BLM's Ridgecrest Field Office manages this dispersed camping area at the base of one of California's more distinctive geological formations, where hundreds of calcium carbonate spires rise from a dry lakebed in the Mojave Desert. The camp sites around BLM Land — Ridgecrest Field Office span a wide range of terrain and character, but few draw as much visual interest as this one. No water, no hookups, no shade. Campers are spread across a broad open flat with 360-degree sightlines toward the formations and surrounding desert.
Getting here requires roughly five miles of unpaved washboard road off the main highway. Several reviewers note that airing down tires before the turn-off makes the drive noticeably smoother, and while one camper made it in a Honda Civic, most suggest a truck or SUV for anything beyond the main loop. Cell service drops out around ten miles from the site, with AT&T signal returning near Ridgecrest. There is one vault toilet at the main parking area; reviewers consistently flag that the better dispersed spots are a long walk from it, and that bringing your own toilet paper is necessary.
Wind is the most frequently mentioned challenge. It typically picks up around dusk and can continue well past midnight, strong enough to jolt a tent awake. Janet B. notes "this place can get WINDY," and chose to sleep in her car rather than pitch a tent. Finding a formation that creates a natural barrier to the gusts is a practical strategy several campers recommend.
Spring brings the most comfortable temperatures and, after wet winters, patches of wildflowers across the desert floor. Summer afternoons get hot. The site has been used as a film location, including for the remake of Planet of the Apes, and the formations are accessible on foot at sunrise and sunset when the light is low. Dani E. describes the night sky as "clear enough to see the stars," with a full moon providing enough light to navigate the area without a headlamp. Light pollution from the town of Trona is visible to the north, but does not significantly affect stargazing.
Campers wanting a more developed base in the region can look at Pinnacle Road Dispersed — BLM Trona Pinnacles a few miles up the road, or Trona Pinnacles Camp just north of the main area.
Description
Dispersed camping is allowed on for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. There is no potable water or developed facilities other than a single vault toilet on site. Pack out all trash. There are no trash services. In the desert environment, even natural items like orange peels take years to decompose. Travel on existing roads and trails. Vegetation in this climate can take decades to recover when crushed by off road driving or parking. Camp in campgrounds if available. Using campgrounds reduces the number of vehicles, so that the great views are not blocked. Have a great time. The Trona Pinnacles are a great place to explore natural wonders and experience your public lands.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTrona Pinnacles is located in California near Trona
Dispersed CampingDirections
The Trona Pinnacles are located approximately 20.0 miles east of Ridgecrest. Access to the site is from a BLM dirt road (RM143) that leaves SR 178, about 7.7 miles east of the intersection of SR 178 and the Trona-Red Mountain Road. The 5.0-mile long dirt road from SR 178 to the Pinnacles is usually accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles, however, the road may be closed during the winter months after a heavy rain.
Coordinates
35.61464249655228 N
117.37411459751114 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 2/23/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 2/23/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Trona Pinnacles needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 20 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 47 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 3 hrs 23 min from Visalia, CA
- 3 hrs 50 min from Las Vegas, NV
