Within BLM Land managed by the Central Coast Field Office, Williams Hill Recreation Area sits atop a ridgeline west of Highway 101, accessed by a narrow gravel road that climbs through washboard sections and tight switchbacks. The campground features seven designated sites, each equipped with a covered picnic table, fire ring, and concrete pad, plus additional dispersed camping areas for overflow when the formal sites fill up.
Campers consistently note the expansive valley views from the ridge-top location, though site selection matters for comfort. Laura M. found that "site #4 was much better - shady and even better views" compared to more exposed options. The single vault toilet serves the area, though its proximity affects site desirability. Summer visitors report aggressive bees and wasps, while cooler months bring relief from both insects and heat.
The area doubles as an OHV destination with established trails branching from the campground, though ATV and dirt bike activity varies significantly by season and day of week. Shooting is common in surrounding areas, adding to the noise level on busy weekends. Two sites accommodate larger rigs as pull-throughs, while the narrow access road challenges bigger setups - one reviewer noted their 30-foot trailer made it up but caused transmission heating on the steep, washboard climb.
Cell service reaches most of the campground despite the remote location, though signals drop during the approach drive. The 14-day stay limit applies, and no water or trash service is provided. Brett L. appreciated the infrastructure, noting each site "had a concrete pad with a covered picnic table and a BBQ pit." For additional camping options in the region, consider campgrounds near Jolon or Lake San Antonio - North Shore. This spot works well for self-sufficient campers comfortable with rough road access and variable noise levels.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWilliams Hill Recreation Area is located in California near Jolon
Directions
Primary access is from US Highway 101. Take the San Ardo exit and travel west onto Paris Valley Road, turn left onto Lockwood-San Ardo Road. The public lands boundary begins approximately 5 miles down the road from the Lockwood-San Ardo Road turnoff. Once at Williams Hill, the campground can be reached by turning onto road W1 and heading south.
Coordinates
35.97826095 N
121.00942018 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 42 usersLast on 6/12/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 6/12/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 6/12/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 42 usersLast on 6/12/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 6/12/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 6/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Williams Hill Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 26 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 1 hr 28 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 53 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 2 hrs 19 min from Hanford, CA
