Pinnacles National Monument

Located south of Soledad and east of Salinas, Pinnacles National Monument features the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. The park is a popular place to see condors and climb rock monoliths with ropes and pitons. There are also talus caves to visit.

Activities: Hiking, Rock Climbing

Camping

Pinnacles camground, located on National Monument land just before the east entrance station, offers both group and tent sites. Formerly private, the campground is now owned and operated by the National Park Service. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring and access to running water. Showers are nearby. The campground includes a swimming pool, open in the summer only. Use of the pool is included in the camping fee. Note: bring your own firewood; wild pigs frequent the area.

GROUP CAMPING: There are 14 group sites, each of which can accommodate up to 20 people and five vehicles.

FAMILY CAMPING: There are 99 tent sites, each of which can accommodate up to six people.

Information website: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/groupcamp.htm

Map Link (beta): https://www.google.com/maps?q=36.4905655,-121.1824925

Bookings: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/Pinnacles_Campground_Ca/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73984&topTabIndex=CampingSpot

Site: Group Sites (14 of them)

Notes: There are 14 group sites at Pinnacles Campground. Each has picnic tables, a fire ring, nearby water spigots, and parking for up to five vehicles. Up to 20 people can camp in a group site. For groups larger than 20 people, it may be possible to reserve two adjoining group sites. Check the campground map to locate adjoining sites. You can make reservations up to five months in advance by visiting www.recreation.gov or calling (877)444-6777. If you're bringing a group to Pinnacles National Park, please take a moment to review our campground rules and our park safety information. Parking may be limited on weekends at trailheads and day use areas within the park. You may want to consider hiking from the campground. Destinations that are within walking distance include Bear Gulch Nature Center and Trailheads (2.3 mi), Bear Gulch Cave and reservoir (3.3 mi), the South Wilderness Trail (0.6 mi), and Balconies (3.7 mi). For more information, please visit our trails page. If you're not able to hike into the park, consider shuttling your group in and leaving most of your vehicles at your campsite. On weekends in the spring, you can also ride our park shuttle.

Arrival Type: Drive In

Person Capacity: 20

Car Capacity: 5

County: San Benito

Jurisdiction: National Park Service

Booking Cost Information:

Information Last Updated: January 19, 2025