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Best Dispersed Camping near King City, CA

67 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near King City, California include several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites offering primitive camping experiences. Williams Hill Recreation Area stands as the most developed option, featuring seven designated sites with covered picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. According to reviews, "Sites 5 and 7 are suitable for larger rigs, with Site 5 being a pull-through that can accommodate 40ft+ rigs and tow vehicles." Additional overflow areas exist for dispersed camping if the main sites are occupied.

Access to Williams Hill requires navigating approximately 5-7 miles of dirt road with washboard sections and occasional steep grades. Most passenger vehicles can make the journey when driven slowly and carefully. The road is narrow in sections, requiring vehicles to yield to downhill traffic. Will Creek Road and Plasket Ridge provide more primitive dispersed camping options but demand higher clearance vehicles. Several campers noted that Will Creek Road "is very steep, going from 200' above sea level to over 3000' at the top" and requires off-road experience.

No potable water is available at any of these sites. Campers must pack in all water and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions are common during dry months, with complete bans typically in effect throughout summer. Cell service varies by location; Williams Hill generally provides good Verizon coverage, while more remote areas have limited or no service. The 14-day stay limit applies to all BLM sites in the region. Weather conditions range from hot days (90s) in summer that cool significantly at night, to mild winter temperatures in the 60s during day and 40s at night. Insects, particularly bees, can be problematic during certain seasons.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near King City, California (10)

    1. Williams Hill Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Jolon, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Amenities include one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend, picnic tables with shelter and fire pits. No water, no trash, fire bans most the dry months."

    "Sites have covered shelter with metal picnic tables with overhangs for stove and a fire ring. Sites 5 and 7 suitable for larger rigs. Site 5 is pull thru will accommodate 40ft+ rig and pull vehicle."

    2. Will Creek Road Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    28 miles

    "Dispersed camping all along the trail, despite a sign saying no car camping. It was a 45 min (6 mile) trip up a dirt road but boy was it worth it."

    "I’m surprised I haven’t known about this little gem that is only 2 hours away from me. Above the fog line and beautiful views!!"

    3. Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 242-0619

    "It's a very dry summer & residents are on edge - just a reminder:

    "Hey campers!"

    "Amazing location to wake up in the morning. View of the pacific ocean on one side and valley on the other. 4x4 vehicle needed. Fairly safe, clean, and not crowded."

    4. Cone Peak

    1 Review
    Lucia, CA
    23 miles
    Website

    "* 11.1 miles from trail head to the summit

    • 5,600 ft. in elevation gain
    • Took 7.5 hours total (4.5 hours moving time)
    • Limited water on trail. "

    5. Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    11 Reviews
    Mendota, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe’s with a spicket!"

    "Easy overnight BLM spot, we stayed overnight on the way to San Jose - easy to navigate, find & park.

    Close by amenities gas stations, mcdonald’s & freeway about 10 mins out"

    6. Bluff Camp

    2 Reviews
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    31 miles
    Website

    "This is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail.  The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam. "

    7. Timber Top Camp

    1 Review
    Big Sur, CA
    32 miles

    "It’s a ~2.8 mile hike in, but it is worth every step. Almost every hill top has a campsite, there is so many opportunities for stays."

    8. Nacimiento Road Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Lucia, CA
    25 miles

    9. West Will Creek Road

    Be the first to review!
    Lucia, CA
    29 miles

    10. Boondocking - Coalinga

    5 Reviews
    Coalinga, CA
    50 miles

    "You can hear a highway close but honestly, not bad. I feel pretty relaxed and safe here."

    "Got tired and needed a place to sleep for the night; this area is popular with semi drivers and safe and quiet, with 24-hour bathrooms nearby."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near King City, CA

31 Photos of 10 King City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near King City, CA

67 Reviews of 10 King City Campgrounds

  • Wandering C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2023

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Free BLM

    Amenities include one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend, picnic tables with shelter and fire pits. No water, no trash, fire bans most the dry months.

  • Robin L.
    Oct. 24, 2021

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Listen to the Quiet

    7 sites suitable for tents, vans, rv's, tt. Sites have covered shelter with metal picnic tables with overhangs for stove and a fire ring. Sites 5 and 7 suitable for larger rigs. Site 5 is pull thru will accommodate 40ft+ rig and pull vehicle. Site 7 is back-in site pull vehicle parks on one side of shelter, 40'+ capable. These sites are dry camping with vault toilet. Offers views of Coastal Range on west Salinas Valley on right. Eastern road from San Ardo/PCH unpaved, washboard on lower end, no steep grades. Turn onto W1 is close for larger rigs as well as turn into campground. Directly opposite of campground entrance is extra large flat dispersed site capable of any length. Road up is narrow must yield to downhill traffic. No electric hookups gens allowed but be mindful of neighbors.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Free established BLM campground

    We stayed here for 3 nights in the summer, arriving on a Sunday, and it was great. I was worried about the heat, but it really wasn’t too bad, even on the hot days (low 90s) it cools down in the evening and didn’t get hot until early afternoon. Just be sure to get one of the shady spots! We set up in site #1 when we first arrived because it was private and had nice views, but it was way too much direct sun. We moved to #4 and it was much better- shady and even better views. 

    There were other people here when we stayed here but everyone was very quiet and respectful, and we didn’t hear any shooting like other reviews have mentioned— this may be due to the ban on shooting (and camp fires) at this time because of fire danger, but I was still impressed and surprised that people respected the ban. There is one pit toilet that we didn’t check out, but man you can smell it if you camp in one of the sites near to it. 

    We saw one volunteer/employee come and clean things up while we were here. We were pleasantly surprised that the trash wasn’t too bad here. No trash service so please pack out your waste. Cell service is good up at the campground, though you do lose it in parts on the drive up. We made it up in our 26ft class c no problem, though the road is narrow at times and we were glad we didn’t come across any oncoming traffic. Sites are relatively flat/ fixable with levels. Two of the sites are huge/ pull throughs so would be good for bigger rigs or big groups. If you get up here and all the sites are taken, there are several spots outside of the campground where you can disperse camp. 

    This is an OHV area but we didn’t see any while we were here. We hiked along the OHV trails and there was nothing- but I could see it getting busy on the weekends. 

    There's a 14 day stay limit. No water provided up here.

    My only complaint was the BEES! They were everywhere and aggressive, and all in our face, but didn’t sting us. One of the campers said that this was unusual though. Really nice campground, amazing that it’s free! Thanks BLM!

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2021

    Will Creek Road Dispersed

    Unbelievable Spot

    My wife and I found this spot on our Honeymoon. Dispersed camping all along the trail, despite a sign saying no car camping. It was a 45 min (6 mile) trip up a dirt road but boy was it worth it. The trail continued toward a campsite, but we found a spot that we couldn’t pass up (see pics). We were above the marine layer and the stars were something else never seen before. Highly recommend. No campfires.

  • B
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Hard to believe that it is free

    We towed our 30' travel trailer up to this dispersed campground that is located along a ridge line on the west side of the 101.  When we went, of the (7) formal sites that are up there, only 3 of them were taken and that was off and on.   We didn't need 4x4 getting up there or even a high clearance vehicle.  Our transmission did start heating up as the road was filled with washboard and it was steep and we had to go pretty slow.  However, any car will be able to make it up there.  The road was safe and relatively wide, but it drops off and you wouldn't stop until you got to the bottom.....  If the (7) spots are taken, there are at least 2 large areas before and after the camp ground that you can camp. 

    The view is fantastic, there is a really nice pit toilet, but I don't remember seeing any water hoses.

    Each of the (7) sites had a concrete pad with a covered picnic table and a BBQ pit!  Please pick up your trash if you go.  There was some beer cans and other garbage left behind by some mental midgets.

  • Kristen The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 4, 2022

    Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground

    Only when desperate

    Every campsite within an hour range of Big Sur was full, and it was getting dark so we opted for this road. It is the only road where dispersed camping is allowed but beware: it is narrow, steep, unmaintained, and surrounded by cliffs. If you happen upon a pull out that is not occupied, does not have a private property sign, and is somewhat flat, then it works as a spot to sleep that feels like you’re on the edge of the world.

  • Amanda S.
    Jan. 1, 2021

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Amazing Views

    •7 designated campsites with covered structure, picnic table and fire pit •A few additional overflow areas to park and camp •Pit toilet - BYO toilet paper •No trash receptacles •Great Verizon reception / Decent Sprint reception •Drive thru campsites (~2) for larger rigs •Beautiful views, clean and quiet •Plenty of fire roads to walk/hike/bike •Rough, washboard roads leading into camp •Popular area for shooting •Highly trafficked campsite - most campers only stayed 1 night •Pictures are taken late December •Daytime temps - 60’s •Nighttime temps - low 40’s •Free!

  • Manny R.
    Nov. 27, 2020

    Will Creek Road Dispersed

    No go

    National forest is closed Gated off There is a sign there that states no car camping

  • K
    Jul. 28, 2022

    Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground

    Too crowded on weekends

    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. One lane road in many spots. NO CAMPFIRES ALLOWED IN SUMMER. Check conditions.

Guide to King City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near King City, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near King City, California

  • Be prepared for limited amenities, as many spots, like Williams Hill Recreation Area, do not provide drinking water or trash services, so plan to pack out all waste.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as places like Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground can fill up quickly.
  • Familiarize yourself with the access roads; for instance, the route to Will Creek Road Dispersed can be steep and narrow, so a vehicle with off-road capabilities is recommended.

Cone Peak for dispersed campers

  • The hike to Cone Peak is challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.
  • This area is perfect for experienced backpackers, as it requires a strenuous climb with significant elevation gain, making it ideal for those looking for a physical challenge.
  • Be aware that there are no facilities at the top, so campers should bring their own water and be prepared for backcountry conditions.

Dispersed campers should check out Tumey Hills

  • Tumey Hills offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • While the area is known for its beauty, visitors should be mindful of litter and respect the land to maintain its pristine condition.
  • The access road is well-maintained, but it can be narrow in places, so caution is advised when navigating through the hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near King City?

The King City area offers several dispersed camping options. Williams Hill Recreation Area is a popular choice located along a ridge west of Highway 101, featuring 7 designated sites and additional overflow areas. Another option is Will Creek Road Dispersed, accessible via a 6-mile dirt road journey that rewards campers with beautiful views above the fog line. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Nacimiento Road and West Will Creek Road areas also provide dispersed camping opportunities. Most of these sites are on BLM land and don't require reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around King City?

Dispersed camping in the King City region typically follows standard Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations. At Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground, seasonal fire bans are strictly enforced during summer months, so always check current conditions before planning to have a campfire. Most areas follow the standard 14-day stay limit within a 28-day period. Pack out all trash as there are typically no garbage services. Some areas like Bluff Camp in the Ventana Wilderness require wilderness permits. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, and be aware that some roads to dispersed sites may be closed seasonally or during adverse weather conditions.

Are there any amenities at the dispersed camping sites near King City?

Amenities at dispersed camping sites near King City are typically minimal. Williams Hill Recreation Area offers the most facilities with a vault toilet (though you should bring your own toilet paper), covered picnic tables with shelters, and fire pits at its 7 designated sites. There's no water or trash service available. At Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground, you'll find virtually no amenities - it's primitive camping at its most basic. Most dispersed sites in the area follow this pattern: no water, no garbage service, no restrooms. Cell service varies by location - Williams Hill reportedly has excellent Verizon reception. Remember to pack in everything you need and pack out all waste.

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