Pinnacles Campground

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles Campground is located in the unique Pinnacles National Park, 32 miles south of Hollister, California.

The park encompasses 26,000 acres of spectacular rock formations and remnants of an extinct 23 million-year old volcano.

Hiking and rock climbing are very popular activities in Pinnacles, as is watching for the majestic California condor overhead. Pinnacles National Park is a nesting place for the endangered soaring bird, the largest in North America.

Pinnacles Campground is located on the eastern side of the park and is open year-round. It offers family and group tent sites, as well as RV sites with electric hookups. Roads and parking spurs are gravel. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Showers are available for a fee. A general store with basic foods and camping supplies is located on-site. A swimming pool is located within the campground and is open from April through September.

Notifications and Alerts

Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit wood campfires, charcoal fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal grills. Only gas or propane stoves are permitted

Need to Know

First come, first served sites are NOT available at this location.
Entrance fee: A separate National Park entrance fee of $35 per vehicle is required and valid for seven days; Interagency passes are accepted
Campsite check-in time is 1pm and check out is 11am.
Tent Cabin check-in time is 3pm and check out is 11am.

Our store can often be very busy, so when you arrive at the campground, you do not need to come into the store to check in. Please pick up a campground map from outside the store (this has all the camp rules and information on it) and you may proceed to your campsite.

Of course you are welcome to come in and talk to our staff if you have questions.
If you are ariving late or would like to checkin online you can do so here - Online Check-In
Campground Store & Office Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m, seven days per week.

Quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am. Please respect your neighbors and the tranquility of the Park.
RV sites have hookups at 120 volts with 30-amp service; Bring appropriate adapters if needed; Tent and group sites have no hook-ups. Generators are not allowed at any time in any site.
Swimming pool open from April 1 through Sept. 30, weather permitting.
Individual Tent/RV sites: Occupancy is limited to six people, three tents and two vehicles or one vehicle and one trailer or RV/Motor home. Any self contained vehicle desiged for sleeping is considered an RV/Motor home.
Group Sites: Occupancy is limited to twenty people and five vehicles. No trailers or RV's motor homes allowed in group sites. Any self contained vehicle desiged for sleeping is considered an RV/Motor home.
TENT CABINS: CABINS DO NOT INCLUDE BEDDING. YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN BEDDING. Your key will be provided to you at the store when you checkin. If you arrive AFTER HOURS your key will be waiting for you in the LOCKBOX outside your cabin. Please check and write down the LOCK COMBINATION which is listed on your CONFIRMATION EMAIL.
Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. No gathering of firewood is allowed. Firewood is available for purchase at the camp store from 930am to 5pm.
Dump station is available from 9:30am to 5pm only.
Trees: All trees, even when healthy and well-maintained, can pose a natural hazard of falling limbs. Visitors assume responsibility for any property damage, injury or other circumstances that may result from these hazards.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Property: Pinnacles Recreation Company is not responsible for loss, damage or claims to property of guests due to fire, theft, accident or any other cause.
Please watch these videos prior to your arrival to help plan your trip and protect wildlife during your stay:

How to Plan for Zero Waste Camping

How to Do Camp Dishes

How to Properly Store Trash and Food
Please check Pinnacles National Park website before your arrival to stay up to date on campfire restrictions, alerts, trail closures and any other operation changes. https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
There are excellent stargazing opportunities at Pinnacles. Please limit artifical lights at night to preserve the great views of the night sky.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in a rolling landscape dotted with shady Valley Oak, Blue Oak and Coast Live Oak trees. A gentle, seasonal creek runs through the grounds.

Springtime finds Pinnacles bursting with a wide variety of vivid wildflowers that line every trail and fill entire meadows with color.

Deer and wild turkeys roam the area, and condors can be viewed from within the campground. The park ranges in elevation from 824 feet along South Chalone Creek to 3,304 feet atop North Chalone Peak.

Recreation

Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, allowing for a short loop or a longer all-day hike. Popular destinations include Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks and the Balconies area. The Bench Trail provides direct access to the park from the campground.

Visitors enjoy exploring Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave, which houses a large colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. Bring a flashlight!

Rock climbers flock to Pinnacles for the variety of climbing routes that range from easy top-ropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.

Contact Information

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2400 HWY 146 Paicines CA 95043

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 831-200-1722 OR GO TO WWW.VISITPINNACLES.COM

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Pinnacles National Park is located 32 miles south of Hollister, CA on Hwy 25 and 29 miles northeast of King City, CA on Hwy 25. Campground is located on the east side of Pinnacles National Park off Hwy 25.

Available Campsites

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