a large area for outdoor games (softball, volleyball, etc. – provide your own equipment) or group gathering.

• Does Hurkey Creek Park have an on-site store?

Not in the park itself, but there is an independent general store about 1 mile away that offers basic grocery items and sundries, specialty & deli offerings, drinks, etc.

• Do sites provide full hookups?

No. All vehicles must be self-contained; however, the restrooms have flush toilets and showers which operate on quarters.

• Which sites offer some level of privacy?

None. Some sites have no adjoining site behind them, but all are accessible and visible to the rest of the park.

• Which sites are best for tent camping?

All.

• Which sites are closest to a water faucet?

Community faucets can be found within 4 or 5 sites.

• Are there any exceptions to the 2 vehicle/2 tent maximum?

No.

• Do all sites have a fire ring and picnic table?

Yes.

• Is there a dump station available to campers on-site? If not, where is the nearest?

There is no dump station on-site, but one is available at Lake Hemet, for a fee, about 1 mile away- east on Hwy. 74.

• Are campers able to exit and re-enter the park at any time?

Yes. Be reminded that quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM- please be courteous to other campers.

• What information is needed when registering into a campsite?

Info on registration card: name, address, license of all vehicles, # of campers, # of pets, etc. Driver’s license and registration may be required.

• Does Hurkey Creek Park offer group picnic and/or group camping?

Group picnic and group camping are available by reservation only April 1- November 30th. There are 5 group camping areas, each of which can accommodate approximately 80 people. We have 1 reservable day-use area with parking for approximately 40 vehicles. Any special events need to be addressed to Park reservations.

• What non-911 emergency numbers should campers have available?

Campers should always carry their own personal emergency contacts, but the park kiosk can provide local numbers and information regarding emergency or necessary services campers might need.

• How far away is the nearest grocery store and gas station?

A small general store is one mile away. Mainstream stores like Wal-Mart or Target, are approximately 30 minutes down the hill in Hemet or Palm Desert. Fuel in Idyllwild- 8 miles, fuel in Hemet- 16 miles, fuel in Anza- 15 miles.

• What other activities are there in the area, such as trails, movies, historical/natural sites, etc.?

The Idyllwild Nature Center is free to campers; the City of Idyllwild has lots to do: shopping, dining, music, art galleries, etc. Horse rental is available at McCall (May 1 to October 30).

• What sorts of animals/wildlife are common in the park?

Deer, grey tree and ground squirrels, coyotes, skunks, snakes. Many kinds of birds! Hurkey Creek is listed in the National Audubon Society Field Guide, and we host lots of visitors who come for the pleasure of birdwatching.

• What precautions should be taken to avoid unpleasant encounters with wild animals?

Keep away and contact a ranger. Do not feed animals. Please keep a clean campsite. Do not attempt to pet animals and stay away from burrows. If snakes are encountered, contact Park staff for removal.