The Southwest Walk-In Campground located in California’s Pinnacles National Park is known for its stunning views of the park’s unique rock formations and nearby hiking trails. The campground offers 17 first-come-first-served campsites that are available year-round.
Surrounding Views:
The campground is nestled among towering rock formations and has views of the park’s famous High Peaks. Visitors can also enjoy views of wildlife such as California condors and bats that can be spotted flying overhead at dusk.
Nearby Points of Interest:
The campground is located near several hiking trails, including the Bear Gulch Trail and the Balconies Trail. The park’s Visitor Center is only a short drive away and offers educational exhibits on the park’s history and wildlife.
Campground Amenities:
The Southwest Walk-In Campground offers basic amenities such as restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and fire pits. There are no RV hookups or showers available.
Interesting Facts:
Pinnacles National Park is home to a unique type of volcanic rock formation known as talus caves. Visitors can explore these caves on guided tours led by park rangers.
Best Time of Year to Visit:
The best time of year to visit the Southwest Walk-In Campground is from September to November and from March to May. During these months, the weather is mild with average temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s. Summer months can be very hot with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter months can be rainy and cold, with average temperatures in the 40s.
Sources:
- National Park Service. “Southwest Walk-In Campground.” Pinnacles National Park, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2021, www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
- “Pinnacles National Park.” National Park Foundation, 2021, www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/pinnacles-national-park.