Dispersed Camping

Trona Pinnacles

14 Reviews

About

Bureau of Land Management

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.

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

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Dani E.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 2, 2023

Otherworldly and Windy

First time going to the desert to camp. After the abundance of rain it was surprisingly green. Several types of wildflowers in bloom right now. Truly got the desert camping experience here. Spring time was ideal, weather was pleasant and mild. The biggest downside to the whole trip was the wind. Best thing I could recommend is finding an area that creates a natural barrier to it. The gusts are strong enough to really blow your tent hard and jerk you awake. The winds starts around dinner time/dusk and really doesn't let up u til midnight. So if you are down to clown, this place is absolutely beautiful. Clear enough to see the stars and if you come with the full moon (or close to it) you can really navigate around by moonlight. There really is only one vault toilet. And makeshift fire ring dispersed around the area. All the cool/good spots to camp are pretty far away from the toilet. Additionally, bring your own TP. Pack in/out and be respectful as this is BLM land

Month of VisitMay

(9) View All

Melissa R.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2023

Peaceful and wonderful internet

We have been here for 5 days. The spot we are currently in has 3-4 bars 5G Verizon. Lots of sites with privacy with varying levels of cell signal. Vault toilet and fire pits.

Month of VisitMarch

SJ D.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2022

Stunning at golden hour

Recommend entering into your GPS because there are a lot of side roads before hitting the parking lot/outhouse. Pack out pack in area.

Beautiful place to play, make sure to bring lots of water

Month of VisitNovember

(8) View All

Location

Trona Pinnacles is located in California

Directions

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.