Williams Hill Recreation Area
BLM
Write a Review Lockwood San Ardo Rd. Bradley, CA 93426 831-582-2200 Official WebsiteGPS: 35.9783, -121.0094
Overview of Williams Hill Recreation Area
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
Learn more: Boondocking 101
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by camper-909080 on 2/27/2024
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Class A)
Reported by Ziva1085 on 7/5/2021
Number of Sites 7
Pad Type gravel
Elevation 2,263 ft / 689 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
Discover a smarter way to RV with Roadtrippers
All your Campendium favorites and more are now in Roadtrippers.
Q&A - Ask the Community about Williams Hill Recreation Area
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 831-582-2200
camper-863534 asked on 8/22/2024
What is the terrain like, is it flat road in or is it uphill or steep hills?
Adventurable Joneses asked on 4/1/2020
Is this reasonably accessible with a 25 foot travel trailer behind a pickup, or is the road too bumpy, steep, or windy?
Reviews of Williams Hill Recreation Area 41 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 21 Users
Last reported 8/25/2024
Confirmed by 19 Users
Last reported 6/22/2023
Confirmed by 7 Users
Last reported 11/19/2021
“This Place Is Amazing ”
Reviewed 8/25/2024
| Days stayed: | 7 |
|---|---|
| Site Number: | 4 |
Overall Rating
Williams Hill is definitely not what I expected, in fact, it’s better than I expected. This campground offers beautiful views there is a valted restroom, it’s clean and doesn’t smell too bad like most places. The mountain breezes are really nice, there are 7 or 8 campsites and a couple that are unofficial. The downside of this campgrou... more
Williams Hill is definitely not what I expected, in fact, it’s better than I expected. This campground offers beautiful views there is a valted restroom, it’s clean and doesn’t smell too bad like most places. The mountain breezes are really nice, there are 7 or 8 campsites and a couple that are unofficial. The downside of this campground are the ATVs and the UTVs and the gunshots that are annoying. Once that stuff stops it’s very relaxing. WARNING! If you have a 5th wheel or a large travel trailer, there are some hairpin turns to watch out for, large class A’s and class C’s should take it slow and watch out for jagged rocks on your way in or out.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
camper-863534 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Cell Service, Not too Off-road, Trailer Friendly”
Reviewed 2/27/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | W1 |
Overall Rating
Finding serenity amidst the rugged beauty of William Hill Recreation Area was nothing short of a revelation. Here's a firsthand account of my experience in helping fellow travelers plan their adventure: Arriving at William Hill was a breeze, with only a few spots occupied upon my arrival in late February (only 7 spots). The journey ... more
Finding serenity amidst the rugged beauty of William Hill Recreation Area was nothing short of a revelation. Here's a firsthand account of my experience in helping fellow travelers plan their adventure:
Arriving at William Hill was a breeze, with only a few spots occupied upon my arrival in late February (only 7 spots). The journey along the dirt road, though a bit lengthy at around 30 minutes, was a bit bumpy with a trailer (NOBO 20.4; 2023).
To fully enjoy your time here, make sure to come prepared. Bring along sufficient water, power, and warmth, especially for the chilly nights. Bug repellent is nice but not necessary, as a few persistent insects were buzzing around. If you enjoy campfires, pack some firewood—the nights can get cool, and there's nothing like gathering around a crackling fire under the stars. For light sleepers, consider packing earplugs to block out any morning disturbances, such as distant gunshots (in the distance) or the hum of passing ATVs/UTVs.
One unexpected delight was the excellent cellular service. With full bars on my Verizon network, staying connected was effortless. It was a pleasant surprise to have such reliable connectivity amidst the wilderness, allowing me to share my experiences and stay connected with loved ones.
It's my favorite BLM site along the Central Coast, it exceeded all expectations. From its serene atmosphere to its natural beauty, there's little to complain about here. William Hill Recreation Area is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Its tranquil surroundings and breathtaking vistas make it the perfect escape for nature lovers.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 5G
camper-909080 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing, free BLM campground”
Reviewed 8/19/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 1 |
Overall Rating
I got in after a fairly easy, 4-5 mile drive up a dirt road cut into the side of this mountain-like hill on a Friday night, in the middle of summer, around 7:30. During my whole stay the temperature stayed at a warm, but comfortable, 65-70 degrees F during sun up, and a cool 50-60 degrees F during sun down. The site itself is great... more
I got in after a fairly easy, 4-5 mile drive up a dirt road cut into the side of this mountain-like hill on a Friday night, in the middle of summer, around 7:30. During my whole stay the temperature stayed at a warm, but comfortable, 65-70 degrees F during sun up, and a cool 50-60 degrees F during sun down.
The site itself is great, there’s a few different spots to choose from, and one is up on top of the peak of the hill, very secluded. I stayed my second night there. If you can’t get there, or it’s occupied, the campground itself is also a great choice. There’s a small, one room, very clean and well maintained bathroom in the campground and probably around 5-6 sites. Each of the sites contain a fire pit, and a metal awning with a picnic table. They are all also level enough to where you can comfortably sleep in/on anything without leveling jacks and remain comfortable. The sites are quiet and even if you are next to a particularly loud group, it’s hard to hear them even though they seem to be right next you. I should mention, that it didn’t seem to be well known, and such remains less busy then a few other sites. Like I said, I arrived at around 7:30 PM on a gorgeous summer night, and found only one other camper there. Over the next few hours only one other camper showed up.
The views are unbeatable, the sunsets and sunrises are fantastic, especially contrasted against the often temperamental and partially cloudy California sky.
I would recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle, or at most an all wheel drive, but I couldn’t see a problem with a 2 wheel drive sedan, as long as the driver takes their time and doesn’t drive too fast.
The cell service is great (I have Verizon) which is both a good, and bad thing. I am currently writing this from atop the hill by my fire pit watching the sunset.
Overall, this is a fantastic site with amazing views and I’m sure to return in the near future.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
camper-862607 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet Views”
Reviewed 6/22/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
Arrived around 6:30 pm on a Wednesday in late June and had the entire place to myself. One or two other campers showed up later but I only heard them upon their arrival and departure, otherwise it was totally silent out here. GORGEOUS views! I picked one of the first campsites and it had stunning views and was perfectly level! I ha... more
Arrived around 6:30 pm on a Wednesday in late June and had the entire place to myself. One or two other campers showed up later but I only heard them upon their arrival and departure, otherwise it was totally silent out here. GORGEOUS views! I picked one of the first campsites and it had stunning views and was perfectly level!
I had an ok cell signal with AT&T and a decent wifi signal (3 bars) with Verizon
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
ThisCamper would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Place But No Privacy ”
Reviewed 6/1/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Site Number: | 7 |
Overall Rating
I stayed here for a week. All seven campsites were full at first so I found an unofficial spot just outside the camp area. This worked out OK except for the times I was inundated by the sound of ATVs and motorbikes. Eventually I moved to the actual campground. Luckily I got spot number seven, as otherwise there's really very little spa... more
I stayed here for a week. All seven campsites were full at first so I found an unofficial spot just outside the camp area. This worked out OK except for the times I was inundated by the sound of ATVs and motorbikes. Eventually I moved to the actual campground. Luckily I got spot number seven, as otherwise there's really very little space between the campsites.
Marc would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Sunset”
Reviewed 4/8/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
This spot is a good 20 minutes from hwy 101. It’s a dirt road with lots of bumps and some deep ruts. Easy in a 4x4 and there are some small two wheel drive cars at the campground. Very well maintained - thanks BLM!! Pit toilet, fire ring, picnic table and awning. Nice and level site. I arrived at 5:30pm on an April Saturday and sec... more
This spot is a good 20 minutes from hwy 101. It’s a dirt road with lots of bumps and some deep ruts. Easy in a 4x4 and there are some small two wheel drive cars at the campground.
Very well maintained - thanks BLM!! Pit toilet, fire ring, picnic table and awning. Nice and level site.
I arrived at 5:30pm on an April Saturday and secured the last site. Only about ten in total.
Most sites look west so you get a terrific sunset view over Big Sur.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
Dan would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet and Clean!”
Reviewed 10/19/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
I arrived on a Saturday at approx 5p In October and there were 5 open spots. Beautiful views. I’m only giving 4 stars because the spaces didn’t give much privacy. The road up in my Rav4 was super easy but I wouldn’t bring a trailer up here without excellent maneuverability skills. I was able to stream live videos with Verizon. I’ll ... more
I arrived on a Saturday at approx 5p In October and there were 5 open spots. Beautiful views. I’m only giving 4 stars because the spaces didn’t give much privacy.
The road up in my Rav4 was super easy but I wouldn’t bring a trailer up here without excellent maneuverability skills.
I was able to stream live videos with Verizon.
I’ll be back!
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
RyRy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice place to stay overnight ”
Reviewed 9/3/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 4 |
Overall Rating
The 6 or 8 mile gravel dirt dusty road leading up here is nothing to joke about. I see sharp rocks on the narrow road. Some potholes n uneven dips but we needed a place to sleep. Not bad when u get to CG. 1 vault toilet clean n not stinky yet. Windy n blowing dust. Semi shaded. Nice views of valley below. Saw a prius make it up... more
The 6 or 8 mile gravel dirt dusty road leading up here is nothing to joke about. I see sharp rocks on the narrow road. Some potholes n uneven dips but we needed a place to sleep. Not bad when u get to CG. 1 vault toilet clean n not stinky yet. Windy n blowing dust. Semi shaded. Nice views of valley below. Saw a prius make it up here.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
momof2 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Best free views with privacy and so-so porta toilet ”
Reviewed 7/8/2022
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | Unsure |
Overall Rating
Positives - One of a kind sunset views Quiet - not eerily kind Near the highway connecting SF Doable drive up the hill Fenced designated spots Cellphone reception New picnic tables under a canopy/shed Negatives— 7 miles up a Dirt road is not comforting Super fine dust. Persistent to get into your lungs. Even if you keep ... more
Positives -
One of a kind sunset views
Quiet - not eerily kind
Near the highway connecting SF
Doable drive up the hill
Fenced designated spots
Cellphone reception
New picnic tables under a canopy/shed
Negatives—
7 miles up a Dirt road is not comforting
Super fine dust. Persistent to get into your lungs. Even if you keep your windows and door sealed somehow it leaks in . If you have a rental RV I would double check if they allow this road.
No water or garbage receptacle . You need to be fully stocked and resourceful if you want to come up here.
Poorly maintained porta toilet. Granted it had 3 rolls of toilet paper but man it was repulsive stench and no water to wash hands
Garbage and plastic thrown around.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
A.Meh would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Reviewed 11/19/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 7 |
| RV Length: | 20' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Camped here the first weekend in November. After reading the other reviews on this site I thought I'd offer some clarifications. The road in is dirt, and parts of it are heavily washboarded. However, it is clearly maintained, it's level, and it has no significant ruts or dropoffs to negotiate. Parts of it are exposed rock and could ... more
Camped here the first weekend in November. After reading the other reviews on this site I thought I'd offer some clarifications.
The road in is dirt, and parts of it are heavily washboarded. However, it is clearly maintained, it's level, and it has no significant ruts or dropoffs to negotiate. Parts of it are exposed rock and could be slippery in the rain. There are two relatively tight turns but both have pulloff areas you could swing into if required. There are a couple of graded areas but not super steep. Mid-size commercial trucks use the road regularly without difficulty. I scouted ahead in my Jeep and then went back and fetched my 20' trailer without any issues. I assume the folks who had concerns about towing something up this road were towing something much larger, or operating much closer to their weight capacity. I feel like even a 2-wheel-drive sedan can probably negotiate the path if you take it slow.
Found the campground nigh-empty on Friday afternoon, but it filled up by Sunday.
In terms of sites -- site #1 is the most private and has the best views and I would _not_ want to attempt to back a trailer in or out of it. It's at the end of a ~30 foot driveway with fences on both sides. If you're camping in a tent or van, it might be your new favorite. Other than that, you'll be choosing between views and solar -- sites on the west side have better views and are shaded most of the day, sites on the east have more trees blocking the view but get full sun. I camped in site #7, which is weirdly large -- large enough that I woke up my last day to find that a camper van had crammed its way into my spot during the night. Hm. #7 is on the far side of the bathrooms from other campsites, so you rarely get foot traffic. Felt very private until someone joined my spot.
Cell service is great, other campers were courteous, there's some noise from dirtbikes and distant target shooting during the day but it's silent (and windy) at night.
Anything exposed on the road in will get covered in fine and sticky dust; the other reviewer who described it as playa-level dust is not kidding. I had to squeegee my windows to be able to see the sunset.
Final note for trailer owners - there isn't a great place to drop your trailer to scout this site, in my opinion. I dropped the trailer on the shoulder off 101 on the road to San Ardo, and it seemed perfectly safe (and a nice guy from the neighboring farm came to see if I needed help) but may be private property, so, be respectful and look for signs.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
T-Mobile 4G
CB would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 1 of 5
Be the first to add a note for Williams Hill Recreation Area!
Be the first to add a video for Williams Hill Recreation Area!
283 reviews
Williams Hill Recreation Area – Aluminarium
We love our current location a little extra because our last spot was such a bust. The drive in was on 5 miles of dirt road after the rain, so we got a little muddy....
Contact us to update this listing.
Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- OHV
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
- pull thru
Facilities
- restrooms: vault
Pets
- pets
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
10 Reviews
2022 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV EVO Select 177BQ
$98 /night | Sleeps 4 Guests
15 Reviews
2019 CLASS C MOTOR HOME
Thor Motor Coach Freedom Traveler Elite
$200 /night | Sleeps 4 Guests
New Listing
2023 TRAVEL TRAILER
Grand Design Imagine 3210BH
$185 /night | Sleeps 8 Guests
New Listing
2018 CLASS B CAMPING VAN
Coachmen RV Galleria 24FL
$203 /night | Sleeps 4 Guests
6 Reviews
2021 TOY HAULER
Grand Design Momentum G-Class 31G
$160 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
9 Reviews
2022 CLASS C MOTOR HOME
Forest River RV Sunseeker LE 2350SLE Ford
$159 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
Please select a reason for flagging this item: