How much does camping cost at Pinnacles Campground?

Camping fees at Pinnacles Campground range from $44-$164/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pinnacles Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pinnacles Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pinnacles Campground before I book?

Yes! Pinnacles Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pinnacles Campground?

Pinnacles Campground is open March 13 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pinnacles Campground?

Yes, Pinnacles Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Pinnacles Campground?

Cell phone service at Pinnacles Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Pinnacles Campground have?

Pinnacles Campground has 139 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pinnacles Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pinnacles Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pinnacles Campground?

Pinnacles Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pinnacles Campground?

Popular activities at Pinnacles Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pinnacles Campground

4.02

684 reviews

2400 HWY 146, Paicines, CA, 95043, USA

Top 10% in CASpring

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

824 ft

Price

$44 - $164/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

139 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Pinnacles Recreation Co.Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

824 ft

Price

$44 - $164/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

139 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Pinnacles Recreation Co.Official Website

Get Directions

Pinnacles Campground

$44.00 - $164.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $110.00 (+$20.00 weekend); RV ELECTRIC: $62.00 (+$12.00 weekend); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $44.00 (+$12.00 weekend); TENT...

Group Site Fee$110.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

831-200-1722

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2400 HWY 146, Paicines, CA, 95043, USA

Pinnacles Campground

2400 HWY 146, Paicines, CA, 95043, USA

Nearby places

Hollister (32 miles, approximately 40 minutes driving), King City (29 miles, approximately 35 minutes driving)

Weather at Pinnacles Campground

Current alerts(11)

Dump station: is available for registered guests.
During peak visitation periods, access to the campground through the East Entrance station may be restricted. Delays can be expected due to high traffic volumes and parking reaching capacity. We advise planning accordingly to avoid prolonged wait times.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Property: Pinnacles Recreation Company is not responsible for loss or to property due to fire, theft, accident or any other cause.
Pets: allowed on leash in the campground but not on hiking trails. NEVER leave unattended.

Best Time to Camp at Pinnacles Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and dramatic scenery — daytime highs are commonly in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (18–28°C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). Wildflowers and oak green-up brighten the canyons, condor and other wildlife viewing peaks, and rock climbing and hiking are at their best before summer heat sets in. Trails can be busy on weekends during peak bloom, so plan weekday visits or early starts for quieter experiences. Peak months: April, May, March, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Described as the campground's sweet spot: mild temps, peak wildflowers and excellent climbing conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 13 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Pinnacles Campground

Pinnacles Campground sits at the base of Pinnacles National Park, a dramatic landscape of volcanic spires and talus caves east of Hollister. Operated by Pinnacles Recreation Co., this large campground serves as the primary staging area for climbers tackling the park's rock formations and hikers exploring condor habitat. The facility includes tent sites, RV hookups, group areas, and cabins, plus a swimming pool and camp store.

The campground accommodates tent campers, RV campers, and group setups. It also offers tent cabins for a semi-primitive experience with basic amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and dramatic scenery — daytime highs are commonly in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (18–28°C) with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). Wildflowers and oak green-up brighten the canyons, condor and other wildlife viewing peaks, and rock climbing and hiking are at their best before summer heat sets in. Trails can be busy on weekends during peak bloom, so plan weekday visits or early starts for quieter experiences. Peak months: April, May, March, October

Elevation824 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads beneath Valley Oaks, Blue Oaks, and Coast Live Oaks, their branches forming natural shade over many sites. A seasonal creek winds through the grounds, its banks thick with wildflowers in spring. Yellows, purples, and oranges coloring the meadows. Beyond the campsites, the park's volcanic architecture dominates: towering rock spires, boulder fields, and cave systems formed 23 million years ago when an ancient volcano erupted and later migrated 195 miles along the San Andreas Fault. Rolling oak-studded hills soften the edges of the more dramatic formations, creating a landscape that shifts between pastoral and prehistoric depending on where you look.

Lodging & AccommodationsTent cabins with heaters, fans, and basic furniture are available but are better suited for cooler seasons. Some users report inadequate heating capacity during colder months.

Programs & ActivitiesOccasional ranger-led activities and Junior Ranger programs designed for families and educational purposes. Limited availability reported during off-seasons.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tent/RV sites allow up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles. Group sites allow up to 20 people and 5 vehicles.

Groups

Group sites accommodate up to 20 people and 5 vehicles. Ideal for large gatherings. Users noted that some group sites lack proximity to restrooms.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible sites for RVs and mobility scooters. Restrooms and showers provide functionality for disabled individuals.

Site SizeVaried sizes accommodating tents, RVs, and group setups.

PrivacySome sites are described as private with trees and vegetation offering natural barriers, while others are open and exposed.

Total Campsites139 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites for summer visits to avoid heat exposure. Loop C offers sites with privacy and proximity to water spigots.

Best CampsitesSite 11 in Loop A gets praise for privacy and creekside location. Site 37 in Loop B offers good shade. Reviews suggest choosing shaded sites for summer visits and checking site openness if you want natural screening. Some spots have trees and vegetation barriers, others sit more exposed.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

RV Sites: have 120v/ 30-amp service; EV CHARGING IS PROHITIED AT RV SITES, An EV charger is located by the store. Tent and group sites have no hook-ups. Generators are not allowed at any time in any site. Swimming pool: is open 4/1 to 10/31, weather permitting. No lifeguard on duty. Dump station: is available for registered guests. Restrooms (Loop C) Loop C does not have flush restroom buildings. Portable toilets are located in Loop C. Flush toilets and sinks are available in nearby Loop B and Loop G.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers diverse activities suitable for all types of campers. Hiking trails connect directly to the campground, leading to iconic sites like Bear Gulch and Balconies Cave. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. A swimming pool offers relief during hot summer months.

Hiking

Climbing

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are available and necessary due to wildlife activity.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

684 reviews

Satisfactory

Pinnacles Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Pinnacles Campground garners mixed reviews, with campers praising the park's unique natural features and abundant wildlife while critiquing some aspects like maintenance issues and raccoon infestations.

Review Summaries

Based on 684 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 684 reviews.

Site 11Loved
Site 11 is noted for excellent privacy and proximity to the creek.
Site 104Loved
Site 104 is popular among RV campers for its spacious layout.

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, access to free showers, well-maintained trails, ample wildlife sightings, and a swimming pool are frequently appreciated.

Based on 684 reviews

Common Concerns

Raccoon nuisance, construction noise, limited restroom and shower facilities, and poor Wi-Fi connectivity. RV-specific issues include narrow roads and inaccessible dump stations.

Based on 684 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra layers for winter trips; summer campers should opt for shaded sites. Secure food to avoid raccoon encounters. Early hikes are recommended to avoid midday heat.

Based on 684 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors report peace and fewer crowds, while summer visitors face heat and limited shade. Spring is favored for wildflower blooms and milder weather.

Based on 684 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground updates aren’t the best. Pretty sure they just crowded more sites closer together.' 2. 'The raccoons are not shy and will come up to your site looking for food.' 3. 'Free hot...

Based on 684 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mobility scooters work well on flat trails. Accessible RV sites are available, though restroom proximity could be improved.

Based on 684 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but limited to the campground area. Users recommend keeping pets leashed at all times due to wildlife.

Based on 684 reviews

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Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles Campground

About Pinnacles National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Pinnacles Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

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.

Directions

Pinnacles National Park is accessible through highway 101 for the West entrance, and highway 25 for the East entrance. From highway 101 you must pass through the City of Soledad to find highway 146 which will lead to West side of Pinnacles. To enter East Pinnacles you must find highway 25 through the City of Hollister coming from the North, and King City through Bitter Water Road (G-13) when coming from the South. NOTE: There is no through road between the east and west entrance.