Willow Creek Environmental Campground

3.57

26 reviews

null

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Willow Creek Environmental Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Free camping as stated in user reviews.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

nullnull

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.57

Mixed Reviews

Based on 26 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

Some mention

noise

"User reviews express a mix of positive and negative sentiments. Positive highlights include the campground's proximity to the river and hiking opportunities. Negative feedback mentions traffic noise and lack of ranger enforcement."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

null

Willow Creek Environmental Campground

null

Driving directionsnull

null

Nearby places

null

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Willow Creek Environmental Campground

Experience the Russian River's dynamic climate, where each week brings its own character to your camping adventure. Summer unveils crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for swimming and riverside relaxation, while the gentle, dry air creates ideal conditions for stargazing. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms with rejuvenating rains that feed the river and paint the surrounding hills in vibrant greens, offering a completely different but equally enchanting camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer noted for clear skies and good temps; mosquitoes and traffic noise can be issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

No firm seasonal data; fall likely pleasant with river scenery and fewer crowds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely good for wildlife and river activity though specifics aren't provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

No winter specifics; low-elevation riverside site likely wetter and less comfortable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: null

About Willow Creek Environmental Campground

Discover your perfect riverside escape at Willow Creek Environmental Campground, where free camping meets the serene beauty of the Russian River. This thoughtfully designed campground welcomes adventurers with spacious sites that comfortably accommodate two cozy 2-person tents, complete with picnic tables for riverside dining and fire pits for evening gatherings under the stars. Whether you're paddling down from upstream or planning your next river adventure, there's dedicated space to store your kayak right at your site, making this an ideal basecamp for water enthusiasts.

Willow Creek Environmental Campground focuses on primitive camping with minimal facilities. It provides tent camping options and is accessible for kayakers.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsExperience the Russian River's dynamic climate, where each week brings its own character to your camping adventure. Summer unveils crystal-clear skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for swimming and riverside relaxation, while the gentle, dry air creates ideal conditions for stargazing. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms with rejuvenating rains that feed the river and paint the surrounding hills in vibrant greens, offering a completely different but equally enchanting camping experience.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryNestled along the banks of the iconic Russian River, Willow Creek offers an extraordinary gateway to both river adventures and coastal exploration. Wake up to panoramic views of the winding waterway, where morning mist dances above the current and wildlife begins their daily routines. The campground's prime location provides direct river access for swimming, fishing, or launching your kayak, while the nearby Pacific Ocean beckons with its rugged coastline just a short journey away. Surrounded by California's stunning natural landscapes, every campsite offers front-row seats to nature's daily performances.

Geological Regionnull

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-out is reportedly at noon, but users observed non-compliance.

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No details about group sites are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews suggest walk-up availability; however, ranger enforcement for payments was reportedly lacking.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites are designed to fit approximately two 2-person tents. "The campgrounds are made to fit ~2 2-person tents." (User review by Forrest Spellman).

PrivacyNo specific information about site privacy is provided. However, user reviews do not mention privacy concerns.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 9 and 11 are recommended for their quality, as per campsite photos.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Campground activities include hiking and easy access to the Russian River for water-based activities. Some reviews highlight the potential for mosquito presence during low river levels. "The grounds are right along the river and very accessible during high tide, and sometimes you might run across mosquitoes if the river is at its lower points." (User review by Forrest Spellman).

HikingHiking opportunities are mentioned positively in the user reviews. "Hiking is good as well." (User review by Maksym Ipatov). However, specific trail details like difficulty levels or lengths are not provided.

BoatingThe campsites are accessible for kayaks, suggesting boating opportunities. "The campgrounds have space to set out a kayak." (User review by Forrest Spellman).

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito presence can increase when river levels are low, traffic noise from River Road can be disruptive.

Active Alertsnull

Weather at Willow Creek Environmental Campground

Reviews

3.6

26 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Willow Creek Environmental Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews express a mix of positive and negative sentiments. Positive highlights include the campground's proximity to the river and hiking opportunities. Negative feedback mentions traffic noise and lack of ranger enforcement.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the scenic views, river access during high tide, and the ranger's helpfulness. "First, from all sides there are some beautiful views here." (User review by Forrest Spellman).

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include traffic noise from River Road and the need to hike gear in and out. "Awful, traffic noise all night from river road. Must be ok with hiking all your gear in and out of campsite."...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to prepare for hiking their gear in and out and to bring mosquito repellents during low river levels.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends are highlighted in user reviews.

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campgrounds themselves are classic fare with a fire pit and picnic table located at each one." (User review by Forrest Spellman). "Free camping, it's good to stay for a few nights not far from...

Based on 26 reviews