Best Dispersed Camping near Willits, CA
Several dispersed camping opportunities exist near Willits, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Free primitive sites include Mayacmas Campground near Ukiah, BLM Sheldon Creek near Hopland, and Lakeview Dispersed Campground. Cow Mountain Recreation Area provides dispersed camping options with basic amenities like vault toilets and trash service. Additional sites include Usal Beach Campground along the coast and High Valley Road Dispersed, though access varies significantly across locations.
Many dispersed sites require careful navigation on unpaved, steep roads with loose gravel and dirt surfaces. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most areas, with four-wheel drive necessary for certain locations like High Valley Road. BLM Sheldon Creek features a winding dirt/gravel road that most passenger vehicles can navigate, while Mayacmas Campground has extremely steep access. Fire restrictions vary by season and location, with some sites permitting fires in established rings when conditions allow. Most areas lack drinking water, hookups, or modern facilities, though a few like BLM Sheldon Creek and Cow Mountain offer vault toilets.
The terrain and accessibility create varied camping experiences across these sites. BLM Sheldon Creek provides a creek setting with established fire pits and picnic tables at its 3-5 sites. Lakeview Dispersed Campground offers impressive views of Clear Lake, though the access road requires careful driving. Visitors frequently mention challenging road conditions as the primary concern when accessing these areas. A review of Sheldon Creek noted, "A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views." Similarly, at Lakeview, a camper reported, "Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service." Wind can be significant at higher elevation sites, and some areas may have seasonal closures due to fire damage or other hazards.
