Camping at Pinnacles: Choosing a Campground, Reservations, and Fees
In short: Pinnacles National Park has just one official campground, on the east side, and reservations are made through Recreation.gov. Backcountry camping isn't allowed anywhere in the park. Spring weekends fill up fast, so book as early as you can.
Campgrounds in the park (1)
- Campground Pinnacles Campground recreation.gov · 134 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can you camp inside Pinnacles?
Yes, you can camp inside the park. But the options are intentionally limited. The NPS operates 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 on 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. It's on the east side, a short walk from Bear Gulch, and offers sites for both tents and RVs, with and without electrical hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, a small camp store, and an amphitheater for evening ranger programs.
The real surprise is the outdoor swimming pool, which is open seasonally in spring and summer. That's an exceptionally rare amenity in a U.S. national park, and it's very welcome when temperatures approach 104 °F in July.
The campground has about 134 individual sites, plus group sites. It's open year-round.
Keep in mind: If you're arriving from Highway 101 near Soledad, Highway 146 leads to the West Entrance. This road is narrow, one lane, and winding. Long vehicles such as RVs and vans towing trailers must use the East Entrance instead, via Highway 25. It's open 24/7.
RV vs. tent camping: which site is right for you?
Pinnacles Campground welcomes both types of campers. Some sites have electrical hookups for RVs, while others are intended for tents or non-hookup RV camping. When you search on Recreation.gov, filter by site type right away to avoid surprises when you arrive.
Large RVs should check the length restrictions listed on the Recreation.gov site page before booking. Our Pinnacles RV camping guide covers the restrictions and practical tips for motorized vehicles.
If you're tent camping, plan for the sun. The campground has little shade. A tarp or canopy makes a real difference outside the mildest months. Our Pinnacles weather guide lists temperatures month by month so you can choose the right time to visit.
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, 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 most logical base.
For more comfortable lodging, our guide to accommodations around Pinnacles lists the available options.
Backcountry camping and overnight stays (permit)
Pinnacles does not allow backcountry camping. Unlike some larger parks, no permit allows you to pitch a tent outside designated sites. If you're heading out on a long hike, you'll need to plan from the campground or from lodging outside the park. There is no option for an overnight stop along the way.
Our Hiking guide covers the more demanding trails, including distances and elevation gains to help you plan your days.
How and when to reserve a campsite at Pinnacles
Reservations are available exclusively through Recreation.gov. The campground's reservation code is 234015. The booking window opens six months in advance at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The best sites for April and May weekends are often gone within minutes.
Outside peak periods, including fall, early winter, and weekdays, last-minute reservations are still possible. Since the East Entrance is open 24/7, arriving at night isn't a problem as long as your site is confirmed online.
Fees: how much does a night of camping at Pinnacles cost?
The per-site fee varies by site type, including tent sites, non-hookup RV sites, and RV sites with electrical hookups. Current prices are listed on Recreation.gov when you book.
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 for itself if you're visiting several parks during the year. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.
Safety and good practices
Heat. Pinnacles has a continental Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry and very hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 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 during 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. There are no bears at Pinnacles, but ground squirrels and raccoons are opportunistic. Always store food in your vehicle's trunk or in the metal food lockers provided at the sites. An animal that becomes accustomed to human food often ends up being euthanized by the park.
Fires. Fire restrictions are often in effect in the area 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 comes down to when you go and what type of site you need.
- For families: Aim for spring, from March through April, when temperatures are mild, wildlife is most active, and the pool is open.
- For RV campers: Reserve a hookup site in advance, check the maximum vehicle length, and enter through the East Entrance.
- For nature lovers and solo travelers: Fall, from October through November, is less crowded, with low-angle light on the volcanic formations and, in October, migrating tarantulas. They're harmless but spectacular.
- On a tight budget: Visit on a weekday outside peak periods, and consider the America the Beautiful pass if you're planning to visit several parks.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp at Pinnacles National Park?
Yes, you can camp at Pinnacles National Park. The park has one official campground, Pinnacles Campground, which is open year-round on the east side and offers sites for tents and RVs. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov.
How many campgrounds are there at Pinnacles National Park?
Pinnacles National Park has one official campground, Pinnacles Campground. It has about 134 individual sites for tents and RVs, along with sites set aside for groups.
How much does camping cost at Pinnacles National Park?
Camping costs at Pinnacles depend on the type of site you choose, whether it's a tent site, an RV site with hookups, or one without. Current rates are available on Recreation.gov. Add the park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle if you don't have an annual pass.
Can you swim at Pinnacles National Park?
You can swim at Pinnacles thanks to the outdoor pool at Pinnacles Campground, which is open seasonally in spring and summer. There is no river or natural body of water open for swimming within the park.