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Signs & Maps

Dispersed Camping

Trona Pinnacles

Trona Pinnacles, near Trona, California, is a unique spot for those seeking a taste of the desert's raw beauty. This area offers dispersed camping, allowing you to set up your tent amidst stunning rock formations that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking night skies and the incredible sunrises and sunsets. As one camper put it, “The landscape is like no other,” making it a photographer's paradise. Just remember, this isn’t a place for the faint of heart; the winds can be fierce, so finding a sheltered spot is key to a good night’s sleep.

Amenities are minimal, with just one vault toilet available, so come prepared. Campers recommend bringing your own supplies, including water and toilet paper, as there are no services nearby. The area is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

For those looking to explore, the rugged terrain is perfect for off-roading and hiking. Many campers suggest a 4x4 vehicle for the best access to the more remote areas. Whether you're stargazing or just soaking in the otherworldly scenery, Trona Pinnacles offers a memorable escape into nature.

Description

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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Location

Trona Pinnacles is located in California

Detail location of campground

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.

Coordinates

35.61464249655228 N
117.37411459751114 W

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Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

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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
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 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.


Reviews

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15 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2024

Out of this World

This place is really cool to explore. Nice star gazing too. We took our www.hitched4fun.com RZR out on the many dirt roads in the area too. Had a blast 💥.

SiteDry Camping
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Aaron S., September 22, 2024
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 VisitApril
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Dani E., April 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Dani E., April 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Dani E., April 2, 2023
  • (9) View All
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 VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Melissa R., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Melissa R., February 16, 2023
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 VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by SJ D., October 15, 2022
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  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by SJ D., October 15, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2022

Beautiful even when it rains

We went right after Christmas 2021 since the roads up to Tahoe were closed. Due to the weather we were the only ones there for the first night and then saw a few cars roll in. We camped at the northern group of Tufas and recommend a 4x4 vehicle due to the road not being as smooth as the initial road. Sunset is beautiful and the night sky is even more breath taking.

Sitenorthern group
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Arturo C., January 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Arturo C., January 9, 2022
  • some fun in the mud
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Reviewed Dec. 11, 2021

Feels like you’re in another planet!

Heard about this place from someone I met on the road and decided to check it out. I made it there with my honda civic. Rough but definitely doable! But for driving the loop and anything beyond, I wouldn’t recommend. As some reviews on Google mentions it, this place can get WINDY! I thought about pitching my tent but decided to sleep in the car instead. The wind woke me up at 3am ish and kept me up all night. So be prepared!(maybe bring some earplugs?)

Overall, great place for photos and solitude. I will probably return and hopefully it won’t be too windy then.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Janet B., December 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Janet B., December 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Janet B., December 11, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Pretty Cool Experience

Ease of access

4x4 recommended anything south- west of the pinnacles.

Any vehicle with standard clearance can drive through the pinnacles.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Paul D., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Paul D., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Paul D., October 22, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2021

Incredible location!

The road in/out of Pinnacles is rough - but totally worth it. There are numerous places and spaces to park/camp and when it’s empty the place takes on an almost surreal alien landscape. Stunning night skies, and amazing sunrise/sunsets.

Siteall over the place (numerous visits)
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Kharis O., October 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Kharis O., October 14, 2021
Reviewed May. 19, 2021

Trona pinnacles

Aside from it being hot well because it is the desert. It was fun the kids enjoyed it and I did too. It was cool to see were they have shot some movies one being the planet of the apes. Just remember when your driving out here to visit the pinnacles bring water and sweat rags it's a lot of walking and also bring a truck or SUV it's not exactly a dirt Rd. More like just dirt and kinda take your own trail you can't miss it.

Sitedid not stay for the night went out for a day trip
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Nicole A., May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Nicole A., May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Nicole A., May 19, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Apr. 20, 2021

Felt like I was in a sci-fi flick

Really enjoyed staying at the Pinnacles over the weekend. Free BLM dispersed camping here, so bring everything you need and take everything with you when you leave.

The landscape is like no other. Felt like Skywalker or Spock was going to walk around a formation at any minute. Very cool vibes out there.

A bit breezy when we stayed in mid-April but nothing outrageous. Temps were warmer and we had our own shade.

Somebody commented it's the type of dust that sticks to everything and they were right.

If you have the option, air down your tires at the trailhead of the Trona dirt road. It makes the last 5 miles much more comfortable.

Sitedispersed spots
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by 07JKRedrock S., April 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by 07JKRedrock S., April 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by 07JKRedrock S., April 20, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2021

On another planet

Camping here was totally worth it! If dispersed camping is what you’re looking for you’re in luck. We drove in and found camping pretty easily on a Saturday evening. 360 views no matter what spot you choose. Definitely plan on setting up camp before sunset so you can get a good spot to watch from all around. Stock up before arriving though because there are not many resources nearby.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Calli G., April 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Calli G., April 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Calli G., April 19, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 28, 2020

seen it and enjoyed it... dispersed

Been there done that, personally, I don't need to go back. STUNNING AS CAN BE. and it was neat teaching my kids about desert wildlife and what to look out for, my kiddo was all obsessed with this rattlesnake sign and was tripped out for days lol. Anyway, it's just dispersed camping so bring everything you need.

Here are my star ratings based on my lifestyle and what I like. I'm also a mother, dog mama, and a wife so it's not just me it's my crew and i. 1 star- AUTOMATIC relocate... the property is no longer there, trashed or/and I could never have my children there and I wouldn't ever think about staying no matter what OR its not something us campers are on this is more of an airbnb. 2 star- Not really my jam, and would NEVER go to again... It probably more of desert life and not really my style for sure...Being from Vegas I can't stand being in the desert and I love the Trees and the Green more than anything. 3 star- Would stay there again in a pinch, but not really my style, the reason its not is because not enough family things to do, the scenery, or the location... but I would go again and feel safe having my kiddos here but only if I needed to in a pinch. 4 star- a really good rating for sure, maybe needed some improvements, minor things like being on top of each other, not a lot of privacy, but honestly little cosmetic things that aren't anything to sweat and would be back again for sure. 5 star- MY FAVORITE... love the location, safety, the surroundings, big camp spots available to fit toys for my kids to play, hammocks to hang, our big family tent, cases of firewood, our suburban or RV, etcccccc..... I would not only come back but would live if I could!!! Anyway thanks for reading and enjoy every moment like it's your last! CHEERS!

  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Brittney  C., November 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Brittney  C., November 28, 2020
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Reviewed Nov. 24, 2020

Magical Landscape

A very out of the way place to plant yourself if you are looking for space. I never knew this was here and grew up camping in California. Filming for the remake of Planet of the Apes happened here. There is so much room and a huge choice when camping here, there isn’t however, potable water or shade unless you bring your own. Amazing views and stunning sunsets. Pretty decent star gazing as well, tho there are lights from Trona it’s self and a glow of light on the horizon to the south. We spent a few days camping with family here. It’s easy to social distance when you need binoculars to see most of the fellow campers in the area. There is one pit toilet at the main parking area and some people to camp there as well. Close to Spangler Hills Off Rd area as well.

  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Amy and Alan R., November 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Amy and Alan R., November 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Trona Pinnacles by Amy and Alan R., November 24, 2020
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2020

Absolutely Stunning

Designated as dispersed camping by the BLM, this place is incredible for a few night stay and has plenty of room for all.

Reviewed Apr. 14, 2019

Solid

If you like the desert and being away from everyone and everything this is the place. Great night sky and absolutely quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Trona Pinnacles?

    Trona Pinnacles allows vehicles up to 80 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Trona Pinnacles?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Trona Pinnacles, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Trona Pinnacles?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.