Best Dispersed Camping near Jolon, CA
Several dispersed camping areas exist near Jolon, California, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Williams Hill Recreation Area offers free primitive camping with seven designated sites and additional overflow areas for dispersed camping. Other options include Will Creek Road Dispersed, Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground, and Cone Peak, which provide more remote backcountry experiences. These sites are situated throughout the coastal mountains, offering varying levels of accessibility and terrain conditions.
Most access roads require careful navigation, particularly beyond the main highways. Williams Hill has approximately five miles of dirt road with some steep sections and switchbacks, though generally well-maintained. Will Creek Road and Plasket Ridge feature narrow, unmaintained roads that often demand high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, with complete bans typically enforced. Williams Hill enforces a 14-day camping limit. No water is available at any of these locations, and facilities are minimal—Williams Hill provides vault toilets while other areas have no amenities whatsoever.
These dispersed sites provide expansive views of the Salinas Valley, coastal mountains, and in some locations, the Pacific Ocean. Williams Hill campers appreciate the covered picnic tables, fire rings, and relative privacy. The more remote sites offer opportunities to camp above the marine layer with exceptional stargazing. "Above the fog line and beautiful views! I recommend four wheel drive to go to the places in the pictures," noted one Will Creek Road visitor. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions including strong winds at higher elevations and potentially crowded conditions on weekends at more accessible locations like Plasket Ridge, where one camper cautioned, "Practically camping on top of each other. Going up or down that road is only for 4x4 and keep an eye out for crazy drivers."
