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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Will Creek Road Dispersed

Will Creek Road Dispersed, near Big Sur, California, is a rugged location that offers a unique camping experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This area is known for its stunning views and the chance to camp above the marine layer, providing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

Visitors often rave about the beautiful scenery and the freedom of dispersed camping, where you can set up your tent in various spots along the road. The road can be steep and bumpy, so a vehicle with some off-road capability is recommended, but many have successfully navigated it with smaller cars. As one camper noted, “You’ll find the best spot inside the marine layer,” highlighting the rewarding views that await those who make the trek.

While amenities are minimal—there's no drinking water, toilets, or trash services—this location allows for a true back-to-nature experience. Campers appreciate the chance to enjoy the outdoors without the usual campground restrictions, and pets are welcome too. Just be prepared for some wind at night and keep your gear secured.

For those who love adventure, the area offers numerous trails to explore, making it a great base for hiking and off-roading. Just remember to respect the land and fellow campers, as some have noted the importance of keeping the area clean. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Will Creek Road Dispersed has a lot to offer.

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Location

Will Creek Road Dispersed is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.89252577 N
121.44207018 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Will Creek Road Dispersed needs a permit.

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

13 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 2, 2024

Closed

Attempted to camp on 12/01/2024 and the road was closed. Beautiful views on the way, but unfortunately the gate was locked :(

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Ascelin P., December 2, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2024

Closed

Mid July - road was closed

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Andrew S., July 31, 2024
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2023

One of my favorite places, but...

getting crowed and people leaving their garbage and poop (yes, human poop and TP). I've always loved Will Creek Road, I feel you can get free access to the greatest show on planet earth here…Both the sun set and the sun rise, but you got to get above the marine layer and get to the very top. If you dont want scratches and you are 7' wide or more…bring cutters. The land owners maintain the road themselves. I was last there in Feb 2022 and the switch backs were torn up and rutted; I bumped into an owner I've got to know over the years and he said they are tired of fixing them because people with small underpowered cars burnout digging ruts or some bozo purposely burns out not knowing that the land owners are the ones who have to maintain it all so we get to enjoy the camping. The road is very steep, you go from maybe 200' above sea leave to over 3000' if you go to the top. I've done this road in 4x4 truck(s) (supper easy), Jeep and Jeep Gladiator (easy freakin peasy), a Subaru Outback (easy) and a 4x4 MBZ Revel Van (supper freakin hard and stressful, was on two wheels more than once and sideways bottomed out twice in the switch backs. I wont do it again and I've been off-roading my whole life, unless the switch backs are fixed). When I say easy, this is assuming you have some off-road skill. Hope that help.

SiteThe one at the top on the ridge
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Rob R., January 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Rob R., January 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Rob R., January 3, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2022

Great place

Great place amazing views

Sitenone
Month of VisitSeptember
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  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Jose M., October 7, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 19, 2022

No pullouts, and no camping

As soon as you turn onto this road there is a sign saying no camping next to road, plus I drove about 30 minutes back onto it and could only find one semi-feasible pullout. I went north just five minutes to Plaskett Ridge dispersed camping, that was much better.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Kristian W., May 19, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2022

Beautiful views and dispersed camping

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. However, my Prius C made it two miles in before we chose to turn around. The road is pretty well maintained if bumpy at times but we just took it slow on the way up and down.

Highly recommend downloading offline maps before you lose signal around San Simeon (south hwy 1) and carmel (north hwy 1). My boyfriend has AT&T and I had T-Mobile and neither of us had signal.

It was dispersed camping and pullouts as far as we got up the road. We set up our tent next to the mighty Prius C and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset, stars, and some beautiful morning views. It was pretty windy at night but it calmed in the morning. We did not see a single soul on our way in but come Monday morning, three cars had drove past our site (I assume they made it much farther in).

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Dec. 11, 2021

Amazing spot

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!! I recommend four wheel drive to go to the place in the pictures above. But I did bring my all wheel drive Honda CR-V on the trail just didn’t text it going down the trail to the very end. So many trails to explore and spots to stay at. Just be sure to not go on private property trails and be respectful of others. It did get very windy during the night so recommend putting everything away during the evening. You can explore the different trails such as prewitt, coastal ridge road and nacimiento Ferguson from this road but to get back to highway one you have to go back the same way. All other trails are closed from highway 1 besides this one so far. My gps called this road los buros rd. Others gps may be different. I’ve been to this place three times now in less than a month. Absolutely one of my favorites. Soon going to explore coastal ridge road.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Alicia , December 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Alicia , December 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Alicia , December 11, 2021
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

Amazing

Definitely a sketchy road. We drove 7 miles in in the middle of the night and had a blast. It gets really steep and sandy, I was in an HRV and made it. Though my car is super scratched up now.

Our site ended up beautiful. And we had a lot of fun. Barely anyone there.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Emily H., July 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Emily H., July 23, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

work for it

you’ll find the best spot inside the marine layer, this was the best. 4 wheel vehicle but honestly? honda fits we’re behind us.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by marycatmathis  .., July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by marycatmathis  .., July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by marycatmathis  .., July 9, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2021

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.

SiteRight off trail
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Joe V., June 9, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2020

No go

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

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Amazing views!

This place was busy! Almost every pull off on the side of the road was taken but we were able to find a spot! Get here early for the best chance of finding a good spot.

  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Kathryn Z., August 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Kathryn Z., August 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Will Creek Road Dispersed by Kathryn Z., August 3, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 26, 2019

Amazing View!

Absolutely live this spot. If your cool with car camping and off roaring with no accommodations it’s a great spot with a great view.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Will Creek Road Dispersed?

    Will Creek Road Dispersed is located at 1080 feet.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Will Creek Road Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.