A look back at Hurricane Camille. Hurricane Camille, the USA's second strongest 20th century hurricane, hit the Gulf Coast in 1969. Camille became a hurricane on Aug. 15, 1969 south of Cuba and began quickly growing that night as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico. look back at Hurricane Camille. Hurricane Camille, the USA's second strongest 20th century hurricane, hit the Gulf Coast in 1969. Camille became a hurricane on Aug. 15, 1969 south of Cuba and began quickly growing that night as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico.