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.
This was GCI's first rocker and it remains their most popular. It's easy to open and close, and comes with a handle to carry around.
Shared Gear
A dreamy, colorful sweater to sport around camp and on chillier day hikes.
Clothes
Light as a feather and versatile enough to use for running, camping, and other nighttime activities.
Essential Items
Imagine a sleeping pad, bag, and blanket all in one. It takes some getting used to, but people love it.
Essential Items
It's not the lightest cot available, but it's comfortable, easy to set up, and break down.
Essential Items
Sturdy, reliable, well-designed, and more expensive than most camp chairs, but it'll last for awhile.
Shared Gear
They're expensive, but you can lean on these bad boys for river crossings and navigating all kinds of terrain.
Essential Items
This mineral-based sunscreen is good for the envrionment and your skin. It's water resistant too.
Personal Stuff
When a campground is short of sinks, bring your own. Clean your dirty dishes in this expandable bin.
Kitchen
This backpacking stove weighs a couple of ounces and has a built-in igniter. It stands out in windy weather.
Kitchen
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.