C
Cassandra C.
Scout
ScoutPinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
Quiet, basic, wild
Perfect for what it is- basic grounds with tons of wildlife! Lock up your food but other than that, it’s so cute and quiet.
Camping near Pinnacles National Park
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Pinnacles National Park in central California features a single established campground on its eastern side, with additional camping options scattered throughout the surrounding rural landscape. The Pinnacles Campground, located at the east entrance, provides tent and RV sites with amenities including bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings. Beyond the park boundaries, campers find alternatives ranging from developed RV resorts like Yanks RV Resort in Greenfield to more rustic options such as Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground. Thousand Trails San Benito in Paicines offers year-round accommodations including cabins and tent sites within driving distance of the park's unique volcanic formations and hiking trails.
Advance reservations are essential for the Pinnacles Campground, which fills quickly during weekends and peak seasons. As one camper noted, "This campground can only be accessed from the East entrance to Pinnacles National Park, and fills up fast on weekends." The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons. Cell service is limited or nonexistent throughout much of the area, particularly at more remote sites like Laguna Mountain Campground where visitors report "absolutely NO cell reception at the campground or the road in, NO AT&T, NO Verizon, and NO T-Mobile." Road conditions vary significantly, with some access routes to outlying campgrounds featuring narrow, potholed surfaces that may challenge larger vehicles.
Wildlife viewing ranks among the top experiences for campers in the Pinnacles region. The park hosts California condors, with many visitors reporting sightings of these endangered birds soaring above campsites. According to one visitor at Thousand Trails San Benito, "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads." Night skies offer exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Campground amenities vary widely, from the swimming pool and camp store at Pinnacles Campground to the primitive facilities at free BLM sites. Water availability is inconsistent across locations, with some campgrounds requiring visitors to bring their own supply. Hiking trails connecting directly to some campgrounds provide convenient access to the park's distinctive rock formations, caves, and reservoir.
Campground Showdown near Pinnacles National Park, CA
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Best Camping Sites Near Pinnacles National Park (100)
1. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
100 ReviewsPinnacles, CA3 milesWebsite+1 (831) 200-1722$44 - $164 / night
"If planning a trip longer than just a day hike to the beautiful Pinnacles National Park, and since backpacking in not allowed in Pinnacles, the Pinnacles campground on the east entrance is a nice quiet"
"This is a large campground (and the ONLY campground) in Pinnacles National Park. It is on the East side of the park, and you can only access it from the East side."
2. Yanks RV Resort
13 ReviewsSoledad, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (855) 926-5778"There is nothing near buy, except a Shell station with the lowest diesel prices I’ve seen in California."
"Planted fields surround the RV park, Located right off highway 101, it is easy on easy off. This would be a good location for passing through or going to the Pinnacles. You get what you pay for here."
3. Thousand Trails San Benito
12 ReviewsPaicines, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"
"This location is a fairly convenient distance to Pinnacles National Park if you prefer not to stay at the national park campground."
4. Laguna Mountain Campground
14 ReviewsPinnacles National Park, CA20 milesWebsite+1 (831) 630-5000"It is difficult to find BLM camping in California and this is a gem! The road is in prone to mudslides and looked like is was recently cleared of mud in multiple spots."
"Laguna mountain road trail is very strenuous The last leg of the trail(primitive trail) is not easy to follow. Someone has marked the trail with stacked rocks."
5. Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
11 ReviewsSan Lucas, CA19 milesWebsite+1 (831) 630-5000"We wanted to stay in Pinnacles National Park, but the campground was full. We ended up staying there the next day, but ironically, I liked Sweetwater much more."
"Fresh Air (despite being surrounded by bad air on all sides) + Nature (deer, quails, turkeys, coyotes in one night) + Dark New Moon Skies means Bright Stars with Clear View of the Milky Way + Safe (Popular"
6. San Lorenzo Park
10 ReviewsKing City, CA20 milesWebsite+1 (831) 755-4899$50 / night
"A nice walking path, circles the campground and is well used in the mornings and evenings by locals running or walking dogs and babies."
"Bike/walking trail. Nice trees. Level spots with water and electric. Just off 101 but no highway noise."
7. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
72 ReviewsBig Sur, CA40 milesWebsite+1 (831) 667-2315$50 - $75 / night
"No other sites behind us. It felt secluded and private. Close to the bathrooms. And the bathrooms were clean. We didn’t have a river site but the river was right across from us."
"I think it's a California State Park and Covid thing right now. There is some construction going on but it didn't effect our stay at all. We had a river site."
8. Arroyo Seco
14 ReviewsLucia, CA26 milesWebsite+1 (805) 434-1996$35 - $154 / night
"Campground was nice and views were pretty good, very hilly part of California."
"recid=10906 is located about 60 minutes south of Salinas in the Los Padres National Forest."
9. Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
8 ReviewsSalinas, CA24 milesWebsite$10 / night
"For an organized trail run I would give it a 5 star as it was very respectful and actually not loud at all including day light hours."
"You pay your fee at the kiosk at the entrance, and once you enter you have your choice of several camp areas. You are free to drive around and choose a spot in any of the campgrounds."
10. Kirk Creek Campground
47 ReviewsLucia, CA40 milesWebsite+1 (805) 434-1996$45 - $49 / night
"While we used to just head up & find a site- its become nearly impossible to "walk-in" during high season."
"We happened to drive in at the right time, had one walk- in site available. Campsites, large, away from other campers and clean."
Recent Camping Photos near Pinnacles National Park
321 Photos of 100 Pinnacles National Park Campgrounds
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Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park
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Recent Reviews near Pinnacles National Park
965 Reviews of 100 Pinnacles National Park Campgrounds
- EErika E.Scout
Prewitt Ridge Campground
Beautiful Views but High Clearance Vehicle Required
This was such a gem of a campground, there was a bunch of sites open and incredible views. The road to the top is about 20minutes and very pot hole heavy so a high clearance vehicle would be required. Campfires are NOT allowed and there is no trash or restrooms so please be sure to clean up after yourself!
- NNorbert H.Scout
Nacimiento Campground
Quiet, next to creek, but oh, the toilets...
Camped two nights over the weekend because San Martin Top / Prewitt ridge were socked in with fog. It is quiet, and the creek noise is great to fall asleep to. It worked in a pinch. Campsites are close. Water spigot did not work, there were a lot of pesky gnat flies and some mosquitos. The two outhouses were really unfortunate. Generally clean on the outside, but possibly the worst outhouse smell ever... felt like they did not empty them in a long time. We said screw it and set up our portable potty.
Grant M.
RangerLaguna Seca Recreation Area
Amazing views, location and price, but is a raceway
Great spots, awesome views, but even if there’s no “event” there may be cars on track 8am-5pm, and it ain’t quiet. Check the community calendar as well. Oh, the water has too much arsenic to drink, so be prepared on that front.
- SStephanie C.
GuidePfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground
Beautiful, busy campground
Our campsite (#27) was a 10/10! It was huge, the ground was flat, there was room for multiple tents, and was fairly far away from the closest campsites. This little area of the campground was quiet and well-spaced out. The road is a dead-end here, which helps keep it a little quieter.
It was nearby a bathroom which was well maintained and had hot showers. The showers require tokens and the token machine is outside the bathroom - they are $1 for 1 token and 1 token gives you 5 minutes. The site was also pretty close to the camp store (open from 10-5 ish every day) and the detour for the Pine Ridge Trail.
The campground is dog friendly and dogs are allowed on the paved roads and the Pine Ridge Trail. The next closest trail dogs are allowed on is the Coast Ridge Rd (a fire road by the Alila resort).
Campsite #29 is similarly laid out with lots of space. Sites #26 and 28 on the other site of the road are also nice. They aren't as big and open up into a meadow instead of backing up into a hillside with trees.
- Delila R.Scout
Veteran's Memorial Park Campground
Best campsite in Monterey
They clean the bathrooms daily, there's trash cans everywhere, a couple water spouts, 2 play grounds, trails, beautiful trees, and more! Fires are not allowed during fire season and you cannot stay for more than 3 days but it's still a very fancy campground in my opinion. Reasonably priced too!
Grant M.RangerUpper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
Worth the drive, a Pinnacles stop
The winding road to get here is definitely out of the way, and the bumpy drive left one of our passengers feeling pretty carsick. That said, it was absolutely worth it.
I have to give this place a 5-star review. When it comes to dispersed camping, I’m used to rough clearings and overgrown roads, but this site was exceptionally well maintained. It had fenced campsites, a bathroom, covered pavilions, picnic tables, and fire pits. There was a burn ban in effect during our visit, so we couldn’t use the fire pits, but I was still impressed by the overall setup.
One thing I really appreciated was the balance of sun and shade. I was able to park in full sun for my solar panels while still enjoying shade under the pavilion and surrounding trees. Cell reception was also good.
We visited on a Saturday in June and were surprised by how uncrowded it was. Only a few other campers were there. It was also reassuring to see several other dispersed camping areas along the drive in, providing additional options if this site happened to be full.
In dry conditions, I think a two-wheel-drive vehicle can make it here. The roads are bumpy but generally well maintained. We saw several two-wheel-drive cars at the campsite. That said, there are a few sandy uphill sections where traction could become an issue, so you’ll still want to drive carefully.
The bugs were a little annoying, with both flies and mosquitoes present, but that’s something you can encounter almost anywhere depending on the season.
Overall, this is one of the nicest dispersed camping areas we’ve stayed at and a place I would gladly return to.
- TTim C.
TravelerKirk Creek Campground
Kirk Creek Campground
Beautiful relatively small campground on the bluffs west of Highway 1. Things to note: No water The raccoons will find your food if not properly secured. Bring EVERYTHING you are going to need. There is a small General Store 8.5 miles south in Gorda but everything there is extremely expensive including Gas at $10.49 for a gallon of regular.
Oliver F.ScoutPlasket Ridge Dispersed Campground
Stunning!
The road to get there is tricky! Dusty and bumpy, definitely need a 4 wheel drive, but once you make it the view is breathtaking! Usually available spots, just find somewhere flat enough. 👍
Guide to Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park camping ranges across several distinct climate zones, with most sites situated between 1,000-1,400 feet in elevation. Temperatures regularly swing 30-40 degrees between day and night, particularly during spring and fall camping seasons. Campgrounds in this region often require advanced planning due to the limited number of sites within the park itself and the remote nature of surrounding options.
What to do
Hiking at Laguna Mountain: 10-mile summit trail offers challenging terrain for experienced hikers. At Laguna Mountain Campground, "Laguna mountain road trail is very strenuous. The last leg of the trail (primitive trail) is not easy to follow. Someone has marked the trail with stacked rocks. To the summit is about 4.5 miles from the campground," according to camper Manny R.
Wildlife watching opportunities: The region hosts diverse wildlife viewing beyond the condors mentioned in other guides. "We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!" reports Samantha N. from her stay at Thousand Trails San Benito.
Swimming to beat the heat: When temperatures climb, head to Arroyo Seco where "the area was nice but we loved the river hike the most. That was so much fun and adventurous. It kept us occupied for a good 3-4 hours," according to Lay Hooi V. The river provides cooling relief during hot summer months when campground temperatures can exceed 90°F.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The area's minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. At Kirk Creek Campground, campers appreciate "drifting off the sleep on the edge of the earth while gazing up at the milky-way, cut off from the rest of the world," as Jessica described in her review.
Digital disconnection: Limited connectivity forces a technology break. "You will be quite literally cut off from the world here. You won't find any cell service so turn that phone off when u hit the main road in & enjoy the feeling that comes with uninterrupted connection with nature," notes Jessica from Kirk Creek Campground.
Early morning wildlife encounters: Dawn hours provide prime wildlife viewing. "Deer wandered through camp at all times of the day. You can see wild boar passing along the hillsides. We also saw a couple of foxes one evening on the perimeter," reports Butch C. from San Benito RV and Camping Resort.
What you should know
Water availability varies significantly: Many campgrounds have limited or no water sources. At Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground, "Be aware there is no water available," notes Lauren M. Plan accordingly by bringing 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Road conditions can be challenging: Access routes to more remote sites feature difficult driving conditions. "[Laguna Mountain] road is in prone to mudslides and looked like is was recently cleared of mud in multiple spots. Warning though this is the kind of mud that is like clay and has to be scraped off of wheel wells and undercarriage," warns Laura M.
Reservation requirements differ by location: While Pinnacles Campground requires advance booking, some BLM sites operate on first-come systems. "There are 5 campsites with fire rings and covered picnic tables. You can pull right up to your site and there are bathrooms," reports Amy B. about Laguna Mountain Campground, a free BLM option.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access during hot weather: When temperatures climb, having water recreation matters. At Yanks RV Resort, "Awesome new facilities - swimming pool, laundry, restrooms... get this, the WiFi works and is relatively fast (60mbps according to speednet)," according to Raf A., making it suitable for families needing modern comforts.
Wildlife education opportunities: The region provides natural learning experiences for children. "We had multiple deers wondering the grounds so be sure to put your food away," advises Alberto C. from San Benito RV and Camping Resort, highlighting the importance of teaching proper food storage.
Raccoon awareness: Families should understand local wildlife behaviors. At Pinnacles Campground, "raccoons….everywhere…. seriously leave your car locked, these little buggers were not afraid of humans," warns Theresa N., emphasizing the need for vigilant food storage with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer partial or no hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. "There are 5 drive-in campsites. You can pull right up to your site and there are bathrooms. The sunrise and sunset were beautiful!" reports Amy B. about Laguna Mountain Campground.
Size restrictions at many sites: Larger RVs face access challenges at several locations. "[Hollister Hills] is a very large park and the space between spots wasn't bad. Cell service here wasn't good either," notes Jennifer D., highlighting the balance between spaciousness and connectivity.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully as facilities are limited. "They have RV (mostly) and tent sites available. Most tent sites have their own water and some also have electric hookups. There are a large selection of 50 and 30 amp sites for the rv crowd," says Butch C. about Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What alternative campgrounds are available near Pinnacles National Park?
What alternative campgrounds are available near Pinnacles National Park?
Several great alternatives exist near Pinnacles National Park. Thousand Trails San Benito offers a convenient option with amenities including a pool, laundromat, small store, and showers. It's particularly well-situated for wildlife viewing with reports of condors, deer, and wild pigs in the area. Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground provides a more secluded experience with fewer sites and decent solitude, though it requires a somewhat longer drive. Other options include Arroyo Seco near Greenfield, San Lorenzo Park near King City, and Laguna Seca Recreation Area, which offers both RV hookups and dry camping options. Each alternative provides different amenities and experiences depending on your camping preferences.
Can you bring RVs to Pinnacles National Park for camping?
Can you bring RVs to Pinnacles National Park for camping?
Yes, RVs are welcome at Pinnacles National Park. The park's campground on the east side accommodates recreational vehicles with designated RV sites. However, if you prefer more amenities, Yanks RV Resort is a clean alternative near the park, though visitor experiences vary. For a full-service option, Laguna Seca Recreation Area offers both hookup sites and dry camping ranging from $40-50. Remember that access to Pinnacles Campground is only possible from the east entrance - there's no road connecting the east and west sides of the park. Large RVs should be cautious about road conditions when planning their approach to the park.
How do I make reservations for camping at Pinnacles National Park?
How do I make reservations for camping at Pinnacles National Park?
Reservations for Pinnacles Campground are strongly recommended as it's the only campground in the park and fills quickly, especially on weekends. Make reservations through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. The campground is only accessible from the east entrance of the park, so plan your arrival accordingly. The registration counter/camp store is open from 9:30am-5pm daily, where you can check in upon arrival. If planning a last-minute trip and Pinnacles is full, consider Laguna Mountain Campground on BLM land as a backup option. For the best chances of securing your preferred dates, book as far in advance as possible, particularly for spring and fall peak seasons.
Where are the best camping spots within Pinnacles National Park?
Where are the best camping spots within Pinnacles National Park?
Pinnacles Campground is the only campground within the park and is located on the east side. The campground is large and centrally located for exploring the park's attractions. It fills up quickly on weekends, so planning ahead is essential. For the best experience, choose sites that offer shade during hot months. The campground features clean facilities with bathrooms, though amenities aren't the newest. The camp store/visitor center provides gear, supplies, and snacks. This location offers excellent accessibility to hiking trails and the opportunity to learn about California Condors, geological formations, and the San Andreas fault. Early morning starts are possible for longer hikes, making overnight stays particularly valuable for serious hikers.
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