+ Do I need to organize my own camping reservation?

Tent campsite reservations are included with your purchase of a full-weekend ticket. Accommodations for hotels or RV sites are not included and must be arranged separately.

Atheists United reserved two group campsites next to each other in Pinnacles Campground for November 6-11. Each site can hold up 20 people and five vehicles. We will coordinate campsite reservations for all attendees and keep friends and families together.

With a purchased ticket you can arrive Thursday, Friday, or Saturday and we'll have a reserved tent campsite waiting for you. We also will have full-day group sightseeing itineraries you can join Friday and Saturday.

+ Are there Hotel, Motel, or RV options available nearby?

Tent campsite reservations are included with your purchase of a full-weekend ticket. Accommodations for hotels or RV sites are not included and must be arranged by you.

If you'd prefer to stay at a hotel you can find options outside the park.

If you'd prefer to reserve your own private campsite or bring your RV please visit the national park's website to reserve a site: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234015

+ How much does it cost to camp?

Tent camping reservations are included in the price of all full-weekend tickets.

If you were to buy an individual tent campsite at Pinnacles Campground without going through Atheists United costs would start at $43/night + taxes and fees. In most cases attendees will be saving money by booking through us.

+ Can I just attend the science talk and organize my own housing/camping?

Yes. We have a limited number of tickets available for those looking to organize their own housing/camping yet are still interested in attending our science talk event Saturday at sunset. With that said, we highly recommend people join our full-weekend group and enjoy as much community time as possible.

+ Do I have to show up Thursday evening? Can I arrive Friday or Saturday?

Your full-weekend ticket includes a tent camping reservations for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at Watchman Campground, but you can arrive whenever.

For an additional cost you can arrive Wednesday, or stay till Monday.

An organizer will follow up with you before the event to confirm when you're arriving.

+ Am I required to attend the group sightseeing itinerary?

The group itineraries are suggestions for those looking for a guided group experience in the park. We recommend them but don't require ticket holders to attend.

You're always welcome to hang back at our campsite or make your own plans.

+ Do I need to bring my own food?

Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and drinks the entire trip. Any extra food, drinks or snacks you wish to share with other campers during ‘down time’ will be welcomed.

Pinnacles Campground Store is located next to the campground and offers a few meal options but we highly recommend bringing enough food for your entire trip with you. Grocery stores outside the park are over an hour drive away.

+ Do I need to plan my own transportation?

Yes. Participants are responsible for planning their own transportation. If possible, we highly recommend carpooling.

+ Do I need to bring my own tent and camping gear?

Yes.

Atheists United will NOT provide any camping gear or tents for attendees. You are responsible for organizing all necessary equipment you'll need to enjoy your stay in the park. Please Google "camping gear list" if this is your first time camping and double check that your equipment will match well with the weather conditions.

If you'd prefer to rent equipment we recommend you check out REI: https://www.rei.com/stores/rentals#locations

If you'd prefer to borrow equipment we recommend posting an ask for equipment in our "Friends of Atheists United" facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1703133273251795/

+ How many people can share a campsite?

Pinacles Campground allows up to 20 people and five cars per group site, and we've reserved two group-sites next to each other.

If you have friends or family also buying full-weekend tickets to our event you'll be able to camp together.

Overflow parking available near the campstore.

+ Do I need to pay a park entrance fee? How much is it?

Yes.

Pinnacles National Park requires a park entrance fee to enter. All vehicles will need to purchase a Standard Entrance Pass, Annual Pass, or an America the Beautiful Parks Pass to enter the park.

More information on park entrance fees: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/fees.htm

We recommend carpooling to save money and the planet :)

+ What type of events or sightseeing will Atheists United be organizing that weekend?

Each morning Atheists United will share a recommended group itenerary designed by our staff to highlight some of the most unique, memorable, and accessible sights in the park. They'll include various hikes and photo opportunities around the park. Email evan@atheistsunited.org for more details.

+ Will there be grills at the Watchman Campground?

Yes, group sites at Pinnacles Campground do have grills. Each group site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill for your convenience.

We recommend participants bring their own own camp stoves for cooking.

+ Will there be fire rings?

Yes. Each group campsite has a fire ring that can be used as long as there are no fire restriction in place during our trip.

The campground store sells firewood until 5pm. You always want to source firewood from nearby because of invasive pests that can be moved from one location to another through wood.

Wood gathering for fires is strictly prohibited.

+ What should I bring to eat?

That's up to you! Atheists United will NOT be providing meals for attendees, so bring what makes you happy.

Free fresh water will be available in the campground.

Want inspiration for what makes good camping foods? Ask Google!

Want an example of a weekend camping trip food list? Try these: https://www.thecampingfamily.com/camping-food-list.html

Want 47 easy camping recipe ideas? Try these: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/favorite-camping-recipes/#:~:text=40%20Easy%20Camping%20Recipes%20Ready%20for%20the%20Campfire,Cheese%20Hash%20Brown%20Packets.%20...%20More%20items...%20

Any additional food, snacks, or beverages you wish to share with the group are welcomed.

+ Is there cellphone service in Pinnacles NP?

No. There is no cell phone service in the park. WiFi is available for purchase at the east Pinnacles Visitor Center through the campground store. Contact the park campground at 831-200-1722 to learn more. Expect to go without service for the majority of your trip.

+ Can I bring my dogs?

Yes, but we don't recommend it. Pets are only allowed in the picnic areas, campground, parking lots, and on paved roads.

Your pet must be physically controlled on a six foot leash at all time and you must clean up after your pet, no matter where you are. Pet waste can be disposed of in any park dumpster.

Pets also must not be left unattended. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the immediate control of a person during the day. Dogs must be in a tent or vehicle during nighttime hours. Dogs are not allowed on most hiking trails at anytime.

Pets are prohibited on all park trails. Pets are not allowed on the shuttle or in any buildings such as visitor centers or the Bear Gulch Nature Center.

Pets should not be left unattended in a vehicle when conditions are unsafe. Please keep in mind that temperatures at Pinnacles National Park can vary widely. Temperatures in the 90s and 100s are common in the summer months. Cool, cloudy mornings can turn into surprisingly warm days, even in winter. If it is hotter than 70 degrees outside, it is too hot for pets inside of vehicles. Pets may not be left unattended when tied to anything such as a tree or picnic table.

If you do visit Pinnacles National Park with your pet, follow the rules of BARK:

B: Bag your pet's poop.

Pet owners are responsible for the prompt removal and disposal of pet waste in trash receptacles. Poop can transmit disease to local wildlife populations.

A: Always wear a leash.

Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

R: Respect wildlife.

Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away.

K: Know where you can go.

Pets are welcome in developed areas, essentially wherever a car can go.

Pets are not permitted on most park trails or in wilderness.

+ Are children welcome?

Yes, and we even offer free tickets for children under 18.

Some hikes in our group itinerary will be challenging for small children. You are responsible for the safety and behavior of your children at all times and childcare will NOT be provided.

+ What camping gear should I bring?

Whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable!

Here's a list we found that might help you pack: https://www.sunrvresorts.com/blog/tent-camping-checklist/

Atheists United will not provide any food, camping gear, or transportation for participants.

+ Can I purchase gas for my car in the park? Can I charge my electric car in the park?

Unfortunately, there isn't a gas station inside Pinnacles National Park near the campground. Please fill up ahead of time.

For EV's, there is an EV charging station available at Pinnacles Campground. However, it's important to note a few details:  

Type of Charger: It's a Level 2 charger. Cost: There is a fee to use the charger. Availability: Availability can vary, so it's always a good idea to check before your trip.

We recommend contacting the park for more info on the EV station inside the park.

+ Will there be bathrooms at our campsite?

Yes, Pinnacles Campground has multiple bathrooms with flush toilets located in each camping loop. There are also coin-operated showers available near the pool.

+ Will there be showers at our campsite?

Yes.

There are coin-operated showers available near the pool.

+ Can I stay in a hotel instead of the campground?

Yes. You can purchase a "Science Talk Only" ticket and make your own housing reservations.

+ Is Pinnacles Campground wheelchair accessible?

While Pinnacles Campground offers some accessible features, it's important to note that the campground itself is not fully wheelchair accessible.

Here's what you need to know:

Limited Wheelchair Accessible Facilities: The campground does have one accessible flush toilet with grab bars, but there is currently no ramp to enter the building.

Accessible Shower Facilities are Not Available. Bench Trail: A portion of the Bench Trail is hardened and graded for wheelchair access, offering opportunities to enjoy the park's beauty.  

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on accessibility, it's recommended to contact Pinnacles National Park directly before your visit.

Find more info here: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm#:~:text=A%20section%20of%20the%20Bench,and%20graded%20for%20wheelchair%20access.

+ Can I consume alcohol at the campground?

Yes, you can drink at the campground. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited beyond your campsite.

+ I have a telescope, should I bring it?

Yes! Pinnacles National Park is not as renowned for its dark skies as some other locations we've adventured to, but it does offer a decent escape from light pollution with many open viewing areas.

+ Where does the money from my ticket go?

All income from our Atheist Adventures go directly into event organizing expenses, such as reimbursing our speaker's travel, paying for our campground reservations, and paying for organizer's time.

Atheists United is a 501c3 nonprofit and purposefully discounts ticket prices because this program helps build community in alignment with our mission. Any extra revenue after the event goes into general operating expenses for Atheists United programs.

If you'd like to make a donation to help offset some of our costs, or grow this program in the future, please visit: http://www.atheistsunited.com/donate

+ What is a tree’s favorite drink?

Root beer.

+ More questions?

If you have any more questions, please email us at: evan@atheistsunited.org