Best Tent Camping near Pinnacles National Park

Want to camp where golden eagles nest and catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring California condor? Then head to Pinnacles National Park. Located near Soledad, CA, visitors will find plenty of campgrounds offering something for every type of camper. With a variety of camping and glamping options, campers can take advantage of everything the small park has to offer from nature trails and rock climbing to exploring mountain caves. The campsites offer all of the amenities you expect to find, with plenty of private spots where campers can relax and enjoy nature without the crowds and noise.

Best Tent Sites Near Pinnacles National Park (11)

    1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground

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

    $75 / night

    "With a stream running near the hike and bike camping area and tall trees offering a cool shade it is a wonderful reprieve from the outside world.  "

    "Weather was perfect (did not need a rain fly on the first night!), trails were well kept, and camping sites at both Sykes Hot Springs and Ventana were in great conditions."

    2. Ventana Campground

    23 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2331

    $85 - $105 / night

    "We found it to be clean, in good repair, and the hosts were very warm and welcoming."

    "Great location for easy access to the state parks. Pricey but we fortunately didn’t have any neighbors (site 29)."

    3. Carmel River Backcountry Camp

    1 Review
    Carmel Valley Village, CA
    30 miles

    "This is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail.  The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam. "

    4. Andrew Molera State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Sur, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 667-2315

    $50 / night

    "Easy walk from the parking area with intermittent views of the river. A few stairs but mostly flat. The river along the camp site was dry due to the time of year."

    "Big Sur is one of my favorite CA stops and this campsite is a perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the scenery."

    5. Nacimiento Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 242-0619

    "Tucked in the forest along the Nacimiento River is this nice little campground with just a few campsites (9 or 10 sites total)."

    "So beautiful and right next to a creek with fish to play in. The views from the top of the mountain when driving to the ocean are the most beautiful views in the world!"

    6. Manresa State Beach Campground

    8 Reviews
    Freedom, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 761-1795

    $35 / night

    "The drive in was a little confusing. We got most of our turns right the first time around and still spent a while circling trying to tell if we were where we were supposed to be."

    "The shower had hot water and the restrooms were cleaned each morning. I loved that the beach was easily accessible for my morning walk. The many flowers were also lovely to wake up to."

    7. Lake San Antonio - North Shore

    5 Reviews
    Bradley, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 472-2311

    "The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. There is ample space for camping . You’ll need reservations if you want a hookup . Boat ramps are available."

    "The lake is everything. A few years ago it was dried up. Thank you rain! Now it’s back and better than ever."

    8. A Place to Stay in Big Sur

    1 Review
    Lucia, CA
    41 miles
    Website

    $30 - $60 / night

    "If you're trying to find a great spot in Big Sur, you found it, this is a great spot to pitch a tent and enjoy being near the ocean and the redwoods forests! "

    10. Alder Creek Camp

    3 Reviews
    Fort Hunter Liggett, CA
    45 miles
    Website

    "We camped at a primitive spot off the road on the way to the main camp. It was very quiet. Do watch for the cow patties!"

    "Alder Creek campsite is 8 miles offroad from Hwy 1 in the Big Sur area. 4x4 is definitely recommended."

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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pinnacles National Park

688 Reviews of 11 Pinnacles National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Pinnacles National Park

Tent camping near Pinnacles National Park in California offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the region. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Carmel River Backcountry Camp provides a unique backcountry experience with no permit required, allowing for a hassle-free camping adventure.
  • Nacimiento Campground features picnic tables and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for families looking to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground offers clean showers and drinking water, ensuring a pleasant stay for all campers.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $35

  • Carmel River Backcountry Camp is a free option, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.
  • Nacimiento Campground has a reasonable fee structure, making it accessible for various budgets while providing essential amenities.
  • Ventana Campground offers a range of accommodations, including tent sites, with prices reflecting the lush surroundings and additional services.

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • At Andrew Molera State Park Campground, you can hike scenic trails that lead to beautiful beaches, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP Environmental Campsite allows for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views of the coastline, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Lake San Antonio - North Shore offers opportunities for fishing and boating, providing a fun-filled experience for campers looking to engage in water activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pinnacles National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pinnacles National Park is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 62 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pinnacles National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Pinnacles National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.