If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in California, then you must add Pinnacles National Park to your list! This hidden gem is located in Central California and is known for its unique rock formations and incredible views. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just enjoying a day in nature, Pinnacles National Park is a must-see!
Pinnacles National Park is an American national park protecting a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, about five miles east of Soledad and 80 miles southeast of San Jose.
Born of Fire
Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. What remains is a unique landscape. Travelers journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Hikers enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life: prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the inspiring California condor.
Camping at Pinnacles
Pinnacles Campground is accessed only from the east side of the Park as there are no connecting roads between the two entrances of Pinnacles. The campground offers tent and group camping, along with RV sites. Each tent and group site has a picnic table and fire ring. Most RV sites have electrical hookups and share community tables and barbecue pits. Water is located throughout the campground. Oak trees provide shade at many campsites. Coin-operated showers and a dump station are available. The swimming pool is typically open from middle of April through the end of September, depending on the weather trend.
Pets are allowed in the campground, on paved roads and parking lots. Pets are not allowed on trails. Your pet must be physically controlled on a six-foot leash. Your pet may not be tied to anything and left unattended at any time.
Campfires are only permitted during certain fire danger conditions; check the Current Conditions for updates on fire regulations in Pinnacles. Firewood collecting is prohibited in Pinnacles National Park.
Please help us keep visitors safe and animals wild. Please do not feed wildlife at Pinnacles. For more information visit the Keep Wildlife Wild page.
Pinnacles Campground and the Campground Store are operated by Pinnacles Recreation Company. The Campground 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 sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance, and group sites can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. For reservations, please visit recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.
