Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · Friends and new campers
Vibe · Relaxing and chill
Reservations · Yes, reserve a spot at Pinnacles Campground
Drive · 2.5 hours from SF
Ideal dates · March to May or September to October
Pets · Welcome at camp, but not on trails
Pinnacles National Park (PNP) is the newest national park in California, but its infamous rock formations are more than 23 million years old! What's left from volcanic activity has become a popular destination for rock climbers, cave divers, and campers. The park only has 30 miles of trails so backpacking isn't allowed, but come for the otherworldly rocks and stay for the spectacular stargazing.
Official National Park Website
Current Park and Trail Conditions
Main image credit: Gregory Gnesio
Each campsite comes with a:
Pinnacles Campground is the only place to camp within the park, but it has everything. Nestled among oak trees on the eastern side of the park, this comfy campground has tent, RV, group campsites and tent cabins available. There are restrooms, drinking water, hot showers (for a fee), a general store (for ice and firewood), and a swimming pool (open from April to September) on site. You can reserve a spot up to six months ahead so be sure to swoop one while they're still available!
Check-in: After 1 PM · Check-out: 11 AM
Quiet hours: 10 PM to 6 AM
Nightly Fee: $49
Pinnacles National Park has been a national monument since 1908, but President Obama re-designated it as a national park in 2013.
Bear Gulch and Balconies Caves are home to colonies of big-eared bats, and open to the public for certain parts of the year. Check the schedule.
PNP was home to several Native American groups: Chalon and Mutsun, which were part of the Ohlone people.
California red-legged frogs are an endangered species in PNP. You might be able to spot them when you hike to Bear Gulch Reservoir.
A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.