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Hurricane Campground

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Hurricane Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (276) 783-5196

Address 2021 Hurricane, Camp Rd, Sugar Grove, VA 24375, USA

Website https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233308

Hours

Hurricane Campground Location & Map

VirginiaSmyth CountySugar GroveCamp Road

Hurricane Campground About

Hello, fellow Virginians! Are you yearning for a serene escape into the heart of our state's stunning natural beauty, a place where privacy, peace, and unparalleled access to the great outdoors converge? Look no further than Hurricane Campground, a hidden gem nestled near Sugar Grove, Virginia. This isn't just any campground; it's a cherished retreat, so beloved that one visitor almost hesitated to review it, wanting to "keep this place to myself!"

Hurricane Campground consistently earns rave reviews for its tranquil atmosphere and thoughtful design. Imagine spacious campsites, thoughtfully distanced from each other, allowing you to truly unwind in nature without feeling crowded. With the soothing sounds of a creek running through the grounds and the fresh mountain air, it's the ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you're an avid hiker, a family looking for a quiet nature getaway, or simply seeking a peaceful spot to pitch your tent or park your RV, Hurricane Campground offers an experience that brings you closer to the untouched wilderness of Virginia.

What truly sets this campground apart, as countless visitors attest, are the exceptional hosts and the remarkable access to trails, including a segment of the legendary Appalachian Trail, directly from the campground. For over 10 years, repeat visitors have enjoyed "great experience" after great experience, highlighting the consistent quality and inviting ambiance. Prepare to discover your new favorite Virginia camping destination.

Location and Accessibility

Hurricane Campground is beautifully situated at 2021 Hurricane Camp Rd, Sugar Grove, VA 24375, USA. This address places it within the majestic Jefferson National Forest in Southwest Virginia, offering a true mountain escape while remaining accessible for Virginia residents.

To reach Hurricane Campground, most Virginians would typically utilize major interstate highways like I-81. If coming from the northern or central parts of Virginia (e.g., Roanoke, Charlottesville), you would generally take I-81 South towards Southwest Virginia. From I-81, specific exits (often around Atkins or Marion) would lead you onto state routes or local roads that wind through scenic countryside towards Sugar Grove. Hurricane Camp Road itself is a local access road that leads directly to the campground. While the roads leading to a national forest campground can be winding, they are generally well-maintained.

The remote, quiet atmosphere is a direct benefit of its location, providing a genuine sense of being immersed in nature. Despite this peaceful seclusion, the campground boasts remarkable accessibility to key recreational assets. Crucially, as highlighted by multiple customer reviews, there is "access to trails without leaving the campground, including part of the Appalachian Trail." This means you can lace up your hiking boots right from your campsite and embark on a section of this world-famous footpath. The campground's location truly offers a unique blend of serene solitude and immediate access to prime hiking opportunities.

Furthermore, while providing direct trail access, Hurricane Campground is also strategically located within a short driving distance of other significant interest points and trails in the region. As one long-time visitor noted, "In addition to trails at the site there are many trails and interest points within short drives from the campsite." This implies that day trips to other natural attractions, scenic overlooks, or charming nearby towns are easily accomplished from your base at Hurricane Campground. This combination of on-site trail access and proximity to regional attractions makes it an ideal spot for Virginians looking to explore the natural wonders of our mountainous southwest.

Services Offered

  • Spacious Campsites: Hurricane Campground offers sites that are a "good distance from each other," ensuring privacy and a sense of seclusion for campers.

  • Flush Toilets: The campground provides clean and functional flush toilets, offering a more comfortable restroom experience compared to pit toilets found in more primitive campgrounds.

  • Showers: There are shower facilities available. While one reviewer noted the water was "lukewarm," the availability of showers is a significant convenience for campers after a day of hiking or outdoor activities.

  • Potable Water Access: While not explicitly stated for every site, a campground with flush toilets typically has access to potable water for drinking and other needs.

  • Creek-side Sites: A number of campsites are located directly along a "nice creek that runs through the campground," offering soothing sounds and scenic views.

  • Friendly Campground Hosts: Reviewers consistently praise the "wonderful campground hosts," including Janeda and her husband, who are described as "so kind" and eager for everyone to "have a great time." These volunteers contribute significantly to the positive camping experience.

  • Free Firewood (at times): While one reviewer noted "They do not sell fire wood," another, more recent review mentioned "Firewood was free. As much as you wanted." This suggests that free firewood may be provided by the volunteer hosts when available, enhancing the campfire experience.

  • Quiet Atmosphere: The campground maintains a "Quiet atmosphere," with people respecting each other, making it ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility.

It is important for campers to note that while firewood was reportedly free in one instance, this might be a volunteer-provided amenity and not a guaranteed service, so it's wise to plan accordingly. The focus of the services is on providing essential comfort within a natural, private setting.

Features / Highlights

  • Exceptional Privacy: A consistent highlight from reviews is the excellent privacy offered by the campsites. Sites are "a good distance from each other" and are described as "private and quiet," ensuring a secluded camping experience.

  • Direct Appalachian Trail Access: One of the most significant features is the ability to access "part of the Appalachian Trail" directly "without leaving the campground." The AT is "w/in walking distance," making it an ideal base for hikers to explore this iconic long-distance trail.

  • Beautiful Creek-side Sites: A "nice creek that runs through the campground" adds to the serene ambiance. Campsites are available directly on the creek, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water and scenic views.

  • Clean Facilities (Showers & Flush Toilets): The presence of clean showers and flush toilets is a major convenience for campers, providing a higher level of comfort than more rustic campgrounds.

  • Wonderful and Kind Campground Hosts: The volunteer campground hosts, like Janeda and her husband, receive high praise for their kindness and dedication, actively working to ensure visitors have a great experience. This personal touch significantly enhances the stay.

  • Peaceful & Quiet Atmosphere: The campground is consistently described as having a "Quiet atmosphere" where "People really respect each other," making it perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature undisturbed.

  • Free Firewood (at times): The mention of "Firewood was free. As much as you wanted" by volunteer hosts is a delightful bonus that enhances the traditional camping experience around a campfire.

  • Proximity to Other Trails & Points of Interest: In addition to on-site trails, there are "many trails and interest points within short drives from the campsite," offering diverse exploration opportunities in the surrounding Jefferson National Forest and beyond.

  • Ideal October Weather: As noted by a reviewer, the "Weather in October in this area is perfect," suggesting it's an excellent time for hiking and enjoying the fall foliage.

Promotions or Special Offers

As Hurricane Campground is part of the Jefferson National Forest, its pricing and operations are typically governed by national forest service guidelines. Therefore, you won't usually find traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way you might at a privately owned RV park. However, there are inherent "offers" and benefits that contribute to its value:

  • Affordable Rates: National Forest campgrounds generally offer very competitive and affordable rates compared to private campgrounds, making them an excellent value for budget-conscious campers.

  • Interagency Pass Discounts: For eligible individuals (such as seniors, military, or those with permanent disabilities), various Interagency Passes (e.g., America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass) can offer discounts on camping fees. It is always wise to inquire about these if you hold such a pass.

  • Volunteer-Provided Free Firewood: As highlighted in a recent review, the provision of "free firewood. As much as you wanted" by the volunteer hosts is a significant value-add. While this might be a discretionary amenity based on volunteer availability and resources, it's a wonderful unexpected "offer" that enhances the camping experience.

  • Exceptional Value for Location and Amenities: The combination of private, spacious sites, flush toilets, showers, and direct access to the Appalachian Trail at an affordable national forest rate represents significant value in itself.

For the most accurate and current information on camping fees, availability, and any potential specific offers related to National Forest Service guidelines, it is always best for Virginians to check the official recreation.gov website (the booking platform for most federal campgrounds) or contact the local ranger district office for the Jefferson National Forest. While direct "promotions" are uncommon, the inherent affordability and the occasional generosity of volunteer hosts (like the free firewood) make Hurricane Campground an excellent and valuable choice for campers.

Contact Information

For inquiries, information, or to check availability for Hurricane Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2021 Hurricane Camp Rd, Sugar Grove, VA 24375, USA

Phone: (276) 783-5196

Mobile Phone: +1 276-783-5196 (This number may connect directly to the campground host during the operating season, or to the local ranger district office of the Jefferson National Forest.)

As a National Forest campground, reservations for Hurricane Campground are often made through the official Recreation.gov website. It is highly recommended to visit this site to check real-time availability and make bookings, especially during peak seasons. For specific questions that cannot be answered via the website, using the provided phone numbers to contact the local Forest Service office or the campground hosts directly (if available) would be the best approach.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Virginians, Hurricane Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a perfect illustration of why our state is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. This campground is exceptionally suitable for locals seeking an authentic, peaceful, and accessible mountain camping experience right here in our own backyard.

The core appeal lies in its incredible sense of privacy and tranquility. As Virginians, we often cherish our personal space and the ability to truly disconnect. Hurricane Campground delivers on this, with sites thoughtfully spaced far apart, ensuring a "very private" and "quiet" atmosphere where "People really respect each other here." This allows for genuine relaxation, undisturbed by the hustle and bustle, making it ideal for a peaceful family retreat or a serene solo escape. The soothing presence of the creek running through the campground further enhances this peaceful ambiance, offering a natural soundtrack to your outdoor adventure.

Beyond the quietude, Hurricane Campground is a dream come true for Virginia's hiking enthusiasts. The unparalleled access to trails directly from the campground, including a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail, is a major highlight. Imagine waking up, stepping out of your tent, and immediately being able to embark on a segment of this world-famous path. This convenience means less time driving and more time enjoying the fresh air and stunning scenery of our mountains. Even for those not aiming for a thru-hike, the opportunity for a fulfilling day hike without leaving the campground is invaluable.

The presence of clean flush toilets and showers, even if the water is sometimes lukewarm, significantly elevates the comfort level, making camping accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of locals, including families or those new to tent camping. Furthermore, the consistent praise for the "wonderful campground hosts," who are often volunteers, speaks volumes about the welcoming and community-oriented spirit you'll find here. Their dedication, and even the occasional generous provision of free firewood, reflects a genuine desire for visitors to have a great time, fostering a truly positive experience.

In essence, Hurricane Campground offers the ideal combination of secluded natural beauty, essential comforts, and direct access to premier outdoor recreation, all within the accessible confines of our own Jefferson National Forest. It's a place where you can truly unwind, reconnect with nature, and create cherished memories, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for any Virginian seeking a genuine and restorative camping adventure.

Customer Reviews

4.0
77 reviews
L
Lisa Wright Burbach
Aug 22, 2023

I almost hesitate to write a review because I'd like to keep this place to myself! This campground is by far our favorite. The sites are a good distance from each other, there is a shower and flush toilets, and we've always had wonderful campground hosts. There is a nice creek that runs through the campground with campsites on the creek. A bonus is access to trails without leaving the campground, including part of the Appalachian Trail. We have been coming here over 10 years and always had a great experience. In addition to trails at the site there are many trails and interest points within short drives from the campsite. They do not sell fire wood. Quite atmosphere

J
J B
Oct 21, 2021

Great campground. Showers and bathroom were clean. The water in shower was lukewarm, but that's good enough. Weather in October in this area is perfect. Lots of hikers. The AT trail is w/in walking distance. Janeda and her husband( sorry I've forgotten his name) were so kind. Firewood was free. As much as you wanted. They are volunteers, and it's great to see people who want everyone to have a great time. The sites are private and quiet. Site 22 recommended for its privacy and closeness to bath house. All the site's are very private. The camp ground was very quiet. People really respect each other here.

J
Jacqueline Tessler
Sep 26, 2022

This area of VA is picturesque! The campground is off the beaten path, quiet, and well maintained. The creek is swift and singing. Lots of mature, tall timber. Enjoyed the trails that intersect the campground. Grab firewood before you check in as it’s a bit of a drive to little towns for wood. Sites along the creek are in a Flood Zone. I could definitely tell some could get quiet boggy in wet weather. We had dry weather and site 4 was perfection! Please note all sites past 20 are accessed by a couple of easy switchbacks in the road. Wasn’t expecting to see that elevation change within the campground. Not tough just unexpected. Lovely private forested sites up there.

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Nimajus Bagdonavicius
Jun 08, 2018

I have been cross country couple of times, camped everywhere around and this campground really stands out! The distance between sites is great, the uniqueness of each spot is wonderful. Amazing under the canopy of great trees sites on one site are contrasted by campsites right on the creek. I feel asleep to a soft sounds of running water through the rocks. Also there's a hike to a small waterfall which is part of the Appalachian trail, so you can meet interesting hardcore hikers. Most bathrooms are outhouse type. But there's one or two nice clean one with a shower (hot!) T-mobile and Sprint had no service in the valley which I think is a plus! :D

M
Mike Lish
Sep 28, 2024

We camped at Hurricane CG in late Sept. 2024. The campground is nestled into the deep hardwood forest of Virginia. Rhododendrons, hemlock trees, and others were all around. We had some rain but even without the rain it was pretty humid. Cell service can be found by driving toward Marion, about 15-20 minutes north. There are 2 restrooms with male/female sides, a flush toilet and a shower in each and a unisex vault toilet in the middle of the campground. Phil, the host, has been there for many years and did a great job of maintaining the place. If you like high mountains and long vistas this is not the place for you. But if you like quiet, peaceful, beautiful, off-the-grid serenity, you might give this place a try!