Dispersed camping sites near Willits, California range from 1,300 to 2,500 feet in elevation throughout the Mendocino National Forest and surrounding BLM lands. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer days often reach 90°F with cooler nights. The region's volcanic soil creates challenging access roads that become particularly difficult after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails: Several primitive camping areas provide access to nearby trails. At Lakeview Dispersed Campground, campers report "The drive up was full of breathtaking views, and even though the road was quite bumpy, dusty, and steep at times, our AWD Kia made it up no problem." For day hikers, the surrounding terrain offers multiple difficulty levels.
Off-road recreation: Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed provides technical driving opportunities with one visitor noting, "Love taking our Rock crawler up to cow. Lots of obstacles. Camping is awesome. Few sites and vault restrooms." The recreation area maintains designated routes for ATVs and dirt bikes.
Beach exploration: For coastal primitive camping near Willits, California, some sites offer direct beach access. At Usal Beach, campers report, "We camped on the beach with the woods to our backs. Saw some coyotes when setting up camp, but they didn't mind us. Most beautiful sunrise in the morning and saw mama and baby bear prints on the sand."
What campers like
Fire rings at established sites: Despite seasonal restrictions, some areas maintain permanent fire rings. At BLM Sheldon Creek, visitors appreciate the setup: "There are about 4/5 sites, only 2 with actual fire pits. We had the area 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."
Seasonal wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystems support various wildlife. One camper at Sheldon Creek reported, "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."
Elevated viewpoints: Usal Beach Overlook provides alternatives to beach camping with "Great views — and often less soggy than down below on the water and beach. Only drawback is proximity to the access road and a bit exposed." These higher points often catch better breezes during summer heat.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary significantly: Many access roads require specific vehicle capabilities. At High Valley Rd Dispersed, a visitor warns, "The road to this pin is completely impassable in any regular vehicle, this would require an ATV. The road is EXTREMELY narrow and windy on the edge of a cliff. There is no way to turn around once you start up it."
Cell service inconsistency: Connectivity varies widely across sites. At Lakeview Dispersed Campground, campers note, "Beautiful spot with some views of the lake. No services, but had cell service." Other more remote locations have no coverage.
Weather preparation essential: Temperature shifts can be extreme. One camper at Lakeview reported, "Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared!" This is particularly important at higher elevations during spring and fall.
Tips for camping with families
Check road conditions first: Family vehicles may struggle on unmaintained roads. A visitor to Clear Lake View Point warns, "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."
Multiple-day supplies needed: No services exist at most sites. At Usal Beach Campground, campers advise, "Pretty remote but great if that's what you're looking for. 30 minute drive up rocky dirt road in forest to get down there. Not many rules. Don't get stuck in sand."
Consider seasonal timing: Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures. Summer visitors to Lakeview Dispersed Campground report, "First time camping and going somewhat off road. Very beautiful and quiet, can be extremely cold at night and morning so be prepared! We did not got many bugs which was great."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations critical: Most dispersed camping areas near Willits restrict larger vehicles. At BLM Sheldon Creek, campers warn, "Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can't turn back once on the path." Most suitable RVs are truck campers or vans under 20 feet.
Pre-scout access routes: When possible, check roads before committing. At Usal Beach Overlook, a visitor with experience advises, "The trail in is basically an old mountain pass logging road that isn't maintained the best. It's narrow in spots and steep grade. I towed my offroad camper up without issue but its only 13ft long. I wouldn't advise anything much larger then 18ft."
Waste management planning: With limited facilities, proper waste disposal requires preparation. One camper at Sheldon Creek noted, "You might want to be prepared to dig your own toilet though as the toilet set up was completely infested with spiders." Most sites have no waste services of any kind.
