r/PinnaclesNP • u/ImAnIdeaMan • Jun 19 '26
Camping nearby?
I'm planning on stay for a single night on a big road trip in July, but I can't book a single night on the weekend at the Pinnacles campground, I'd have to book 3 nights. Are there any other good camping areas near the park that aren't too far?
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u/kodandyananda Jun 24 '26
If you continue going down 25 to the end and then go left on the road to Manteca there is a beautiful BLM campground not too far. Totally free and there’s a little lake with waterfalls and it’s beautiful. The Pinnacles park staff told me about the place and could probably direct you there if you need help finding it.
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u/ImAnIdeaMan Jun 24 '26
Hm it sounds really nice but I’m not quite following. Go south on 25 from Pinnacles until the end? Until 25 ends at highway 198? Towards the city of Manteca, which is back up north?
I know there are some campgrounds by Laguna mountain and there is a reservoir there, is that what you’re referring to maybe?
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u/kodandyananda Jun 25 '26
Yes those directions are correct but it’s nowhere near the reservoir. There’s a whole lot of nothing and BLM land out there and the road is not well maintained. I used to live in the area and often went hiking on the BLM land. I can’t even find it on the map and I was only able to find it the first time because pinnacles staff drew me a map on scrap paper.
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u/kodandyananda Jun 25 '26
Oh and it’s actually the road to Coalinga so you’re heading east-ish. Avenal is also out there and it’s actually a cute little town.
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u/Focus_on_the_Parks Jun 19 '26
Where are you driving in from? There are more camping options on the west side of the park, and they're closer. The eastern entrance isn't particularly close to anything. The two entrances aren't connected within the park itself.
Also, in case this wasn't on your radar already, Pinnacles in July can get extremely hot.