Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Camp
Open — The campground is currently open through January 1, 2026. The seasonal operating period runs from March 15 through January 1 annually.
Appalachian Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
Our staff on the Appalachian Ranger District, in cooperation with partners and volunteers, have made great progress clearing debris and repairing damage from Hurricane Helene on the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Roan Mountain area of Appalachian Ranger District due to heightened fire danger caused by Hurricane Helene. The fire restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Please use caution as you travel in and around the Forest. We have a lot of heavy equipment and repair crews in the area working on roads damaged during Hurricane Helene. Up to 2,000 tons of gravel are being placed EVERY DAY on our Forest Service roads through the summer and fall.
Paint Rock Closure
Effective through May 1, 2035, certain National Forest System lands in the Paint Rock area, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest, will be closed to protect cultural resources.
Grandfather Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
The following recreation sites and trails remain closed:McDowell County:
Appalachian Trail Detour- Iron Mountain Gap
The Iron Mountain Gap detour is now in place to route hikers around the final remaining 6 miles of closed section of the Appalachian Trail from about a mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to about a mile north of Iron Mountain Gap (approx. NOBO mile 360.6 to 365.9).
Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
The fishing pier at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area on the Uwharrie National Forest is closed till further notice due to storm damage. The Day Use area remains open and the three smaller accessible fishing platforms are available for public use.
Pisgah Camping Limitations
The following act is prohibited within 1000 feet of a road open to public vehicle travel on the Pisgah Ranger District in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties in North Carolina.
Max Patch Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.
About
Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Camp is a primitive camping area situated in the southwestern mountains of North Carolina within the Nantahala National Forest. This small campground features 6 first-come, first-served sites designed specifically for equestrians and hikers exploring the Standing Indian Basin trail network. The camp includes horse stalls, fire rings at each site, and a vault toilet, but no potable water or other developed amenities. Horses are permitted only in the designated horse camp area and on trails, with no camping allowed within 50 feet of Hurricane Creek. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the extensive trail system in the area, including the Hurricane Creek Loop Trail and connections to the broader Southern Nantahala Wilderness trail network. The surrounding area offers opportunities for day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and fishing in Hurricane Creek. Big and small game hunting occurs in the surrounding national forest during appropriate seasons. Access is via a 2-mile gravel forest road past Standing Indian Campground.
Directions
From Franklin, take US 64 West for 9 miles, turn left on Old US 64 and follow signs to Standing Indian Campground. Continue south on Forest Road 67 past Standing Indian Campground for 2 miles on gravel road.
Nearby Campgrounds
- KIMSEY CREEK GROUP CAMPGROUND 1.7mi
- Standing Indian Campground 2.0mi
- Sandy Bottoms Rec. Area 7.0mi
- Tate Branch Campground 7.3mi
- Low Gap Campground 9.0mi
- Tallulah River Campground 9.0mi
- Winesprings Horse Camp 10mi
- Black Rock Mountain State Park 12mi
- NANTAHALA LAKE DISPERSED CAMPING SITE - LAKE ACCESS 12mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.nantahalard@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (828) 524-6441 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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