The area around Jolon, California sits at approximately 950 feet elevation in southern Monterey County. Summer temperatures frequently climb above 95°F between June and September, while winter nights often drop below freezing. This region features both oak woodland terrain and chaparral-covered hills that provide distinct camping environments depending on elevation and proximity to water sources.
What to do
Hiking at Pinnacles National Park: Located about 50 miles northeast of Jolon, Pinnacles offers distinctive rock formations and cave exploration opportunities. "We really enjoyed hiking thru caves and tight places. Super fun for adventurous kids," writes one visitor about Pinnacles Campground.
Beach access from campgrounds: Several campgrounds provide ocean access within walking distance. At Plaskett Creek Campground, "You can vaguely hear the cars on the 1 but not too much. From our spot we could see the ocean though a space in the trees. We walked across the street to a nice hike around the beach that was beautiful."
Wildlife viewing: The hills surrounding Jolon contain diverse wildlife populations. "We stayed in the redwood Forrest. There's a great hike up to see the Limekilns with a beautiful waterfall. There's also beach camping and we watched a beautiful sunset," notes a camper at Limekiln State Park.
Stargazing from elevated sites: Higher elevation campsites provide exceptional dark sky viewing. One visitor to Road's End writes, "The full moon was beautiful and the last night was fantastic for star gazing (tons of stars, milky way, etc.) before the moon came up."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Remote sites offer quieter camping experiences than coastal locations. "There are two campsites (both RV accessible) about 300' apart, you can barely see the other. We stayed in January and since the other site was unoccupied we had the whole hilltop to ourselves," reports a visitor to Road's End.
Covered picnic areas: Several campgrounds feature sheltered eating areas. At Williams Hill Recreation Area, "Each of the (7) sites had a concrete pad with a covered picnic table and a BBQ pit! Please pick up your trash if you go."
Ocean views from inland sites: Higher elevation campgrounds provide coastal vistas without beach crowds. A camper at Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground notes: "Amazing location to wake up in the morning. View of the pacific ocean on one side and valley on the other. 4x4 vehicle needed. Fairly safe, clean, and not crowded."
Reliable facilities: Despite remote locations, many established sites maintain clean facilities. "The bathrooms were fine, but the showers really needed some help," explains a visitor to Pinnacles Campground, while another camper notes: "The days are plenty nice and clean by campground standards."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Road conditions change throughout the year, affecting access. "Attempted to camp on 12/01/2024 and the road was closed. Beautiful views on the way, but unfortunately the gate was locked," reports a visitor to Will Creek Road.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically by location and carrier. At Kirk Creek Campground, "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."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report active wildlife, requiring proper food storage. "Raccoons everywhere. Seriously leave your car locked, these little buggers were not afraid of humans," warns a Pinnacles camper.
Water availability: Many dispersed sites lack water sources. "No running water; bring plenty for washing, drinking, etc. We use a 50 gallon container & find its perfect for a 8-9 day trip with 2 solar showers, lots of hand & dish washing, and dog water refills," advises a Kirk Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several sites provide swimming access for children. "They have a pool that will be full of kids but feels really refreshing after a hot hike," notes a visitor to Pinnacles Campground.
Site selection for noise management: Campground layout affects noise levels between sites. At San Simeon State Park, "Sites are spaced a decent amount apart, some with foliage providing privacy. The camper pads are level, paved, and designated as either 25 - or 35-foot campsites."
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campsites offer direct wildlife observation. "Our two dogs really enjoyed chasing after ground squirrels and significantly improved their digging skills. Since the property is fenced in (except for three vehicle accesses) we could let our dogs off leash," shares a Road's End visitor.
Timing for busy locations: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "This campground is great if you're looking for a social camping experience. Big open spaces for kids to run around, and campsites that are fairly close together... Conducive for groups, but not ideal if you're looking for a quiet getaway," explains a Plaskett Creek camper.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Many access roads require careful navigation. "7 mile dirt road at times a bit steep and rough. But we made it up here slowly and safely. A few other campers here. Some flies but a slight breeze that will hopefully keep them at bay. Nice spot just not a fan of taking a 27 foot 1996 RV up that road," reports a visitor to Williams Hill Recreation Area.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven sites requiring preparation. "Our site was on a hill, so we have to back in between rocks to try to get flat. It was a challenge," notes a San Simeon State Park camper.
Electric hookup availability: Limited electrical connections exist at specific campgrounds. At Lake San Antonio North Shore, "You'll need reservations if you want a hookup. Boat ramps are available. During the drought the water level has dropped significantly as well as the quality of the water."
Site selection for vehicle size: Not all designated RV sites accommodate larger rigs. "Clean well kept spots. Good place to crash for a few days. Decent cell service. Nice put toilet. Only 6 spots first come first serve and decently spaced out so that's good too. I wouldn't advise big RVs coming up here. Most of the spots only accommodate like van size and down," advises a Williams Hill visitor.
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