Williams Hill
Located in southern Monterey County, and standing over 2,700 feet in elevation, Williams Hill offers great views of the surrounding Salinas Valley. Pine trees, chamise, scrub oak, and impressive shale formations characterize the hilly terrain.
CAMPING
Williams Hill features campsites which are equipped with level RV pads, fire rings, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets, and a kiosk providing an interpretive panel, a map, and information about the area. Although no reservations or fees are required, there is a 14 day camping limit within any 28-day period. There is no electricity, running water, or trash collection at the campsites. Please utilize good camping ethics, and remember to pack out your garbage when you leave. Rules for camping at the developed campsites are posted in the campground.
Dispersed camping is also available at Williams Hill, although there is no camping within 200 yards of any wildlife watering improvement. You must park within 15 feet (roughly one vehicle length) of any roadway when camping or leaving a vehicle unattended to minimize habitat and vegetation impacts. Please remember to bring a shovel with you for both personal sanitation and fire prevention purposes.
HIKING
There are currently no developed hiking trails at Williams Hill.
HUNTING
There are three main types of hunting available, including upland game bird, small game, and big game like deer and wild pigs. Varmint (non-game) hunting is also allowed. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates the hunting seasons for different species and the types of firearms allowed for use. Please be aware that this region is home to the California Condor and affects non-game hunting.
At Griswold Hills, you may find upland game birds, varmints, and small game.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Map
Restrictions
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Fire restrictions for the BLM - Central Coast Field Office are in effect starting May 25th, 2023. (Full Order)
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Vehicle access is limited to the designated open routes.
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All vehicles including OHVs (Off-Highway Vehicles) are prohibited from cross-country travel.
- OHV recreation is allowed but available route mileage is extremely limited (11 miles of graveled road); open routes are marked with brown, numbered fiberglass posts.
- No shooting within 150 yards of any developed area.
TARGET SHOOTING
There are no designated target shooting areas in the Central Coast Field Office area, however, Public Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management are open to target shooting except when prohibited by other applicable laws and regulations.
While target shooting on BLM lands you must:
- Use legal weapons and ammunition
- Employ a safe backstop (hill) within close proximity behind the target
- Remove all your targets, gun shells, clay pigeons, and any and all items used for your target shooting
You may not:
- Shoot within 150 yards of residences, structures, or developed areas (i.e. day use areas)
- Shoot onto private lands
- Shoot across a roadway or trail
- Shoot at hazardous materials such as propane tanks or paint cans
- Shoot at trees, facilities, signs, or outbuildings
Call or email the Central Coast Field Office for more information on shooting safely and be sure to visit the State of California's Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Firearms web page.
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Activities
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Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Primary access is from US Highway 101. Take the San Ardo exit and travel west onto Paris Valley Road, turn left onto Lockwood-San Ardo Road. The public lands boundary begins approximately 5 miles down the road from the Lockwood-San Ardo Road turnoff. Once at Williams Hill, the campground can be reached by turning onto road W1 and heading south.