Are you in need of a campground near Willits, CA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Willits. Find the best campgrounds near Willits, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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."
"First time camping and going somewhat off road.
If you’re worried about your vehicle making it up we saw a tesla and a nissan altima up there. My subaru made it up perfectly."
"Love going to the tech course with our off road buggy. Crawled all over that hill."
"Tow behinds/trailers not recommended; rough roads and can’t turn back once on the path."
"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."
"It was easy to find the access road by the mile marker on Hwy. 1."
"It was our first time dispersed camping. We fell in LOVE!! The 45 min dirt road was filled with amazing views early morning. Will definitely be coming back here more often."
"There’s views of Lear Lake if you want to walk a bit. No water nearby. The road is very dusty on the way up!"
"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."
"Only drawback is proximity to the access road and a bit exposed."
TravelerA 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.
GuideIt was easy to find the access road by the mile marker on Hwy. 1.
The road itself is rough and could be very unsettling for anyone trying to do this trip in a vehicle without good off-road clearance. The ruts can be big and cause bottoming out of street cars. For the most part, the road is easy, but challenging in some spots and skinny. You may have to make way or room for oncoming vehicles.
The area has plenty of campsites and fires are allowed. You can choose to shelter in the wooded areas or setup right on the beach. Beware of the deep sand. Lots of folks get stuck here, so drive carefully.
I loved this place, but so many people know about it. Prepare for neighbors sharing the area. Still it was secluded enough to really enjoy.
What do I have to say about it further? Dude! It's Northern CA. It's the Pacific Ocean. It's a dream combo you can only experience by being there. Love this place and keep it clean!
RangerThe 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. I did have to use 4x4 on some of the grades due to the trailer but if just in a vehicle it would be pretty easy. It would definitely present a challenge if it has just rained or was raining. It's true dispersed camping of pack in and pack it out. There's no facilities or trash. Plenty of space to spread out. Don't forget to air down those tires when going out on the beach. I would definitely come back to this one. Also the internet test was based on my Starlink not cell service. I have Verizion and had no service here.
GuideGreat 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.
GuideTow 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
TravelerIt was our first time dispersed camping. We fell in LOVE!! The 45 min dirt road was filled with amazing views early morning. Will definitely be coming back here more often.
TravelerSheldon 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!
ScoutPicked this campsite on a whim during a trip up the coast. I was looking for an out of the way coastal campground that was still drivable, and boy, this campground did not disappoint. The road coming into Usal is a pretty messed up mountain road thanks to the fact that it's also used by logging trucks. I would really only recommend this road if you have AWD or 4WD, but we did see a Scion TC come into the campground at one point, so do whatever you feel comfortable with. Once you're down in the campground you'll be rewarded with a fairly secluded beach view and have your choice of either camping on the beach itself or camping in the wooded area a bit further back from the shore. We chose the latter, and even with the number of other parties near us, we were still able to find a fairly secluded spot. The only facility on-site is a single pit toilet that's sort of hidden by the entrance road. As far the fee is concerned, I've seen elsewhere that the camping fee is $25 but if there was a place to even pay that we couldn't find it. All in all, a wonderful campsite with some killer views, just be cautious and prepared for the drive in
ScoutDrive 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
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Willits, California, where nature's tranquility meets the thrill of adventure. With a variety of options, campers can enjoy stunning landscapes and unique experiences away from the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free BLM dispersed camping near Willits, CA?
BLM Sheldon Creek is a popular free dispersed camping option near Willits. It's accessible via a winding dirt/gravel road that most vehicles can navigate. The site offers vault toilets with toilet paper, a fire pit, and a fresh water creek running through. There are only 2-3 camping spots, making it a secluded option. Another alternative is Cow Mountain Rec Area Dispersed, which provides additional BLM dispersed camping opportunities in the region. For both locations, follow specific directions rather than relying solely on Google Maps.
What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping around Willits?
Dispersed camping around Willits typically follows standard BLM regulations. At locations like Lakeview Dispersed Campground, you'll find no services or facilities, so pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Most dispersed sites in the area have a 14-day stay limit. Campfires may require permits depending on the season, and fire restrictions are common during dry months. At High Valley Rd Dispersed, you must use existing fire rings when permitted. Always check current restrictions with the Ukiah BLM office before your trip, as regulations can change seasonally.
How far is free camping in Willits from Fort Bragg, CA?
Usal Beach Campground is about 30 miles south of Fort Bragg via Highway 1, making it one of the closer free camping options to Fort Bragg near the Willits area. The access road is rough with ruts that can challenge vehicles without good clearance, and it takes approximately 45 minutes to navigate. For those seeking views with less fog, Usal Beach Overlook is nearby on the same access road and offers more elevated camping spots. The drive between Willits proper and Fort Bragg is approximately 35 miles via Highway 20, taking about an hour without stops.
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