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Camping near Pinnacles National Park

857 Reviews

Pinnacles National Park camping includes several options near its dramatic rock formations. Pinnacles Campground inside the park gives you easy trail access and has a family atmosphere. You'll find flush toilets, showers, and even a swimming pool at this campground. About 13 miles from the park, Yanks RV Resort has full hookups and big sites for RV campers who want more amenities while visiting the park. Thousand Trails San Benito sits 16 miles from Pinnacles and is good for bird watching - you might spot the rare California Condor while hiking there. Watch for fire restrictions in summer and make reservations ahead of time, especially during busy seasons. Animals are common in this area, so store your food properly. Spring and fall have the best weather for camping at Pinnacles - summer gets very hot, while winter is cooler and more comfortable. Cell service is limited in the park, so gather information before you arrive. The trails around Pinnacles are great for hiking, rock climbing, or just taking in the views of this unusual landscape.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pinnacles National Park (98)

    1. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    88 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $43 - $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

    11 Reviews
    Soledad, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Paicines, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Pinnacles National Park, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +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

    9 Reviews
    San Lucas, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +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

    7 Reviews
    King City, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +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

    63 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $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 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $34 - $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 — Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Hollister, CA
    24 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    10. Kirk Creek Campground

    44 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +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."

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308 Photos of 98 Pinnacles National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pinnacles National Park

857 Reviews of 98 Pinnacles National Park Campgrounds

Guide to Pinnacles National Park

Camping near Pinnacles National Park, California, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the breathtaking trails of Pinnacles National Park. One camper mentioned, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape," highlighting the park's unique terrain and beauty.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded," making it a great spot for animal lovers.
  • Stargazing: The dark skies around the campgrounds provide excellent stargazing opportunities. One reviewer said, "Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Secluded Campsites: Many campers appreciate the tucked-away spots. A review stated, "There are beautiful tucked away campsites in the shade, by a creek," which adds to the charm of camping near Pinnacles.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Pinnacles Campground have features that cater to families, such as pools. One parent shared, "They have a pool! The kids are thrilled!"
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Laguna Seca Recreation Area remarked, "The bathrooms are very private and look like what you would find in a home."

What you should know:

  • Heat in Summer: If you're camping during the summer, be prepared for high temperatures. One camper warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Williams Hill Recreation Area, have minimal facilities. A review noted, "Amenities include one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend."
  • Wildfire Restrictions: Be aware of fire restrictions, especially after June. A camper mentioned, "No campfires after June," which is important for safety.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with pools and activities for kids. One parent said, "Really enjoyed cooking in the evenings outside and settling in," emphasizing the family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Plan for Water Access: Some campgrounds, like Arroyo Seco, require a bit of a trek to reach water. A visitor noted, "There is no water close to the campsite," so be prepared to bring your own.
  • Arrive Early: Popular sites can fill up quickly. A camper at Laguna Mountain Campground mentioned, "Got there around noontime on the Friday of Memorial Day and grabbed the last designated lot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer electric hookups. A review of Thousand Trails San Benito noted, "The only issue was the squirrels had chewed through the electrical at some of the better sites."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that are big rig friendly. A camper at Yanks RV Resort said, "Large, well-spaced sites," which is great for larger vehicles.
  • Plan for Trash Disposal: Some campgrounds do not have trash services. A visitor at Williams Hill Recreation Area mentioned, "NO trash," so be ready to pack out what you bring in.

Camping near Pinnacles National Park, California, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Just remember to plan ahead and be mindful of the unique features each campground offers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pinnacles National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pinnacles National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 98 campgrounds and RV parks near Pinnacles National Park and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pinnacles National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pinnacles National Park is Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park with a 4-star rating from 88 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pinnacles National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Pinnacles National Park.

What parks are near Pinnacles National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Pinnacles National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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