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Willow Creek Environmental Campground permit

Willow Creek Gear Checklist

What to carry on Willow Creek, and why. 1 item is written into the permit rules and 9 more are worth the pack space.

10Total Items
1Required
9To bring

What to bring on Willow Creek

Specific to this permit, not a generic camping list. One item is written into the permit rules, and every one of those carries the rule it comes from.

  • Required

    Camp stove or firewood brought in

    Permit rule: “Fires are allowed only in the fire rings provided; you may use your camp stove. Fires are not permitted on the beach, and do not gather firewood in the park.”

  • Bring

    All your drinking and cooking water

    this is a dry campground

  • Bring

    Cash or a check for self-registration

  • Bring

    Bags to pack out all trash

  • Bring

    Warm layers for river-valley fog

  • Bring

    An early arrival on summer weekends; eleven sites go fast

  • Bring

    Binoculars for herons, egrets, osprey and river otters

  • Bring

    Headlamp for the short walk from the lot

  • Bring

    Insect repellent for a willow-shaded riverside camp

  • Bring

    A call to (707) 875-3483 to confirm the season

Going as a group? Split this list between you so nobody carries two stoves.

Build a shared list

General backcountry gear

Kit we recommend for backcountry trips in general. This is not a checklist specific to Willow Creek — the Sonoma Coast State Park rules for this permit are above.

🎒
Recommended
Wild Ideas

Bearikade Weekender

Ultralight carbon fiber bear canister. IGBC certified.

1 lb 15 ozultralightcarbon-fiber
$325
🎒
Recommended
Katadyn

BeFree 1L

Ultralight collapsible filter system.

2 ozultralightfast-flow
$44.95
🎒
Recommended
BearVault

BV500 Bear Vault

The most popular bear canister for Sierra backpacking. Fits 7 days of food.

2 lbs 9 oz7-day capacityapproved
$89.95
🎒
Recommended
Black Diamond

Distance Carbon Z

Lightweight folding carbon poles.

1 lb 1 ozcarbonfolding
$169.95
🎒
Recommended
Sawyer

Sawyer Squeeze

The most popular water filter for backpacking.

3 ozpopularreliable
$37.95

Gear Tips for Willow Creek

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Weigh your pack before you go. A lighter pack makes for a happier hike.
  • •Rent expensive gear if you are trying a new activity for the first time.
  • •Test all new gear at home before hitting the trail.
  • •Check current regulations as some items may be required seasonally.

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