Best Dispersed Camping near Cayucos, CA
Dispersed camping options near Cayucos, California include several free primitive sites on public lands. TV Tower Road offers ridge-top camping with panoramic views of Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Williams Hill Recreation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), provides seven established sites with covered picnic tables and fire rings. According to reviews, Williams Hill features "one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend," so bringing your own supplies is essential. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Will Creek Road and Plasket Ridge, though accessibility varies.
Road conditions require careful preparation. TV Tower Road involves a narrow, winding dirt road with steep sections. Several campers noted it becomes "narrow at parts, but there are spots along it where 2 cars can pass each other." Williams Hill Recreation Area is accessible via 5-7 miles of dirt road with washboard sections. Most passenger vehicles can navigate these roads in dry conditions, but high-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially for Will Creek Road and Plasket Ridge.
No drinking water is available at any of these sites. Pack in all necessary water and supplies. Fire restrictions are strictly enforced, particularly during dry summer months when complete fire bans are common. Cell service is generally good at Williams Hill but spotty or nonexistent at other locations. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation; sites above the marine layer can be windy but offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. Temperatures typically cool significantly at night, even during summer months, so appropriate clothing and sleeping gear are necessary.