Camping at Pinnacles: 134 Sites, Reservations, and $43 Rates

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Pinnacles

In brief: Pinnacles National Park has just one official campground, managed by the NPS on the east side, with 134 sites at $43 per night. Tents, RV sites with electrical hookups, and group sites all require reservations through Recreation.gov. Dispersed camping isn't allowed. Spring weekends fill up fast, so book as early as possible.

Campgrounds in the park (1)

• Campground Pinnacles Campground recreation.gov · 134 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can you camp inside Pinnacles?

Yes, you can camp in the park. The NPS has opened just one campground, and spending the night anywhere outside the official sites is prohibited. You can't camp among the volcanic formations or set up along the ridges. Every overnight stay requires an advance reservation through Recreation.gov.

For help planning your entire trip, the complete Pinnacles guide is the best place to start.

The campground inside the park

Pinnacles Campground

This is the park's only campground, on the east side and a short walk from Bear Gulch. It has 134 sites in three categories: 83 tent sites, 30 RV sites (all with electrical hookups), and 21 group sites. Each tent and group site has a picnic table and fire ring; RV sites share communal tables and grills.

The amenities are solid: flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, a dump station, a small supply store, firewood for sale, and bear-resistant lockers for storing food. The real surprise is the outdoor pool, which is open seasonally from spring through summer. That's a rare amenity in an American national park and a welcome break when July temperatures flirt with 104°F.

One thing to watch: If you're arriving from Highway 101 near Soledad, Highway 146 leads to the West Entrance. It's narrow, one lane, and winding. Long vehicles, including RVs and vans with trailers, must use the East Entrance instead, via Highway 25. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

RV camping vs. tent camping: which site?

Pinnacles Campground accommodates both. All 30 RV sites have electrical hookups, while the 83 tent sites are separate and have no hookups. The maximum RV length is 90 feet, so check your vehicle's dimensions before booking. When you search Recreation.gov, filter by site type to avoid surprises when you arrive.

Our Pinnacles RV camping guide covers the restrictions and practical tips for motorized vehicles.

If you're camping in a tent, plan for the sun: the campground has little shade. A tarp or awning makes a real difference outside the milder months. Our Pinnacles weather guide lists temperatures by month so you can choose the right time to go.

Camping nearby: private campgrounds outside the park

When Pinnacles Campground is full, which is common on weekends from March through May, you can find alternatives in the surrounding area.

On the east side, the areas around Hollister and King City along Highways 25 and 101 have a few private campgrounds and RV parks. On the west side, Soledad, about 19 miles away, is the logical base.

For more comfortable lodging, our guide to lodging around Pinnacles lists the available options.

Dispersed camping / backcountry camping (permits)

Pinnacles doesn't allow backcountry camping. Unlike some larger parks, no permit lets you pitch a tent outside the designated sites. If you're heading out on a long hike, you'll need to base yourself at the campground or stay outside the park, with no option for an overnight stop along the way.

Our Hiking guide covers the park's more challenging trails, with distances and elevation gains to help you plan your days.

How and when should you reserve a campsite at Pinnacles?

Reservations are available exclusively through Recreation.gov (campground reference number: 234015). The booking window opens six months in advance at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. For April and May weekends, the best sites can go within minutes of the window opening.

Outside peak periods, including fall, early winter, and weekdays, last-minute reservations are often still available. Because the East Entrance is open 24 hours a day, arriving at night isn't a problem as long as your site is confirmed online.

How much does a night of camping at Pinnacles cost?

The listed rate is $43 per site per night at Pinnacles Campground. It includes access to the showers, drinking water, and dump station. Check Recreation.gov when you book for current rates and any variations by site type.

Remember to add the park entrance fee if you don't already have a pass: $30 per vehicle, or $55 for the Pinnacles annual pass. The America the Beautiful pass, which covers multiple parks, costs $80 and pays off if you're visiting several parks during the year. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.

Safety & best practices

Heat. Pinnacles has a continental Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry and very hot, with temperatures regularly topping 100°F. In July and August, plan outings before 9 a.m., bring at least 3 liters of water per person for each day of activity, and take advantage of the campground pool in the middle of the day.

Rattlesnakes. The park is home to rattlesnakes. Make it a habit to check inside your shoes and at the bottom of your sleeping bag every morning. On the trails, stay on the marked path and don't reach under rocks.

Food storage. The campground has bear-resistant lockers. Use them every time, even though there are no bears in the park. Ground squirrels and raccoons are opportunistic, and an animal that gets used to human food often ends up being euthanized by the park.

Fires. Fire restrictions are often in effect in the region from June through October. Check the current status on the NPS website before you leave.

Which campground is right for you?

There's only one campground in the park, so the real decision is when to go and what type of site to book.

• With family: Aim for spring, from March through April, when temperatures are mild, wildlife is most active, and the pool is open.
• In an RV: Reserve one of the 30 sites with electrical hookups, make sure your vehicle is no longer than 90 feet, and enter through the East Entrance.
• For nature and solitude: Fall, from October through November, is less crowded, with low-angle light on the volcanic formations and migrating tarantulas in October. They're harmless but spectacular.
• On a tight budget: Come during the week outside peak periods, and consider the America the Beautiful pass if you're planning to visit several parks.

Frequently asked questions