Where There's a Willow, There's a Way

First come, first served camping at Willow Creek on the Sonoma Coast

woman looking at Russian River willow camp

Finding a last-minute campground in the Bay Area can be like finding a parking spot in San Francisco—possible, but painful. Which makes it all the more special when you snag a sweet spot! Set in a narrow grassy meadow among the rolling spring-green hills of the Sonoma Coast, Willow Creek Environmental Campground has 11 walk-in campsites that are first-come, first-served. And the setting ain’t too shabby: it’s the only state park campground on the Russian River! The campground is primitive, meaning you’ve got to bring in your own water, but there are toilets (though no showers), and sites have picnic tables, fire rings, and storage lockers.

willow camp on Russian River

woman walking willow camp Sonoma Coast

russian river willow camp

A major highlight here is the spacing between sites, set far enough apart for a good measure of privacy. The farther you walk in, the more seclusion you’ll enjoy, with sites 9 and 11 totally shrouded in privacy—and bonus views of the river, plus small footpaths leading to the shoreline (just watch for poison oak!). Site 8 is also tucked off by itself, and has a trail down to the river. Aside from breezes blowing through the valley and causing trees to creak, Willow Creek is pretty peaceful wherever you decide to pitch your tent.

TIP: Access to the Russian River’s shoreline can be found from a trail leaving directly from the parking area, or campsites 8, 9, or 11.

BONUS HIKE: If you don’t get a site (or even if you do!), opt for a nearby hike!

Willow Creek Environmental Campground is part of Sonoma Coast State Park and is first come, first served. There is no running water and all campsites are walk-in and tent-only. To reach it from Hwy. 1 going northbound: just before crossing the Russian River, make a right onto Willow Creek Rd. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Reno Tahoe Summer Bucket List

    There’s no place quite like it - a perfect intersection where the Truckee River meets the creative enclaves that inspire Burning Man. A landscape with lakes throughout and a downtown that glows with casino resorts, art light exhibits, and an acclaimed food scene.

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  4. Roaring Good Time

    There’s nothing quite like the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests. Now, imagine experiencing those towering giants aboard a historic 19th-century steam train. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is home to some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  2. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View