Wilderness Cove Campground has always been a place where families unplug, reconnect with nature, and float lazily down the pristine Green River. But in late September 2024, our peaceful campground in Saluda, North Carolina was forever changed by Hurricane Helene—a storm that didn’t just knock down trees but nearly knocked us out entirely.

This is the story of what happened, how we responded, what we lost, and the resilience it’s taken to rebuild Wilderness Cove into what it is today.

The Calm Before the Storm

The campground was completely full in the days leading up to Hurricane Helene. It was late September, and we had recently wrapped up a successful tubing season. The weather had been warm and dry, the river had been flowing smoothly, and we were looking forward to hosting a wedding group the following weekend—something we were incredibly proud to accommodate.

But then came the warnings. Hurricane Helene, a storm system initially thought to pose minimal risk to inland areas, rapidly intensified and shifted course. By the time we realized the severity, we had less than 48 hours to clear out every site.

On September 25, 2024, we asked all guests to evacuate, but not everyone wanted to leave. We had to contact the local fire marshal to enforce an emergency evacuation order for their safety. It was a heartbreaking but necessary call.

Hurricane Helene hit Wilderness Cove late on September 26, 2024, into the early morning hours of September 27, 2024. Trees fell everywhere, bringing power lines down with them. The Green River water level rose slowly at first, and then very rapidly to heights never seen before. Powerful water was rushing through the campground and taking everything in its path with it.

Our Staff Became Storm Survivors

While most guests left in time, several of our core team members stayed behind to try to secure equipment and protect the property. As the storm intensified and floodwaters rose, communication became nearly impossible. Roads were washed out, and cell towers went down. For a period of time, we didn’t know whether our staff was safe.

Eventually, through coordination with local emergency responders, we arranged for them to be airlifted out. It was the only way to reach them. We will never forget the fear and relief wrapped into that moment—knowing they were okay, even as the campground they had worked so hard to maintain was left in ruins.

The Aftermath: Losses and Cancellations

The destruction was staggering.

• Two river cottages and our camp store were completely washed away.
• Two glamping tents were completely destroyed, and several others were filled with mud.
• Both Creekside Cottages were damaged—one of them was blown off its foundations.
• We had no power, no internet and no running water.
• To this day, we still do not have wired internet or phone service, relying instead on Starlink and Grasshopper VOIP Wi-Fi calling to operate.
• All of our underground drainage infrastructure was clogged with mud and needed to be dug up and replaced.
• Internal and external roadways were severely damaged.
• Three of our four shuttle buses used for tubing were totaled.
• We lost all of our tubes, and several picnic tables and fire rings.
• Over one hundred of pieces of business personal property—including kayaks, tubes, and watercraft gear—were destroyed or swept away.

All future reservations—nearly six months’ worth—had to be canceled and refunded.

The financial hit was brutal, but even more painful was the emotional one. Wilderness Cove wasn’t just our business. It was a part of our identity, our very first location for Outdoor Adventure Retreats. Years of blood, sweat and tears from many people went into building Wilderness Cove up to what it was.

Rebuilding the Dream

We immediately got to work. We filed insurance claims, pursued disaster relief grants, coordinated with contractors, and sourced replacement equipment. Every decision was made with a single focus: getting Wilderness Cove open again—safely and responsibly.

Some of our insurance claims were frustratingly denied. Others are somehow still under review. Despite the setbacks, through the fall and winter of 2024, we cleared debris, rebuilt infrastructure, and restored what we could.

We repaired restrooms, cabins, glamping tents, water lines, drainage systems, and roadways. We re-outfitted an old cabin to become our new campstore, restored tent and RV sites, and slowly brought back everything we could.

The local community, our staff, and returning guests all played a role.

Wildfires on Opening Weekend

We were finally ready to reopen in April 2025. But nature wasn’t quite finished with us.

In late March 2025, wildfires broke out in the surrounding region—right as we were preparing to welcome our first guests back. For the second time in six months, we had to evacuate our staff and cancel guest reservations. Once again, our team showed up with resilience and grace, and once again, we refunded all the affected guests.

Thankfully, the wildfires spared Wilderness Cove itself, but they were a sobering reminder of just how vulnerable—and how strong—this land and this team are.

A New Chapter Begins

By April 2025, Wilderness Cove Campground was back open in a limited fashion.

We had fewer accommodations available than before the storm, but we’ve done everything we can to make the most of what remains. Our Green River Guest House,  Premium Glamping Retreats and Creekside Cottages received a huge refresh—and they’re better than ever.

We continue to make improvements week by week, balancing what was lost with the excitement of what’s new.

Tubing Returns, Carefully

We know tubing the Green River is what brings many people to Wilderness Cove. Getting our tubing program back up and running was a top priority—but also a complex one.

The Green River’s course changed significantly during the hurricane. Fallen trees, shifting currents, and new underwater hazards mean that it’s not the same float it used to be. So we made the decision to reopen tubing with new safety protocols in place:

• Tubing is currently available only to guests with a campground reservation.
• Tubing operates Friday through Sunday only.
• All tubers must reserve their float in advance.
• All tubers are required to wear water shoes.
• We highly encourage signing up for our new guided float, led by river guides who know the updated course inside and out.

We’ve made these changes not to limit the experience, but to protect it—and you.

Looking Ahead

Wilderness Cove is not the same place it was before Hurricane Helene. It’s stronger. It’s been tested, shaped, and reimagined—just like the river it sits beside.

The Green River and the Green River Gamelands are healing more each day. As the river flows and the forest regrows, nature is returning—and with it, the wildlife, peace, and beauty that make this place so special.

We are so thankful to our loyal guests, our incredible team, and the outdoor community that rallied around us in our toughest season yet. If you’ve ever floated down the Green River, camped under the stars here, or even just thought about visiting, we invite you to come back.

Like Wilderness Cove, many small businesses in our region depend on tourism. Booking a vacation here is not just a getaway—it’s a lifeline for the community.

Because Wilderness Cove is more than a campground. It’s a story of resilience. And that story continues—with you.

Book your stay, reserve your float, and be part of the next chapter.

To learn more about Wilderness Cove Campground & Tubing, visit www.OutdoorAdventureRetreats.com or email us at info@wildernesscovecampground.com!