Dispersed camping areas near Williams, Oregon are concentrated in the Siskiyou Mountains at elevations between 1,400 and 4,000 feet. The region features a mix of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service land with several creeks and the Applegate River providing water sources. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter can bring snow at higher elevations, making May through October the primary camping season.
What to do
River activities: The clear waters of the Chetco River at Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping provide excellent swimming opportunities during summer months. One camper noted, "Amazing place to camp... Crystal clear river for swimming/floating in," while another mentioned the "great kayaking and swimming place and there's nearby rocks for jumping off."
Fishing access: Several sites offer fishing opportunities, particularly at small ponds where activity is visible. At Burma Pond BLM, a visitor observed "the fish were jumping and the water clear" and another camper mentioned "Quiet and clean. I slept great. Had 1 bar of att."
OHV trails: For off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, some areas provide direct trail access. At Elderberry Flats Campground, a reviewer commented, "If you like riding dirt bikes or quads this is the place that's local and has a nice swimming hole also."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Many sites offer quiet settings away from main roads. A camper at Beautiful Dispersed View off Fire Rd shared, "This spot is a gravel pull off that is about 25ftx15ft. You can fit a small pull behind, truck, and/or van. The 6.5 mile road (FS-25) is paved so the accessibility of the site is a plus."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. One visitor to Canyon Gulch by Eight Dollar Moutain mentioned, "It's got great views and near the river," though they also noted "homeless camps sometimes set up around here."
Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. A camper at Burma Pond BLM reported "Super quiet and quiet. I slept great," while another mentioned "good stars up here."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving with appropriate vehicles. A reviewer at Rocky Riffle explained, "The road is mostly ok with some areas of high rocks but we made it in our 26ft Class C with only one ding on the steps. Larger vehicles might have problems along the lower half of the loop."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are strictly enforced throughout the region. Check current restrictions before planning to cook or have campfires. A camper at Rocky Riffle noted, "There are NO fires allowed at this time."
Limited facilities: Most free camping near Williams, Oregon is primitive with no services. A camper at Rocky Riffle explained, "This is a dry camp with no amenities. Tent/car campers welcome but must have port-a-potties. You must pack out your waste and trash."
Extended stays: Some areas have issues with long-term campers. A visitor to Rocky Riffle observed, "There are a few 'long term residents' here. One was right on the water with a big mirror and a homemade sign warning of 'thieves among us.' The sheriff and ranger came by the next day and left citation on his camp."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: Rivers can have strong currents and deep areas. At Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping, a reviewer advised, "Remember! It's a river not a lake so kids ought to have life jackets."
Site selection: Choose camping spots away from potential hazards. A visitor to Canyon Gulch by Eight Dollar Mountain warned about noise issues: "I was woken up in the middle of the night to someone practicing with their shotgun in the distance for a good half hour."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety, including ticks. One camper reported finding "ticks on the dogs immediately so we didn't end up exploring" a trail around Burma Pond.
Food storage: Keep food secure from wildlife and dispose of waste properly. A disappointed camper at Rocky Riffle "saw lots of trash and toilet paper" at what would otherwise have been a "decent spot."
Tips from RVers
Access restrictions: Large RVs face significant challenges on most access roads. At Burma Pond BLM, a camper warned, "The last .3 miles was steep and though we made it in 26ft rig I would not attempt it again. I could see major problem if rain was expected."
Limited turnaround areas: Some forest roads have few places to turn larger vehicles. A reviewer at Burma Pond BLM noted, "The road is narrow with very few turn arounds. The way down I was in 1-2 gear riding the break on some of the hills."
Site size constraints: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. A visitor to Beautiful Dispersed View off Fire Rd cautioned, "All are tiny pullout spots just enough for a van to park, would not recommend for an rv or trailer."
Pothole navigation: Forest roads often have deep potholes that require careful driving. A camper at Burma Pond BLM advised, "Along the road were random deep pot holes so be aware they sneak up on you when the road is shadowed."
