Pinnacles National Park
A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
Ideal for first-timers
Places we've visited and fallen in love with
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 small play tent will keep your kids busy and your main sleeping tent clean.
Essential Items
Shelters
Bugs be gone with this rechargeable and refillable mosquito repeller.
Essential Items
Self-care
A fun camping cot for siblings to share and sleep in overnight.
Sleep
Sleep
We can confirm that these camp tables withstand hot bevvies and rock collections.
Shared Gear
Bezzi's Picks
This spacious loveseat is designed for cuddling with loved and furry ones at camp.
Essential Items
A fancy stove for campers who want compact, portability, and performance all in one.
Kitchen
A popular and reliable dual-burner camp stove that stays hot in windy conditions.
Kitchen
It's sturdy, reliable, well-designed, and a tad pricier than most camp chairs, but it'll last for awhile.
Shared Gear
Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.
Essential Items
Sleep
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.
