Rustic camping near King City, California features diverse terrain ranging from coastal ridges at 3,000+ feet elevation to inland valley sites with daytime temperatures often reaching the 90s in summer. The dispersed camping options sit primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land across multiple ridgelines, with several areas requiring significant driving on unmaintained roads. Seasonal closures affect accessibility throughout the year.
What to do
Stargazing above marine layer: At Plaskett Ridge Dispersed Campground, campers position themselves above the marine layer for exceptional night sky viewing. According to one camper, the location offers "an amazing location to wake up in the morning. View of the pacific ocean on one side and valley on the other."
Sunrise watching: Early risers at higher elevation sites can catch spectacular sunrises. A visitor to Williams Hill Recreation Area noted there were "plenty of birds hanging out to watch while making our camp breakfast" with "beautiful sunrise off the hill in the morning."
Photography opportunities: The dramatic elevation changes create unique lighting conditions. One visitor mentioned the location "was above the fog line and beautiful views!!" at the camping areas along the ridgelines where coastal fog meets clear mountain air.
Target practice: Some designated areas permit target shooting. A visitor to Tumey Hills Box Canyon noted it "is a shooting range. If you're in to target practice you'd give it a five," though be aware of regulations and always pack out spent casings.
What campers like
Privacy in remote locations: Many campers appreciate the seclusion. One camper at Tumey Hills described how "after the shooting stopped, about 8:30 PM, it was amazingly quiet. For us, needing only a stop-over, it was perfect."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystems support varied wildlife. A visitor at Williams Hill Recreation Area described how there were "only two other campers there - 1 tent and 1 RV. Beautiful sunrise off the hill in the morning and plenty of birds hanging out to watch while making our camp breakfast."
Quick access to Highway 1: For those exploring the coast, some dispersed sites provide relatively easy access to coastal attractions. One camper noted the Plaskett Ridge area is "just past the Plaskett Creek campground which is expensive and requires reservations."
Cost savings: Free camping appeals to budget-conscious travelers. A camper at Timber Top Camp shared that "this might be the most beautiful camping spot I have ever stayed at. It's a ~2.8 mile hike in, but it is worth every step."
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to most sites requires navigating rough roads. One camper at Plaskett Ridge warned that it's "fairly safe, clean, and not crowded. A great location for pro-overlanders and for testing 4x4 off-road driving skills."
Weekend crowding: Popular areas fill quickly, particularly during peak season. A visitor to Plaskett Ridge cautioned the area gets "too crowded on weekends" with campers "practically camping on top of each other."
Environmental concerns: Conservation efforts sometimes restrict access. A visitor to Will Creek Road Dispersed reported "attempted to camp on 12/01/2024 and the road was closed. Beautiful views on the way, but unfortunately the gate was locked."
Fire restrictions: Strict fire regulations apply, especially during dry months. A director with the Big Sur Community Association emphasized: "campfires are NOT permitted outside of established campgrounds during the summer months. This is crucial to prevent forest fires, which we've struggled with in the past."
Insect activity: Bugs can be problematic during warmer months. A camper at Williams Hill Recreation Area warned that "the gnats, bees, mosquitoes, and flies are relentless!"
Tips for camping with families
Scout locations first: Remote sites lack facilities, so preparation is key. One family who visited Will Creek Road observed "this place was busy! Almost every pull off on the side of the road was taken but we were able to find a spot! Get here early for the best chance of finding a good spot."
Pack extra water: No potable water exists at any sites. A visitor to Tumey Hills Box Canyon recommended bringing "a jug from Lowe's with a spicket!" since there is "no water or bathrooms."
Consider noise levels: Some areas allow shooting or have other noise factors. One camper at Tumey Hills noted it functions as "a gun range, lots of people shooting. Wouldn't be my first choice. Easy overnight spot."
Alternative hiking options: For families not comfortable with remote dispersed camping, consider Bluff Camp where one visitor described it as "a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail" though they noted the trail "crosses the river/creek extremely frequently."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many sites can't accommodate larger rigs. A visitor to Williams Hill Recreation Area warned "I wouldn't advise big RVs coming up here. Most of the spots only accommodate like van size and down."
Road navigation challenges: Steep grades and narrow passages make access difficult. One RVer at Williams Hill described taking "a 27 foot 1996 RV up that road" noting it was "a 7 mile dirt road at times a bit steep and rough. But we made it up here slowly and safely."
Dust management: Unpaved roads create significant dust. An RVer warned "the road in was dusty and kinda long way up a hill. So everything was covered in dirt."
Overnight convenience: For those just passing through, some areas offer quick highway access. A visitor to Boondocking - Coalinga described it as a "basic pull off area that is good for a nights rest. There are a couple of gas stations and fast food restaurants nearby."
