Welcome To Hike Los Padres!
User Log In or Sign Up
Use Marker Cluster
Markers: Use Marker Groups
Time used: ms
Routes
    Trails
    OHV Trails
    Forest Roads
    Streams
Wildfire Layers
    Wolf 2002
    Piru 2003
    Day 2006
    Zaca 2007
    Gap 2008
    La Brea 2009
Forest Layers
    Forest Boundary
    Wilderness Areas
    Ranger Districts
    Counties
    Topographic Outlines
    Trailheads
    OHV Trailheads
Helpful Hints
    ↣ Right click the map for location data. ↣ Click a stream for Water Stats.

Willet Camp South Los Padres National Forest

  • Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
  • Topo Map Link: Topatopa Mountains
  • Elevation: 2520 feet
  • Wilderness Area: Sespe
  • County: Ventura County
  • Ranger District: Ojai Ranger District
  • Longitude: -119.0451898
  • Latitude: 34.57421949
  • Water Sources: The Sespe usually flows year round at Willett, but if dry, the creek next to camp likely has water.
  • Length of Stay: 14 Days
  • Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date Surveyor Water Report
11-20-2022Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
05-29-2022YertleStagnant
12-19-2021YertleFlowing
11-23-2021Karley RodriguezTrickle
07-03-2021Braulio AguileraDry
01-15-2021Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
11-23-2020Shaddus Maximus Trickle
01-01-2020Zack AbbeyFlowing
04-27-2019Michelle MacgilfreyFlowing
04-25-2019MikeFlowing
04-21-2019S. SampsonFlowing
03-23-2019Yellow MantisFlowing
11-04-2018whats4dinnerFlowing
09-02-2018HORNMANFlowing
11-30-2017Martin SchenkerTrickle
10-07-2017Heather SalvatoreStagnant
06-15-2017larry frassoldatiFlowing
05-05-2017Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
11-27-2016Anonymous SurveyorFlowing
09-08-2016Anonymous SurveyorTrickle
08-19-2016Anonymous SurveyorTrickle
03-30-2016Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
03-07-2016Yellow MantisFlowing
01-23-2016ChesterFlowing
05-20-2015Kara HooperFlowing
04-18-2015Hike Los PadresFlowing
03-07-2015Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
01-21-2015Los Padres Forest AssociationFlowing
Photo: Bryan Conant
Upload Image
Survey This Camp

Description:

Willett Camp is located along the Sespe River Trail about 9 miles downstream from Piedra Blanca Trailhead, which is by far the most common access point for visitors.  There are a variety of camps that are situated around the ruins of an old family settlement that was here in the early/mid 1900's.  The families that settled here were the Largomarsino's and Willett's.  Amongst the remains are a usable bunk house and a few scattered sheds that act as supply storage for visitors and packers that frequent the camp.

While Willett is most famous for the nearby hot springs, the views of the Topatopas from camp are fantastic!  Willett can be quite busy with major weekends seeing sometimes 50+ visitors.  That being said, weekdays can be empty but you are more than likely to see other people while visiting Willett.  Be courteous to others and respectful of their wilderness experience.

Recent Uploads:

Survey Photos:


  • Yellow Mantis - 03-07-2016

  • Yellow Mantis - 03-07-2016

  • Yellow Mantis - 03-07-2016

  • Anonymous Surveyor - 05-05-2017
    second or third site as you come into Willett

  • Heather Salvatore - 10-07-2017

  • Mike - 04-25-2019

  • Mike - 04-25-2019

  • Mike - 04-25-2019

  • Mike - 04-25-2019

  • Michelle Macgilfrey - 04-27-2019

  • Michelle Macgilfrey - 04-27-2019

  • Zack Abbey - 01-01-2020
    Looking east at Sespe Creek and Oak Flat campground from the top of the hill.

  • Zack Abbey - 01-01-2020
    The main cabin

  • Zack Abbey - 01-01-2020
    Main cabin

  • Zack Abbey - 01-01-2020
    Inside the cabin, note the "repaired" smoke stack

  • Zack Abbey - 01-01-2020
    willet hot springs tub

  • Zack Abbey - 01-01-2020
    empty spring box

Submitted Camp Reports

Willet Camp Survey - 11-20-2022 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 11-20-2022
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:The LPFA was stationed at Willett Camp for 10 days from November 11-20 as part of a larger Working Vacation. We cleared out over a dozen bags of trash from Willett and did a variety of repairs to the out-buildings, springs, toilets and trails. This includes knocking out 4 miles of trail work downstream towards Coltrell and also punching through on the Red Reef Trail. Get out there and enjoy, sure is beautiful right now!
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Good water flowing near the homestead site. Also water in the spring box but the water system is currently broken.
Weather Conditions:HUGE SWING. Nighttime lows in the mid-20's and highs in the high 70's.
Willet Camp Survey - 05-29-2022 - by Yertle
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 05-29-2022
Surveyor Name:Yertle
Camp Description:
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 12-19-2021 - by Yertle
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 12-19-2021
Surveyor Name:Yertle
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 11-23-2021 - by Karley Rodriguez
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 11-23-2021
Surveyor Name:Karley Rodriguez
Camp Description:
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:the main crossing across the mainstem had a small gurgle of fresh/flowing water. the rest was stagnant but a few pools around.
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 07-03-2021 - by Braulio Aguilera
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 07-03-2021
Surveyor Name:Braulio Aguilera
Camp Description:Stopped by for a break and to see what condition the cabin was in. No water in the spring box much to my disappointment. Someone lefts food out on the table in front, whole packs of those backpacking meal pouches. Who does that? There was stuff missing from the cabin. Couldn’t find the old thermometer, the green lamp, or some pages from the notebook. I was flipping through the notebook for some of my previous messages to see if anyone had responded or something along those lines and couldn’t find anything. Someone must’ve ripped out the pages. Why they would do this is beyond me, I hope they stub their toe or something. My repairs from about a year ago didn’t last very long by the looks of it. The new tarp I had nailed onto the right hand windows was torn and hanging loosely. People keep dumping their trash behind the cabin in the old washing machine and barrels. I don’t understand why people do this, no respect for the place. Hopefully I can come back one day when there’s water with some supplies to fix the cabin up a little. 
Water Source:Dry
Water Source Details:No water in the spring box.
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 01-15-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 01-15-2021
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:cabin was in good shape. some mice poop. pipe had water flowing
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:low enough to rock hop
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 11-23-2020 - by Shaddus Maximus
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 11-23-2020
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:Good, clear, flow of water in the Sespe through the campsites at Willett.
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 01-01-2020 - by Zack Abbey
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 01-01-2020
Surveyor Name:Zack Abbey
Camp Description:Enjoyed some solitude at the Willet cabins.  Saw some people up at the hot springs, which were in great shape and felt really nice, but no body ventured east to the cabins.  Noticed that the spigots were not flowing when we got into camp so I checked the irrigation tubing all the way up to the spring box which was all in good shape (no holes, or busted connections), but when I got up to the box and opened it up I immediately saw the problem (see pic).  The box is empty and there is but a trickle coming into the box.  Not sure what it will take to get it working again, but I didn't have the tools, materials, time, or desire to give it a go.  The cabin was in great shape, really clean (well done people, lets keep it that way!), but the smoke stack was in bad shape and made the cabin pretty smoky.  I took it apart, reworked the metal, reassembled the pipe, used some strategic tin foil that I had, used some wire to "secure" the parts of pipe, and tested it out.  Minimal smoke in the cabin, plenty coming out the top outside.  It could still use some work, and with the right supplies (new metal pipe, a new metal elbow , 3 or 4 adjustable metal worm gear clamps, some HVAC metal tape) the thing could be in tip top shape.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Sespe Creek was flowing well, but the spring box above cabin which feeds the spigots at the camps was empty
Weather Conditions:55-65 during the day, 30-45 at night
Images:

Looking east at Sespe Creek and Oak Flat campground from the top of the hill.

The main cabin

Main cabin

Inside the cabin, note the "repaired" smoke stack

willet hot springs tub
Willet Camp Survey - 04-27-2019 - by Michelle Macgilfrey
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 04-27-2019
Surveyor Name:Michelle Macgilfrey
Camp Description:Camp was in good shape. Water clear, cold and flowing really well at a depth of knee to thigh high. Hot Spring tub was in good shape.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:


Willet Camp Survey - 04-25-2019 - by Mike
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 04-25-2019
Surveyor Name:Mike
Camp Description:After swimming all afternoon I posted up in the cabin left  nice and clean by Bob from San Luis... the whole place is really clean despite the amount of traffic it generates my hats off to my fellow backpackers and outdoor enthusiast,  keep up the good work ... Met a nice couple from DC ...nicknamed the "DC crew" good people I'm glad you enjoyed our backyard...come anytime my friends..... Mike
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Hoses and spickets flowing just fine...
Weather Conditions:Hot AF during the day...cool evenings
Images:




Willet Camp Survey - 04-21-2019 - by S. Sampson
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 04-21-2019
Surveyor Name:S. Sampson
Camp Description:water levels are dropping, still plenty of water but no waist high crossings until this point
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 03-23-2019 - by Yellow Mantis
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 03-23-2019
Surveyor Name:Yellow Mantis
Camp Description:camp was crowded with approx 10+ tents.

all sespe river crossings from the trailhead till camp were all above knee deep.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:deep flowing water
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 11-04-2018 - by whats4dinner
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 11-04-2018
Surveyor Name:whats4dinner
Camp Description:Spigot is flowing! There was a stagnant puddle in the riverbed down from the old ranch and the hot springs was pumpin. 
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 09-02-2018 - by HORNMAN
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 09-02-2018
Surveyor Name:HORNMAN
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:Spigget in the back yard good to go... just let it run 24/7 somewhere just dont plug it off. You are not going to save any water and the pressure breaks the line. She was designed to run like this before man inserted the hose in her... oh and plz pack out your stuff... no I nor anybody else need or want your last squirt of propane... thx and keep it clean or the Govt. will remove this old ranch and restore it back to it's OG condition and I for one do not want to see that happen. The old ranch i
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 11-30-2017 - by Martin Schenker
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 11-30-2017
Surveyor Name:Martin Schenker
Camp Description:One of the most lovely places to camp in Sespe Wilderness. The deserted ranch provides for some awesome scenery as well as places to stay. Came up here with the usual crew and couldn't help but notice- THE TRASH! please take it! don't just dump it in an old cabin! What was crazy was that most of the trash was freeze dried food bags, an extremely hard item to fold away and pack out. 
Water- There is an easy place to fill up water closer to the famous Willett Cabin (area near the pasture), if you notice when you walk along the fence closest to the mountain, there is a small stone pool that I assume is constantly provided with spring water. 
Hot Spring- not the warmest of hot springs, but will soothe the muscle soreness either way. be careful arriving there at night, as the trail up to the hot spring is very narrow and steep. 

Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:decent amount of water flowing down from the hot spring.
Weather Conditions:mid 70's at day, 40's at night.
Willet Camp Survey - 10-07-2017 - by Heather Salvatore
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 10-07-2017
Surveyor Name:Heather Salvatore
Camp Description:Hot springs had just been emptied and scrubbed down, it was lovely! Unfortunately little to no water flowing in the river. Ended up using the re-directed natural spring water in the camp to re-fill.
Water Source:Stagnant
Water Source Details:Water was minimal but natural spring was great to filter from!
Weather Conditions:Hot! Around 85-90 during the day, cooled off to low 60's at night.
Images:

Willet Camp Survey - 06-15-2017 - by larry frassoldati
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 06-15-2017
Surveyor Name:larry frassoldati
Camp Description:hotub is flowing and awsome
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:sespe creek is flowing ,, spigot has been altered and is flowing 1 gallon every 15 min. or so
Weather Conditions:hot 90 F
Willet Camp Survey - 05-05-2017 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 05-05-2017
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Hot tub was full, flowing and so awesome! Camp sites were great and river flowing enough to sit in with head out of water.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

second or third site as you come into Willett
Willet Camp Survey - 11-27-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 11-27-2016
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:water flowing slightly in sespe creek directly south of camp. water spigot working fine
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 09-08-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 09-08-2016
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:water flowing through willet is heavily sulfurized with the sulfer from the spring since the spring is flowing so low.  Not potable even after filter/boil.  Springbox is not providing water currently to willett camp as it is so low.  The hotspring tub is full and nice, but through overgrown thickets of poison oak or very stabby plants.  (we chose stabby plants).
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 08-19-2016 - by Anonymous Surveyor
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 08-19-2016
Surveyor Name:Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:Beautiful and peaceful camp spot. This time of year it is very very hot and dry and there is limited water.
Water Source:Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:Very hot and dry
Willet Camp Survey - 03-30-2016 - by Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 03-30-2016
Surveyor Name:Shaddus Maximus/Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 03-07-2016 - by Yellow Mantis
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 03-07-2016
Surveyor Name:Yellow Mantis
Camp Description:water was good from faucet in camp, sterilized from steripen.  sespe river was flowing above ground from rose valley through willett, only had to take shoes off at one crossing (the one shortly after kerr spring).  it was nice hearing a bullfrog choir all night long.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:flowing water above ground from rose valley through willett
Weather Conditions:cold
Images:



Willet Camp Survey - 01-23-2016 - by Chester
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 01-23-2016
Surveyor Name:Chester
Camp Description:

We stayed in the cabin, it was in good condition.

Another party were camped in the area and were lighting fire crackers. Not very responsible behavior for an area that only just lifted its fire ban.

Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 05-20-2015 - by Kara Hooper
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 05-20-2015
Surveyor Name:Kara Hooper
Camp Description:Willett has two pit toilets back up behind the camp, as well as a hot srping about .6 miles up and out of camp to the left.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:the water spigot there feels like an incredible gift; be sure to filter it to be on the safe side.
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 04-18-2015 - by Hike Los Padres
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 04-18-2015
Surveyor Name:Hike Los Padres
Camp Description:Flowing great.  Cabin in good shape.  Not too many people out there.  Did not inspect the tub.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 03-07-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 03-07-2015
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:Water is flowing great at Willett both within the Sespe as well as out of the nearby springs.  The camp was clean, green and with flowers in the fields.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Willet Camp Survey - 01-21-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association
Link: Willet Camp
Date: 01-21-2015
Surveyor Name:Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:Crowded weekend. Lots of cold as well as hot water. People camping all over the place. Freezing nights.
Water Source:Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Leave A Camp Report

Survey / Report Form


Last Updated: Monday, March 6, 2023

Join Our Mailing List
×
Get updates on conditions, surveys and more...

L.P.N.F. Contacts »

  • Forest Headquarters
    Phone: (805) 968-6640
  • Mt. Pinos District
    Phone: (661) 245-3731
  • Ojai Ranger District
    Phone: (805) 646-4348
  • Santa Barbara District
    Phone: (805) 967-3481
  • Santa Lucia District
    Phone: (805) 925-9538
  • Monterey District
    Phone: (831) 385-5434

Local Links »