If you want to camp and access DCHS via the BRT, I would stay at Dogwood Campground in Blue Jay. It's only a 15 min drive ti the trail head.
Also, I live here and hike the Pinnacles alot and am a member of the range. Whenever I drive out I go out to the end just to check on things. Cal Trans is cleaning up 173 but other than that, its quit out there.
Oh yeah. Snakes and ticks are out as of yesterday.