Pinnacles Campground
Pinnacles National Park
Write a Review 5000 CA-146 Paicines, CA 95043 831-200-1722 831-389-4486 Reservations: 877-444-6777 Official WebsiteGPS: 36.493, -121.1463
Overview of Pinnacles Campground
Pinnacles Campground is located on the eastern side of Pinnacles National Park and can only be accessed via the East Entrance Station. The campground is open year-round and offers 134 campsites for tents and RV's that have picnic tables and fire rings, 36 RV sites have 30 amp electric hookup. Pinnacles Campground has restrooms with flush toilets and showers, RV dump station, drinking water, camp store (firewood, ice, etc.), day-use picnic area, visitor center, and a swimming pool that is open from April through September.
Pinnacles Campground and the Campground Store are operated by Pinnacles Recreation Company. The campground general store is open daily from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. For questions about camping or the campground store, please call (831) 200-1722. Tent and RV campsites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance, group camping can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. For Pinnacles Campground reservations, please visit recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.
Last Price Paid: $43
Reported by Dan on 11/13/2024
Longest RV Reported: 42 feet (Class A)
Reported by Life Rebooted on 3/13/2016
Number of Sites 134
Pad Type gravel
Reservations yes
Elevation 1,017 ft / 309 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Pinnacles Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 831-200-1722
Joseph asked on 8/11/2021
Can you get to most of the trailheads without a car? We will be in a Class C with bikes but no car. Thanks!
Reviews of Pinnacles Campground 55 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 6 Users
Last reported 11/13/2024
Confirmed by 9 Users
Last reported 4/8/2024
“Lots of space in the "tent" section”
Reviewed 12/31/2021
| Days stayed: | 3 |
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| Site Number: | 32 |
Overall Rating
The non-electric section of the camp generally seems to have a lot more space and privacy compared to the RV section. Don't expect a level site though.
Solid AT&T connectivity.
Great location for a nice day of hiking in the park.
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AT&T 4G
isteiner would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“WIFI IS A LIE”
Reviewed 11/9/2021
| Nightly rate: | $32 |
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Overall Rating
We tried camping here, based on the advertisement of wi-fi available throughout the campground. It is not at all true. The campground wifi reaches to only the 2-3 sites nearest the camp store, and nowhere else. Furthermore, even parked right outside the store where the signal is strongest, it cuts in and out constantly, and is bar... more
We tried camping here, based on the advertisement of wi-fi available throughout the campground. It is not at all true.
The campground wifi reaches to only the 2-3 sites nearest the camp store, and nowhere else. Furthermore, even parked right outside the store where the signal is strongest, it cuts in and out constantly, and is barely enough to send a text message.
If you're trying to work from the road, avoid this place like the plague.
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Verizon
T-Mobile
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“One of the best-appointed National Park campgrounds you can find in California.”
Reviewed 9/14/2021
| Days stayed: | 3 |
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| Site Number: | 101, Loop D |
| RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Pinnacles Campground, run by a third party called the Pinnacles Recreation Company, is simply one of the nicer campgrounds you will find inside a National Park. The wifi was very high-quality for campground standards. Wifi is generally unheard of inside a park boundary, and a robust and well-designed Wifi network at any campsite is ... more
Pinnacles Campground, run by a third party called the Pinnacles Recreation Company, is simply one of the nicer campgrounds you will find inside a National Park.
The wifi was very high-quality for campground standards. Wifi is generally unheard of inside a park boundary, and a robust and well-designed Wifi network at any campsite is rare.
Although crowded (as expected), the pool was a luxury in the summer heat. The water was cloudy but not all dirty, often a sign of insufficient water chemistry. I didn't test the water, but you know when it's not quite right as a pool owner.
Electricity was very clean and stable 30 amps. Also, generally rare inside National Parks (especially in California) made staying in the 90+ heat tolerable. We ran a 15k BTU AC nearly all day without issues.
The sites don't have water or sewage, but you probably know this. You can snag water at a nearby spigot. The flow was good, and the water seemed clean.
My only real complaint about this campground is that you can't use the dump station without a key, and you can't get the key until 9:30 am when the store opens. They say this is because the system is limited, and they need to carefully monitor how much is going in. I believe it, but it's still a limiting factor compared to any other National Park. Our plans did not allow us to wait till 9:30 am to leave the park.
101 is maybe one of the worst pads you can get in Loop d. Yes, it's long, and that's good for big rigs, but it is right on top of 99 with nothing but a marker on the ground to separate them, and you face right into two other sites, both 99 and 96 (which is a pull-through).
Most campgrounds with electricity will put people close together, and we should all know this, but 96, 99. 101, 102, and 103 are awkwardly set up to stare at each other. They also have no shade. They are best avoided.
This also explains why we could snag it relatively last minute, doing just fine in a pinch.
The outside loop sites all have potential depending on the tie of the day.
Take a good look at a satellite photo before you get too excited you can get a reservation.
I was very frustrated by the sheer number of great sites reserved and went vacant, or never used or reserved for RVs and were taken by tent campers.
This is something that you are not supposed to do, but they let it happen anyhow. I get it; we all want to get out. Demand is high, inventory is low.
The difference is I don't try and sneak into tent-only sites (not even with a tiny teardrop), hijacking what's already a limited number of places for RVers to go, and clearly stated as something you can't do.
Tent campers have a lot more choices of great sites that are more separated from the RV-powered pads. If you are a tent camper, you might really like this place if the weather (double-check, it's hotter than advertised) cooperates.
Pinnacles, the park, doesn't get a lot of attention for a reason. You can't drive through the park, which limits how much you can see and do. The campground is on the east side, which gives you some excellent hiking into some caves. We didn't have the time to drive around the park to see what the west side offered.
My partner and I joked we would start a company called Pinnacles PR Company to help them work on their "brand image."
This park deserves a bit more love than it gets. I'm also content to let it be what it is: a tiny beautiful gem inside our National Park system.
AirstreamParkingOnly would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great National Park, Average RV Campground”
Reviewed 9/7/2021
| Nightly rate: | $59 |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 91 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We live in the Bay Area, but this was our first trip to the Pinnacles National Park. We loved the NP, but I would recommend visiting in Fall/Winer/Spring. We were here for the Labor Day weekend, and It got scorching, 99F. Fortunately, the campsites had electrical hookups, so we stayed inside the AirStream between 1 PM and 5 PM. Many of... more
We live in the Bay Area, but this was our first trip to the Pinnacles National Park. We loved the NP, but I would recommend visiting in Fall/Winer/Spring. We were here for the Labor Day weekend, and It got scorching, 99F. Fortunately, the campsites had electrical hookups, so we stayed inside the AirStream between 1 PM and 5 PM. Many of the hikes here are steep to climb, so it's imperative to have the weather on your side.
The RV campground is a big dirt lot, our site had a big Oak tree and backed up to a not so busy street at a distance, so it wasn't too bad, but many sites looked like a parking spot overlooking another one in the back. The visitor center was very close to the campground. The camp store was right next to it. You could buy internet for $10/week on a device. It had a good enough range and worked well on the RV Sites. The campsites only have electrical hookups and no water hookups. There are spigots and threaded water outlets throughout the campground. We used a water jerrycan to transport and pour water into our fresh water tank. There is a dump station at the campground, no charge, but they keep it locked, and you have to get the keys from the store, so it was only available between 9:30 AM and 5 PM. There is no potable water at the dump station.
Overall, we liked it and will be coming again in the winter.
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AT&T
Verizon
ashar would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Close to hiking, and that’s about it ”
Reviewed 9/5/2021
| Days stayed: | 4 |
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| Site Number: | 88 |
| RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Our first visit was over Labor Day. We luckily booked a RV site with power (30amp only) for the stay. Most of the sites would have held our 28’ Airstream and tow truck. But the grounds for RVs is pretty minimal and no privacy whatsoever. A few spots had minimal shade but not many. Mostly a dirt lot with chalked spots. We had trouble wi... more
Our first visit was over Labor Day. We luckily booked a RV site with power (30amp only) for the stay. Most of the sites would have held our 28’ Airstream and tow truck. But the grounds for RVs is pretty minimal and no privacy whatsoever. A few spots had minimal shade but not many. Mostly a dirt lot with chalked spots. We had trouble with the power going out several times on the hottest day (99), likely because everyone was pulling for their AC. But know it’s not terribly stable. Also no service.
That said, if you can put that aside, being in the park is very convenient. If you get to trailheads early you can get parking but even if you don’t you can walk from the campground (a couple extra miles on mostly flat, well maintained trail) to almost any trail you want.
Dump site is locked so you have to go into camp store during hours to get key.
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Mia would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A sight to see!”
Reviewed 4/13/2021
| Nightly rate: | $20 |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 16' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Right at the entrance to the trails into Pinnacles National park. This is a great base campground, limited RV/TT electric sites but great for dry camping experience. Small travel trailer/ under 24 feet RV's and vans and tent sites are the majority of the sites. Well stock general store, ice and wood. Ranger's on hand with resource stor... more
Right at the entrance to the trails into Pinnacles National park. This is a great base campground, limited RV/TT electric sites but great for dry camping experience. Small travel trailer/ under 24 feet RV's and vans and tent sites are the majority of the sites. Well stock general store, ice and wood. Ranger's on hand with resource store. Nothing fancy about this campground but covers the basics and worth getting into to explore the pinnacles. Probably VERY hot in the summer.
No service, not even a half bar......But a pay phone available:-)
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Verizon
BC Crazy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Reviewed 2/25/2021
| Nightly rate: | $19 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 31 |
Overall Rating
We used our senior pass to get 1/2off. This site had no hookups but the pad was level with equal sun and shade. Each site has plenty of privacy and you’re not on top of each other. Apparently weekends are full but we didn’t have any issues during the week. The hiking trails are well marked with different degrees of difficulty. We ... more
We used our senior pass to get 1/2off. This site had no hookups but the pad was level with equal sun and shade. Each site has plenty of privacy and you’re not on top of each other. Apparently weekends are full but we didn’t have any issues during the week. The hiking trails are well marked with different degrees of difficulty. We stayed one extra night in site #118 for power hookups. These sites are in full sun. No cell or WiFi.
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T-Mobile
English would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great camping and lots of wildlife”
Reviewed 12/15/2020
| Nightly rate: | $22 |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
Overall Rating
Great park and very good camping. Large spots with 30 amps but no water. Many water taps around the park to fill up. Great and friendly camp host. We arrived just after the Governor announced a shut down but had no problems because we are now full time. Very few at the park though because of it. UNBELIEVABLE species and quantities of... more
Great park and very good camping. Large spots with 30 amps but no water. Many water taps around the park to fill up.
Great and friendly camp host. We arrived just after the Governor announced a shut down but had no problems because we are now full time. Very few at the park though because of it.
UNBELIEVABLE species and quantities of wildlife. Condors, Turkey Vultures, Hawks were abundant. 100s of wild turkeys every morning grazing in the camp grounds mixed with a dozen dear. Grouse were running everywhere as were ground squirrels.
We got our site for $22 at half price plus a $10 fee. Road coming to the park was great for motorcycles but not 34 foot motorhome. The trip to get here was worth the effort.
Cell service down in the tent area is very poor but decent up in the RV area.
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T-Mobile 4G
Scooter would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great, secluded National Park”
Reviewed 11/24/2020
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | A 10 |
| RV Length: | 24' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We stayed 11/13-17/20. This concession run campground inside Pinnacles National Park is well managed and maintained. We stayed in the "tent" side as we have solar so we don't need electric hook-ups. Many of the sites could have accommodated our 24 ft. TT. Our site, A 10, was secluded and quiet and backed to a seasonal creek. There are ... more
We stayed 11/13-17/20. This concession run campground inside Pinnacles National Park is well managed and maintained. We stayed in the "tent" side as we have solar so we don't need electric hook-ups. Many of the sites could have accommodated our 24 ft. TT. Our site, A 10, was secluded and quiet and backed to a seasonal creek. There are no generators allowed in the campground so it is very quiet. While we were camping, no fires of any kind were allowed which made for very quiet nights as groups were not out sitting around the campfire (cold at night). Since this is the only place to stay in the NP, once the day visitors leave, you have the park to yourself.
The RV "park" is very plain. They have electric at each site and communal drinking water spigots throughout the RV park so you don't have to travel with water. Some of the sites are close together. The few that back to the creek or the road are nicely shaded. And, since there isn't much traffic overnight, the RV side is fairly quiet. Lots of families and kids running around in the group area and tent area but that's what camping is all about. The camp store/visitor center has wifi so you can walk over to check your phone or mail, if you must.
The hiking in Pinnacles is great. Nicely maintained trails with lots of "skill" levels. Weekends are very crowded (not sure why we booked on a weekend since we are retired!) so if you can avoid Saturdays, at least, I recommend it. In non-Covid times they have a shuttle service that runs from the campground to the trailhead at Bear Gulch as the parking fills up quickly. You can walk from the campground to some of the other trailheads but it adds quite a bit of distance. You can also bike and there are bike racks at the trailheads. On the weekends the Rangers close the park roads when the trailheads are full so biking is safe.
Didn't get to see any condors or wildflowers so we will have to go back!
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zrokids would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Hikers haven”
Reviewed 11/4/2020
| Nightly rate: | $42 |
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| Days stayed: | 4 |
Overall Rating
If you like to hike and see the CA geology, this is the place. The trails are well marked and well maintained. Bring your boots for the trails once you get about 2 miles out of the campground. It can be very hot during the summer, nights do cool off. In Nov we hit a heat wave, 90+ during the day, 40's at night, started cooling down qui... more
If you like to hike and see the CA geology, this is the place. The trails are well marked and well maintained. Bring your boots for the trails once you get about 2 miles out of the campground. It can be very hot during the summer, nights do cool off. In Nov we hit a heat wave, 90+ during the day, 40's at night, started cooling down quick at 4:30 each day. Get a site with electric hookups for AC on those hot days. Hike early and find shade for the afternoon.
There is a small store onsite with ice and a few supplies, otherwise it'll be 30+ minutes to the nearest store. They do have wifi not speedy, but worked well enough. No cell or OTA TV service
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ssbxfire would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
- swimming pool: outdoor
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- group sites
- recycle
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- swimming pool: outdoor
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
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