T
Tom C.
Scout
ScoutTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Great view
Pleasant spot to stay for the night, panoramic views and felt quite safe.
Dispersed Camping near San Simeon, CA
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Dispersed camping near San Simeon, California centers primarily on several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas and forest service roads. Williams Hill Recreation Area, operated by BLM, provides established dispersed camping with seven designated sites and surrounding areas for overflow camping. Additional options include TV Tower Road, Will Creek Road, and Plasket Ridge, all offering primitive camping on public lands without developed facilities. These backcountry areas typically allow free camping with proper land use practices.
Access roads to these dispersed camping locations vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Will Creek Road and Plasket Ridge feature narrow, steep dirt roads that may require high-clearance vehicles or 4WD, especially after wet weather. TV Tower Road presents challenging driving conditions with washboard surfaces and limited passing zones along cliff edges. Williams Hill Recreation Area, while remote, can accommodate larger vehicles including RVs on its 5-7 mile dirt access road. One camper noted, "The road was a bit sketchy, any 4WD would be fine I think," regarding TV Tower Road access. Most areas enforce seasonal fire bans during dry months, and the standard 14-day stay limit applies to BLM lands.
These primitive camping areas deliver exceptional views and stargazing opportunities from their elevated positions. Williams Hill features covered picnic tables, fire rings (when permitted), and a vault toilet—unusual amenities for dispersed camping. The higher elevations often place campers above coastal fog layers. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "We were above the marine layer and the stars were something else never seen before." Most sites lack basic services including water, trash collection, and restrooms (except Williams Hill). Campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, including significant wind exposure at higher elevations. Wildlife sightings in the region include deer and wild boar, with hiking opportunities available on surrounding OHV and forest service trails.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near San Simeon (9)
1. Williams Hill Recreation Area
"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. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
"There are multiple spots off a dirt road atop the hill. There were multiple others car camping but we were able to find a spot and didn't even make it as far as the provided coordinates."
"Hard to access. Rutted dirt road. We are traveling in a truck/cabover combo and we did see a camper van along with day use cars. I wouldn’t try to tow anything up here."
3. Will Creek Road Dispersed
"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."
"We came here on a Sunday evening with the intent of getting out of the 35 knot coastal winds and decided upon making camp at a pullout under a tree about a mile from Highway 1."
4. Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground
"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."
5. Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site
"We were able to make it up with a RWD Tacoma just fine but a high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred."
"Best with a decent clearance 4wd - definitely not an RV spot. Windy at night for sure, and can be a bit busy with people going past on the road."
6. Tv Tower Pull Off Dispersed
"I was looking around the previous spots on here for tv tower and they were either taken, not safe, or surrounded by bushes that also didnt seem safe."
7. Cone Peak
"* 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. "
8. West Will Creek Road
9. Nacimiento Road Camp
Drive Time
- 39 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
- 1 hr 6 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 1 hr 55 min from Salinas, CA
- 1 hr 56 min from Hanford, CA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near San Simeon, CA
77 Photos of 9 San Simeon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near San Simeon, CA
105 Reviews of 9 San Simeon Campgrounds
- t
taylor
TravelerTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Quiet and free camping with a view
Showed up at 11pm on a Tuesday night. There are multiple spots off a dirt road atop the hill. There were multiple others car camping but we were able to find a spot and didn't even make it as far as the provided coordinates. Temperatures were great and it was quiet at night and all through the morning. Only 1 hiker and one cyclist passed by. Thete were some smaller clearance vehicles but I think they'd be limited how far down sone of the roads they can go. We camped in a rooftop tent on a Tacoma. I wouldn't recommend tent camping here due to limited space and barely being off the road although there may be a few spots. Downsides to this spot is a lot of uneven ground, hard compact soils, some scattered poison oak, and scattered trash. The dense vegetation off the road and the compact soils can makes a bathroom situation difficult. Please be prepared and responsible and don't leave TP or trash like some others did. The best was the morning view: waking up on a hilltop surrounded by clouds. The quiet space and morning views and agility to find someone space at 11pm despite other campers was a positive.
- LLiedewei V.
GuideTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Incredible views
Awesome views, couple of other campers and people watching the sunset nearby
- BBrett B.Traveler
Williams Hill Recreation Area
Solid 4
Great views to the West. Looks to be under utilized probably because the maintained road is a bit narrow in places and some may consider too rough. Soften suspension and/or air down and it’s smoove.
Gene D.ScoutTV Tower Road Dispersed Camping
Just camping
The few days thus far have been therapeutic. Great view of the pacific and that enormous rock protruding from the ocean in Morro Bay.
Oliver F.ScoutPlasket Ridge Dispersed Campground
Stunning!
The road to get there is tricky! Dusty and bumpy, definitely need a 4 wheel drive, but once you make it the view is breathtaking! Usually available spots, just find somewhere flat enough. 👍
Scott M.GuideWilliams Hill Recreation Area
Great boondocking place
Beautiful hilltop campground with stunning sunrise, sunset, and 'sea of clouds' views over the eastern and western valleys. The only major drawback is that daytime quiet is often shattered by nearby gunshots.
Evan R.GuideOther Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site
Amazing view of SLO & mtns.
Such a great view with an awesome campsite but as other reviews warn, the road can get tricky. We were able to make it up with a RWD Tacoma just fine but a high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred. We camped in the beginning of April and the winds hit at night but definitely manageable by staking your tent down and securing wind/rain fly.
- KKayla T.Traveler
Williams Hill Recreation Area
Hill top camp spot
Beautiful campground. 7 spread out spots with tables and fire pits, plenty of surrounding area to camp as well. Gun range is close and noisy but you get used to it. We camped 3 days here. Peaceful, serene, great sunsets.
Guide to San Simeon
Dispersed camping near San Simeon, California frequently places campers above the marine layer at elevations between 1,800-3,000 feet. These high-elevation sites experience significant temperature fluctuations, with daytime summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F dropping to 45-55°F at night. Road closures occur regularly during wet winter months when erosion and washouts make access impossible.
What to do
Stargazing after sunset: Williams Hill Recreation Area offers exceptional night sky viewing conditions due to minimal light pollution. According to Anniek, "The view is amazing!! I would recommend driving up the mountain through Lockwood, the drive is much easier and less scary."
Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers at Plaskett Ridge Dispersed Campground can spot deer, wild turkeys, and raptors. Ken K. notes it's "Amazing location to wake up in the morning. View of the pacific ocean on one side and valley on the other."
Mountain biking: The TV Tower Road area features multiple off-road trails suitable for intermediate riders. Henry D. confirms the location has "Pretty sick views" and "Lots of spots" for parking bikes and camping gear.
Photography: Visit during spring (March-May) for wildflower displays along ridgelines. Kristian W. found "a perfect pullout overlooking the ocean between two apple trees, blissful to say the least" at Plaskett Ridge.
What campers like
Solitude on weekdays: Most dispersed areas near San Simeon see minimal traffic Monday through Thursday. At Other Pullout on TV Tower Road, Sarah M. arrived "around 2pm and was the only car in sight until 4 ish."
Above-fog camping: Many sites sit above coastal fog, creating unique views. Joe V. at Will Creek Road Dispersed reported, "We were above the marine layer and the stars were something else never seen before."
Budget-friendly options: All dispersed camping sites near San Simeon are free with no reservation requirements. Kristian W. called Plaskett Ridge "a perfect campground for Big Sur, just past the Plaskett Creek campground which is expensive and requires reservations."
Diverse terrain: From ridge tops to canyon bottoms, camping options vary widely. Julian T. found that at Other Pullout on TV Tower Road, "The road up the hill was small and rough, but the view is worth it! Only a few other campers were there."
What you should know
High winds common: Strong evening winds affect most ridge locations, especially during summer. G D. notes that TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping is "Windy at night for sure, and can be a bit busy with people going past on the road."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access routes deteriorate after rain. Emily H. warns Will Creek Road "gets really steep and sandy, I was in an HRV and made it. Though my car is super scratched up now."
Limited cell coverage: Signal strength varies dramatically between sites, with ridge tops generally providing better reception. Rio S. reported that at Williams Hill Recreation Area there was "Good cell service. Nice pit toilet."
Strict fire regulations: Year-round fire bans apply to most sites. Tom Collins from the Big Sur Community Association reminds visitors: "campfires are NOT permitted outside of established campgrounds during the summer months. This is crucial to prevent forest fires."
Site availability fluctuates: Arrive early on weekends to secure spots. Ryan K. notes about Williams Hill Recreation Area: "I've been twice now and both times the actual camp sites were full by the time I got there (2-3pm Friday)."
Tips for camping with families
Best family site: Williams Hill Recreation Area provides the most infrastructure for children. Ariel W. confirms "Campsites all have a fire ring, and a shaded picnic table. There's a long drop toilet."
Insect preparation: Pack insect repellent for gnats and mosquitoes. Erik I. warns, "This is a great BLM campground with picnic tables, fire rings, and picnic shelters... However, the gnats, bees, mosquitoes, and flies are relentless!"
Safety considerations: Keep children away from unstable edges at ridge camping spots. Kate N. cautions that at Plaskett Ridge, "Going up or down that road is only for 4x4 and keep an eye out for crazy drivers. One lane road in many spots."
Weather planning: Pack layers for children due to significant temperature drops at night. Several campers note the need for warm sleeping bags even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs (under 25 feet). Rio S. advises that at Williams Hill "I wouldn't advise big RVs coming up here. Most of the spots only accommodate like van size and down."
Road challenges: Access roads require careful navigation. Adam B. reports about Williams Hill: "7 mile dirt road at times a bit steep and rough. But we made it up here slowly and safely. A few other campers here... Nice spot just not a fan of taking a 27 foot 1996 RV up that road."
Leveling difficulties: Most pullouts feature uneven terrain. Robert notes that Other Pullout on TV Tower Road offers a "Nice spot for large rv, but road up is winding. Great views. Great way to get a little bit cooler."
Washboard surfaces: Prepare for slow travel on rutted roads. Brett L. shares that at Williams Hill "Our transmission did start heating up as the road was filled with washboard and it was steep and we had to go pretty slow."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dispersed camping allowed on San Simeon beaches?
Is dispersed camping allowed on San Simeon beaches?
Dispersed camping is not allowed directly on San Simeon beaches. California coastal regulations prohibit overnight camping on public beaches throughout the region. For scenic coastal views while dispersed camping, consider TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping, which offers spectacular ocean vistas from elevated positions. Another option with coastal views is Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground, though be aware this area features narrow, steep roads surrounded by cliffs. For legal beach proximity, you'll need to use established campgrounds rather than dispersed sites.
Where can I find dispersed camping near San Simeon?
Where can I find dispersed camping near San Simeon?
Several dispersed camping options exist near San Simeon. Williams Hill Recreation Area offers seven designated sites along a ridge west of Highway 101, suitable for tents, vans, and RVs up to 40+ feet. The road is accessible without 4WD or high clearance. For more adventurous camping, Will Creek Road Dispersed provides camping spots along a 6-mile dirt road trail. Note that while there is a sign indicating no car camping, many campers report successful stays here. These free camping areas are typically first-come, first-served, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended.
What amenities are available at San Simeon dispersed camping areas?
What amenities are available at San Simeon dispersed camping areas?
Dispersed camping areas near San Simeon offer minimal amenities. At Williams Hill Recreation Area, you'll find one vault toilet (bring your own toilet paper), covered picnic tables with shelters, and fire pits at the seven designated sites. There's no water source or trash receptacles available. Cell reception is reportedly excellent for Verizon and decent for Sprint users. Fire bans are common during dry months. Other dispersed camping areas like TV Tower Road have even fewer amenities - typically just pull-outs for parking with no toilets, water, or garbage service. Always plan to pack out all trash and bring all necessary supplies, including water.
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