Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the
landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The remnants of these ancient
eruptions have formed a striking terrain of rocky spires and deep canyons.
Visitors can explore diverse environments, from chaparral and oak woodlands to
the cool, shaded depths of canyon floors.

Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The remnants of these ancient eruptions have formed a striking terrain of rocky spires and deep canyons. Visitors can explore diverse environments, from chaparral and oak woodlands to the cool, shaded depths of canyon floors.

## Overview

Pinnacles Campground is located in the unique Pinnacles National Park, 32
miles south of Hollister, California.  
  
The park encompasses 26,000 acres of spectacular rock formations and remnants
of an extinct 23 million-year old volcano.  
  
Hiking and rock climbing are very popular activities in Pinnacles, as is
watching for the majestic California condor overhead. Pinnacles National Park
is a nesting place for the endangered soaring bird, the largest in North
America.

## Recreation

Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to
strenuous. Many trails intersect, allowing for a short loop or a longer all-
day hike. Popular destinations include Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks and
the Balconies area. The Bench Trail provides direct access to the park from
the campground.  
  
Visitors enjoy exploring Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave, which houses a
large colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. Bring a flashlight!  
  
Rock climbers flock to Pinnacles for the variety of climbing routes that range
from easy top-ropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.

## Facilities

Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to
strenuous. Many trails intersect, allowing for a short loop or a longer all-
day hike. Popular destinations include Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks and
the Balconies area. The Bench Trail provides direct access to the park from
the campground.  
  
Visitors enjoy exploring Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave, which houses a
large colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. Bring a flashlight!  
  
Rock climbers flock to Pinnacles for the variety of climbing routes that range
from easy top-ropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.

## Natural Features

The campground is situated in a rolling landscape dotted with shady Valley
Oak, Blue Oak and Coast Live Oak trees. A gentle, seasonal creek runs through
the grounds.  
  
Springtime finds Pinnacles bursting with a wide variety of vivid wildflowers
that line every trail and fill entire meadows with color.  
  
Deer and wild turkeys roam the area, and condors can be viewed from within the
campground. The park ranges in elevation from 824 feet along South Chalone
Creek to 3,304 feet atop North Chalone Peak.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Pinnacles Campground is located in the unique Pinnacles National Park, 32 miles south of Hollister, California. <br/><br/>
The park encompasses 26,000 acres of spectacular rock formations and remnants of an extinct 23 million-year old volcano.<br/><br/>
Hiking and rock climbing are very popular activities in Pinnacles, as is watching for the majestic California condor overhead. Pinnacles National Park is a nesting place for the endangered soaring bird, the largest in North America.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, allowing for a short loop or a longer all-day hike. Popular destinations include Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks and the Balconies area. The Bench Trail provides direct access to the park from the campground.<br/><br/> 
Visitors enjoy exploring Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave, which houses a large colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. Bring a flashlight!<br/><br/>
Rock climbers flock to Pinnacles for the variety of climbing routes that range from easy top-ropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, allowing for a short loop or a longer all-day hike. Popular destinations include Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks and the Balconies area. The Bench Trail provides direct access to the park from the campground.<br/><br/> 
Visitors enjoy exploring Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave, which houses a large colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. Bring a flashlight!<br/><br/>
Rock climbers flock to Pinnacles for the variety of climbing routes that range from easy top-ropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground is situated in a rolling landscape dotted with shady Valley Oak, Blue Oak and Coast Live Oak trees. A gentle, seasonal creek runs through the grounds. <br/><br/>
Springtime finds Pinnacles bursting with a wide variety of vivid wildflowers that line every trail and fill entire meadows with color. <br/><br/>
Deer and wild turkeys roam the area, and condors can be viewed from within the campground. The park ranges in elevation from 824 feet along South Chalone Creek to 3,304 feet atop North Chalone Peak.

PINNACLES CAMPGROUND Wildlife

Biking through the campground

Deer at Pinnacles Campground

Pinnacles National Park Campground

Pinnacles Campground Loop B

PINNACLES CAMPGROUND

View of Pinnacles Formations

This map reflects the site locations accurately after some sites were renamed or relocated in April 2020.

Pinnacles National Park

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Campgrounds

Pinnacles Campground