Top Free Dispersed Camping near Williams, CA
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Williams? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Williams, CA (6)
1. Cowboy Camp
4 Reviews•7 Photos•37 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Clear Lake View Point Dispersed
1 Review•6 Photos•44 SavesCamping on the Mendocino is not limited to developed campgrounds. Most of the forest is open to those who prefer the quiet and solitude of a completely undeveloped setting. This type of camping is called Dispersed Camping. Maps: Anyone planning a dispersed camping trip should invest in a forest map. You not only have to locate a campsite; you will also have to find your way back. Be respectful and know where you are. Length of Stay: For dispersed recreation areas, visitors may camp in the same location outside a one-mile radius of a developed recreation site for 14 days within any 30-day period but no more than 28 cumulative days in any 12-month period. When you go home, leave the forest the way you found it, or better, for the enjoyment of the next visitor. Locating a Dispersed Campsite: Look for an area where you are not likely to damage any forest resources. Before settling on your spot, investigate the surroundings. Locations at the end of a spur road or a pullout that is clear of vegetation and has a hard, compacted surface are usually good spots. Stay on established roadways; do not drive off-road to camp. Never camp in meadows.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Pine Ridge Camp
Be the first to review!•9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Williams
21 Reviews of 6 Williams Campgrounds
don L.
Scout
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
still nice..
we used to go hunting up there in the 8os, you should have seen the campground then. really nice, had picnic tables fire pits great place to camp. i was up there a few years ago still looks kind of the same but they took all that out of the campground years ago.. road going in still looks the same..there is an old tree in the campground, people who have neen there will know the tree i mean, looks old low hangin branches, thats where we used to camp..more trash atound now. in 1987 it was clean.. still nice place
Catherine L.
Guide
Cowboy Camp
Quiet
Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed. Camping spots are to the left and the right I'd the day use. Pit toilets. No garbage.
Jaye S.ScoutLakeview Dispersed Campground
Decent dispersed site
Drive up to the site all incline dirt road ~6 miles - we made it up without 4 wheel drive but some areas were a little sketchy. Overall pretty dusty too. Sites themselves were decently maintained, some trash from previous campers but nothing major. This area is a popular for target practice so if the sounds of gunshots throughout the day isn’t your vibe, then this spot might not be suitable. Overall beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry night sky
Steve M.
Ranger
Clear Lake View Point Dispersed
Absolutely not! Nowhere to camp and a terrible road
As soon as I started going up an extremely steep hill and saw a sign that said not a through street, I should have turned around but it was impossible with my 30-foot car and trailer. I am Bart Upon A frightening , rutted, unmaintained road that is only suitable for off-road vehicles for sick four wheel drives . Barely made it out of there with everything working as it should on car and trailer and actually got stuck at one point and had to use logs to get myself traction. Do not try this and there is nowhere to stop and set up a ten , at all!
Robert H.
TravelerLakeview Dispersed Campground
High Above Clear Lake
Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service (CC). I drove in from the south access to High Valley rd. The road was challenging. It was steep with loose dirt in spots. It was an adventure. I am going to try north access into Lucerne later. (See Google for more info)
- EEli F.Scout
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Beautiful
Beautiful spot, was able to get a lake view. Easy to get to and relatively clean
- Stacy L.Guide
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Awesome dispersed spot
Super easy to find coming up from the lake. A lot of spots to choose from. There were around 4 or 5 people here already but we were able to find a secluded spot that overlooks the lake. Very peaceful but some traffic sounds at night from the lake towns.
- MMo H.Traveler
Lakeview Dispersed Campground
Nice spot
The gravel roads here are open again and easy to drive on! We drove here from the north. All wheel drive ist helpfull, but we saw some people with a prius up there.
Small individual places with self-built fireplaces. It was windy in the evening, but that died down during the night and in the morning we had breakfast in the sun in a clearing.
iliana A.Traveler
BLM Sheldon Creek
Good Free Spot!
There are 3 sites. Used the trees to help set up a tarp to keep us and our stuff from the rain. Camped in our car. A little muddy but not too bad for our 4Runner. There was a nice little creek and a fire pit. Had the area to ourselves likely due to the rain.
You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders.
- DDerek D.Scout
Cowboy Camp
2/9/2024 —- closed
The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website.
Jorg F.TravelerCowboy Camp
Cowboy Camp
Great free campground! We've stayed here many times. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes. It's a hot spot for horses which of course have no stream problems, so the only negative is fly's sometimes. But just keep your screen door closed (& fly swatter handy). We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding. There is a rural road near by but traffic noise isn't a problem. Perhaps I should say it's awful so fewer people come and it's not discovered.
Patricia Y.GuideCowboy Camp
FLIES!
No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were. An almost dry creek runs alongside the open field of camping pads. To close to the road and way to exposed to feel comfortable to stay. If I needed a place to get some shut eye before heading onward, then maybe. I had a car full of flies that went to the coast with us. It was crazy.
- Patricia Y.Guide
BLM Sheldon Creek
Peaceful
It's not too bad of a road up there. Had deer, butterflies, and humming birds all around us. Babbling brook, cool and comfortable in mid-October. Looking forward to a springtime visit.
- kkenny T.Guide
BLM Sheldon Creek
FREE BLM campground - travel trailers not advised
Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path.
Otherwise 10/10 for our truck camper, had the place to ourselves for the 4th of July weekend, beautiful fresh water creek running through, great toilet & even a fire pit with abundance of wood around.
There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits.
Please keep it amazing by keeping it clean.
FREE
Raven P.GuideLakeview Dispersed Campground
NO ACCESS! DON'T COME HERE
Absolutely no access!! Gate shut and locked, camping area inaccessible due to fire damage! Road not maintained.
- CCarl L.Traveler
BLM Sheldon Creek
Pleasant BLM camping, hot in the summer.
A decent drive off the highway, but a good one. A few nice views. Google maps will not get you there, we followed the directions on this page.
Only 2 spots up here, maybe 3. But we had it to ourselves on a weeknight. The Bathroom (vault toilet) had toilet paper. There was some water in the creek, but it wasn’t super easy to access.
The site itself is nothing special, just a couple of pullouts in the woods. Probably very hot during the day since you’re up on a ridge. Can’t beat free though.
Summer A.TravelerBLM Sheldon Creek
Perfect Spot!
Sheldon Creek is a BLM campsite up a winding dirt/gravel road. We drove a 4WD vehicle, but most cars should be able to handle the journey up. Signs will direct you in the right direction, and lead you to a campground with spots to pitch tents or park/hangout. There are even picnic tables, fire pits, and bathrooms. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but they looked decent. We only had one neighbor who seemed pretty friendly, which was a relief as you’re pretty far out in a remote area. Overall this is a beautiful spot where we felt safe. Would definitely recommend!
Aliza N.
LegendLakeview Dispersed Campground
Sooooo windy
Lovely views of Clear Lake from a clearing on 220 that appears to be an established site. Right at the intersections of 16 N 22 road. Nice big clear, open area. Really….views of the lake and stars are unreal here. BUT….it was so so windy. We camp in a Chevy high top van and the wind was go fierce it was shaking us all over the place in the night. Finally had to move to another spot (that isn’t really a spot) down the road around 4am bc the wind was just too much for us. Also 220 was blocked just after the 16 N 22 road cuts off (heading east) so we had to head back the way we came (on 220 in Nice). Road was dry and packed and clear other than the tree blocking the road. Old burn area so lots of downs and such.
Lori A.Traveler
Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed
Dispersed
As long as you have a capable vehicle and are prepared to provide for your own needs, you'll be ready for Cow.
- JJeanette C.Guide
Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed
Cow Crawlin
Always fun. Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill.
- JJeanette C.Guide
Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed
Cow
Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles. Camping is awesome. Few sites and vault restrooms. Still a good time.
Guide to Williams
Camping near Williams, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something to offer.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the nearby trails for stunning views. One camper mentioned, "There’s great hiking, an observatory, and often nature events throughout the summer" at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground.
- Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and fishing at Folsom Lake. A visitor noted, "The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area," at Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
- Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries for tastings. One reviewer shared, "Great spot for cheap and restful accommodation while visiting wine country," at Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Beals Point Campground stated, "Restrooms are clean. Showers are clean and tidy and warm."
- Scenic Views: Many enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "It’s a lovely campsite with most sites being under tree canopies."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like SacWest RV Park & Campground are noted for their kid-friendly amenities. A visitor remarked, "Great playgrounds, swimming pool, more than 100 ducks going around!"
What you should know:
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially in summer. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "Always tough to get a reservation, but it never disappoints if you can get one."
- Limited Cell Service: Expect little to no cell coverage in some areas. A reviewer at Ritchey Creek Campground noted, "ATT reception was poor, could not get messages at the site."
- Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife, including rattlesnakes. One camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground warned, "Rattlesnakes on trails are not uncommon."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at SacWest RV Park & Campground enjoyed, "Lots of things to do for kids."
- Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Kelsey Creek Campground — Clear Lake State Park suggested, "Bring cash and insect repellent."
- Stay Together: Choose campsites that allow for close proximity. A visitor at Inn Town Campground mentioned, "We loved our RV spot, the rest of the group had great tent sites."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Collins Lake Recreation Area noted, "Huge campground with plenty of great spots with electric and water hookups."
- Be Prepared for Heat: Summer can get hot, so plan accordingly. A camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area said, "It was 107 degrees... it would definitely be better if we had a boat or water 'toys.'"
- Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. One RV traveler at Skyline Wilderness Park mentioned, "We didn’t get to explore as we were strictly in the area to wine taste and eat some good food."
Camping near Williams, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Williams, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Williams, CA is Cowboy Camp with a 3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Williams, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Williams, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.