camping

Camping Near Pinnacles National Park

Camping Near Pinnacles National Park

Escape to Pinnacles National Park, where towering rock formations and star-filled skies await (maybe even a few California Condor sightings). Sleep within this unique landscape with the best options for camping near Pinnacles National Park. 

Whether you choose the park’s campground or venture to nearby BLM land, remember to tread lightly and leave no trace. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable camping adventure while minimizing your impact. So grab your gear, embrace the Leave No Trace ethos, and discover the magic of Pinnacles National Park.

Woman kissing man while hiking at Pinnacles National Park

Table of Contents

Check out the best hiking trails in Pinnacles National Park, so you can see everything waiting in this unique landscape!

My experience Camping near Pinnacles National Park

We drove down to Pinnacles National Park from Sacramento and planned to spend the night. 

 

We left the city in the mid-morning and arrived at the East Entrance around 11:00am. There was an extremely long line that we had to wait at the gate, further limiting our time in the park. Once we got in, we decided to explore the east side, and then drive up and around the park to the west entrance to car camp.

We thought we might just be able to car camp at the NP or in Pinnacles Campground, but with only 130 sites and it being mid-spring, those spots were all booked (even though we went mid-week!). 

We hiked the Old Pinnacles trail to see more remote corners of the park. We saw a really beautiful owl, some birds (not condors), and didn’t run into anyone on the trail! 

For sleeping, we decided to drive the 1.5 hours around to Soledad, grabbed some Taco Bell, and then camped on the side of the road on 45. Since we car camp, we had more options, but I wouldn’t recommend this spot again. Leaving Soledad southwest towards the park, there is a spot on iOverlander, it’s very descriptly called the “Roadside Parking”.

On the bright side, this spot put us really close to the Western Entrance on Day 2, where we did much more hiking, saw the condors, crawled through caves, and did some star gazing.

Pinnacles Campground

Pinnacles Campground is the place to be to stay closest to the heart of the park. This is the only campground within the park boundaries! The campground has over 130 sites for tents, RV’s with 30-amp hookups, and a few group sites! Plus, some glamping cabins for the fancy. At the campground, you’ll find flush toilets, drinking water, and hot showers. Plus, there is a camp store on the property with extra s’more supplies, firewood, and cheesy magnets to remember your trip to Pinnacles. Price: Tent ($23/night) / RV ($33/night) / Group Site ($55/night). Dogs: allowed in the campgrounds on a 6-foot leash, not allowed in the NP. Fires: Allowed in designated fire rings, subject to seasonal restrictions. Fires are typically restricted by July due to wildfire risk. Internet coverage: pretty spotty, especially if you have AT&T. Reservations: Should be made in advance, especially in the summer which fills up pretty early, and must be made on Recreation.gov.
Van in a grassy campground at Pinnacles campground
Pinnacles Campground. Recreation.gov
map of Pinnacles Campground
Map of Pinnacles Campground. Recreation.gov

Local HipCamps

HipCamp can be a lifesaver when camping somewhere new – it’s the AirBnB for camping. The site allows land owners to list their yard space, yurt, RV, or actual text sites on HipCamp. There are more unique options, and you won’t have so many neighbors. 

Since Pinnacles National Park doesn’t have much nature around it, it’s mostly small towns and highways, HipCamp is a perfect way to still camp without the perfect setting. Even up near Monterey (1.5 hours away from Pinnacles), there are beautiful Yurts, treehouse camping, and more!

Check HipCamp for campsites near Pinnacles National Park that fit exactly what you’re looking for!

Apps available foriOS and Google

 

HipCamp is one of many apps I use to find the best places to stay, things to see, and to stay connected. Check out the full list of Essential Travel Apps!

Wild Camping Etiquette

Leave No Trace

When exploring in the backcountry, be sure to pack out all trash, litter, and toilet paper. Don’t start fires where not allowed (in California, this is pretty much everywhere), and don’t disrupt nature! Leave No Trace means NO TRACE – don’t drive over plantlife, don’t disrupt the lives of animals, and don’t take anything out that you didn’t bring in. 

When Nature Calls

Even in the backcountry, nature calls! Pack out all sanitary items, toilet paper, and everything else that is not natural. And for what is natural, bury it! When it’s time for business, find a spot that’s over 200 feet away from water and dig a hole about 6-8 inches deep, and a few inches in diameter.

Check Restrictions

BLM land – while great for wild camping – can also have some restrictions to know. Check the area for any restrictions for sensitive habitat, animal migration or mating, and fire risk and restrictions. 

Be Prepared

Don’t be “that guy” that went camping with no water, too much shitty beer, and plans to “catch your dinner”… your negligence will end up as work for someone else. Bring plenty of water or a filtration device, food, and some recovery gear! BLM land is full of surprises, and burying yourself in some clay or sand isn’t off the table.

A sign reading :take nothing but pictures, leave nothing for footprints"

Summary - Camping Near Pinnacles National Park

This National Park isn’t like neighboring Yosemite or Sequoia, where there is thousands of acres of woodlands around. It’s in the central valley, between a few small towns that are stop-offs on I-5. Camping is sparse, but what is available has beautiful open skies, desert wildlife, and unique rock formations.

Camping at Pinnacles campground is ideal, but I always prefer to be in the wild further away from people. If you can spare the time to head to Laguna Mountain BLM land, it’s probably worth it! However, I also think the Western entrance is better than the East, and camping is very limited on the west. 

Posted by Taylor Mallaber in United States, 0 comments