Pinnacles National Park sits at elevations between 824 and 3,304 feet in central California's Gabilan Range, characterized by its distinctive rock formations created by volcanic activity approximately 23 million years ago. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, while winter brings cooler conditions and occasional rainfall. Campers should prepare for significant temperature swings between day and night, especially during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Hiking the bat caves: Accessible from Pinnacles Campground, these talus caves house 14 bat species and offer a unique hiking experience. "The Pinnacles have some great hikes, there are bat caves to explore, lakes and slot canyons. We really enjoyed hiking thru caves and tight places. Super fun for adventurous kids," notes one visitor at Pinnacles Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area provides excellent opportunities to spot California condors, deer, and other wildlife. At Thousand Trails San Benito, a visitor experienced remarkable wildlife encounters: "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!"
Stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night skies for astronomy enthusiasts. A camper at Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground described the experience as "Fresh Air + Nature (deer, quails, turkeys, coyotes in one night) + Dark New Moon Skies means Bright Stars with Clear View of the Milky Way."
What campers like
Privacy in certain sites: While some glamping options near Pinnacles can be crowded, careful site selection provides seclusion. At Saddle Mountain Ranch, a camper found: "Our site on the hill was breathtaking views and extremely private. Highly recommend!"
Year-round accessibility: The area remains open throughout the seasons, with distinct advantages to each. During winter at Ventana Campground, "We were incredibly fortunate when we camped as all of the National Parks had been closed due to the Dolan fires, and Highway 1 was closed just after the campground turnoff, so there literally was no traffic on the Coastal road which is unheard of!"
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. One visitor at Mount Madonna County Park noted: "The bathrooms are very clean and it was pretty dog friendly. In the summer it might get a bit too hot and there are no rivers or lakes to jump in to cool off. The ocean is about a 30 min drive away."
What you should know
Wildlife interactions: Be prepared for frequent wildlife encounters, particularly raccoons. Multiple Pinnacles Campground reviews warn about their boldness: "Many here will tell you about the raccoons! The campground is split by a creek which has a lot of critters, rabbits, chipmunks(?), quail, mice, and raccoon. My campsite was right next to a common raccoon path and a few walked by within a few feet of me and my campfire."
Temperature extremes: Summer heat can be intense, making early morning activities essential. "Summer is not the best time to go. It gets hot and you can't have fires. I went in late June and it was bearable to do an early hike, but bat caves may be closed in summer."
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds and even within the same property. One camper at Pinnacles Campground shared: "What really threw me off was the bathroom situation. I expected flush toilets, as advertised, but our loop only had Port-a-Potties. To make matters worse, it's a quite a walk to get to the restroom in our loop—and that's not ideal in the heat."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Several glamping locations near Pinnacles offer swimming facilities for cooling off after hikes. "They have a heated pool that will be full of kids but feels really refreshing after a hot hike," notes one visitor about Pinnacles Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Beyond hiking, look for campgrounds with organized entertainment. At Saddle Mountain Ranch, a visitor highlighted: "Lots of activities for younger kids. Convenient location, lots of amenities."
Timing considerations: Plan family visits during milder seasons for comfort. "Between the long walks, the heat, and the surprisingly bold raccoons and birds, I'd recommend this spot only for a one-night stay—especially if you're planning to hike during the day."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: While glamping close to Pinnacles, California provides various accommodation options, RV sites with full hookups are limited. A Thousand Trails San Benito visitor mentioned: "There is a lot of wildlife here to see. Deer wandered through camp at all times of the day. You can see wild boar passing along the hillsides. We also saw a couple of foxes one evening on the perimeter. They have RV (mostly) and tent sites available. Most tent sites have their own water and some also have electric hookups."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. A camper at Fernwood Campground & Resort warned: "First off the road coming to the campground is very steep, could be challenging for some rigs."
Dump station location: Plan your tank management carefully. "There is a very convenient FREE dump station just inside the entrance to the park that we used as we departed," advised a visitor to Mount Madonna County Park.
