The Pine Springs Campground offers 20 tent-camping sites and 20 RV sites. All are first-come, first-served. The tent sites are level, gravel, have a picnic table and will accommodate 1 medium-to-large tent or two small, single-person tents. The tent sites are surrounded by tallish native shrubs and some trees with varying degrees of privacy. When we spoke with park rangers in advance of the trip, we were assured that we'd have no problem getting a tent site when we went (during the week and in mid-November). However, we would strongly advise showing up early. Three out of the four nights we stayed at the park the tent sites were fully occupied. Another reason to show up early is to grab a site with more privacy and/or closer to the road. Only two sites (ADA-compliant) offer parking right next to where you pitch your tent. All the other sites are set back from the road/parking and you have to move your gear from your vehicle to your site. It appeared that sites #2 and #3 weren't as far from the road. Check out
Permits/Fees for tent camping rates.
The RV "sites" are nothing more than a marked-off, asphalt parking lot. There are a few trees, but nothing to really offer shade or privacy. I didn't note the RV rate. I didn't see any info on the website about maximum lengths allowed, but we did see a number of large motorhomes. It seemed to us that a lot of the RVer's stayed for one night and moved on.
At one end of the camping area are two pit toilets. At the other end (up by the RV parking area) are flush toilets and sinks as well as a dish-washing sink area. There are no showers, no electricity, and no dump stations. Potable water is available in a few locations.
The park itself offers great hiking/backpacking/horse-riding opportunities, birding and wildlife viewing, and loads of history. The visitor center (near the Pine Springs Campground) is worth browsing. We were advised that mid-October to mid-November is the time of year to see fall colors.
See
Permits/Fees for entrance fees.
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