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Camping is available year round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park in National Park Service-managed campgrounds. There is currently one established campground on each island: above the Landing Cove on Santa Barbara, on the east islet of Anacapa, at Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz, at Water Canyon on Santa Rosa, and above Cuyler Harbor on San Miguel. No camping is allowed on The Nature Conservancy's western 76 percent of Santa Cruz Island. Limited backcountry camping is available on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands. Please refer to the Backcountry Camping for more information. Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Santa Cruz island camping, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, Scorpion is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. The largest of Californias Channel Islands, Santa Cruz is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. The Chumash Native American Indians inhabited the island for 9,000 years, and Europeans have explored and ranched on the island for a few centuries. Remnants of ancient villages can be explored throughout the area. Additionally, 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and spotted skunk are exciting finds, as theyre 100% unique to the island. Natural Features: Scorpions beaches are a mix of sand and rocks, and face the Santa Barbara Channel. Its one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park, and the altitude ranges from sea level to 2500 ft. at its rugged mountain peaks. Recreation: An ultra-fun activity is ocean kayaking. Kayak novices should hire a guide, and kayak rentals need to be arranged before arriving on the island. Whether boating around the island or simply perched on the beach, look out over the Pacific for a chance to spot whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins. For camping, fishing, kayaking and private boating information, contact Channel Islands National Park at 805-658-5730 or www.nps.gov/chis. Facilities: Scorpion offers 25 campsites and 6 group sites. Access to the island is by Island Packers Cruises or by private boat. Note that no landings are available at the pier. You must anchor off-shore and skiff in. Nearby Attractions: Hiking options are unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the Potato Harbor hike for views of the islands mountain peaks, the southern California coastline and a potato-shaped harbor. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and old buildings for a taste of island history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 14-mile hike from Scorpion to Prisoners Cove. Expect to trudge through areas with your hands and feet.
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor.
To park headquarters in Ventura, Ca: exit Highway 101, at Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
25 individual sites at $15 per night-per site and 6 group sites at $40 per night-per site; reservations required
Advanced camping reservations are required for all of the campgrounds. There are no entrance fees to visit the park. However, a reservation fee is charged for camping on the islands. The $15.00 per night-per site fee includes both the National Park Service fee that supports the operation and maintenance of the campgrounds and the reservation fee charged by the contractor that manages the National Reservation Service.
I don't want to blow this spot up but it's the best use of your money for camping. I'm stunned. I'll let the pictures do the talking
Very cool campground. Make sure you bring everything you need and haul everything out once you’re done. There aren’t any stores on the island so if you need a tampon, you’ll have to macgyver one yourself. It’s only a short 2 hour boat ride from Ventura.
This is a great campground on Santa Cruz Island and depending on your camp site is between 0.2-0.6 miles from the boat dock. You should pack like you are backpacking as you need to transport all of your gear from the docks to your site and you don't want to spend half your trip walking back and forth. Many of the sites have eucalyptus trees for shade and the campground's location in a valley helps protect it from the high winds that are typical on the channel islands. The endemic island foxes frequent this campground and are very cute and fun to watch run through the camp. From the campground there are beautiful hikes along the cliffs along the ocean, ocean kayaking, and the park rangers usually have a short movie or program on weekend nights.
We camped here during late November with two kids.
The Del-Norte lower campground. We were on site 20.
This is our 2nd trip to the Channel Islands itself and we do really love the experience.
* You need to take an 1hr+ish boat ride to get here from Ventura.
* Pack a wagon/cart if you need to haul a "boatload of stuff" it's $10 extra and worth it
* You need to pack out what you take including garbage so be prepared.
* The luggage if lucky will be moved on the boat with a "bucket brigade" style if lucky and ample campers are onboard else you could be on your own.
* The weather was variable during our stay and unexpectedly more windy than we had anticipated. Note there are no windbreakers.
* The restrooms near the pier in general smelt less. They are reasonably well maintained but there is heavy camping and visitor traffic on this island.
* The campsites are well maintained. Surprised to see eucalyptus trees (invasive) all around us.
* Small foxes (smaller than the ones in Santa Rosa) thrive in this campsite. It was like witnessing Darwin's theory...
* The campsites.is central to many trails on this side of the island.
* The water outlets have had a lot of yellow jackets.
- There were very few other insects that were bothersome. We did observe some giant insects but they came out.at night and were fun to observe.
* There was no place for.cleaning utensils, it seemed ad-hoc and could create campsites where people washed and left remnants in different places. A defined spot like Santa Rosa would be great.
* Not all campsites are the same, so pick and choose carefully. At the end of the day the island is fabulous but still...
* lastly, the campground is relatively near the boat drop-off zone and the Kayak rental spot.
Have fun camping!!
This is a great way to take a relaxed vacation, away from people. We visited in mid December, and had very pleasant weather, even though the nights were a little cooler. The scenery, ocean life, and bird life are beautiful. If you are visiting for the day, take a hike over to Potatoe Harbor, or take a guided tour with Channel Island Adventure Company on a Kyack ride. If you are camping, consider taking a hike over to Smugglers Beach as the beach over there is beautiful.
Be prepared to be on the look out for wildlife. We were privileged to see foxes, ravens, scrub jays, seals, Sea lions, Spotted Towhee, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Sea Urchins, dolphins, humpback whales, and sea stars.
Some things to keep in mind.
-There is no transportation on the Island except for walking.
-There is only pit toilets on the Island, but they are relatively nice.
-When hiking take enough water, as there is very little shade on the Island except for in the campground.
-The water on the Island at Scorpion Canyon is drinkable and doesn't taste to bad.
-If camping, pack in backpacking style as you have to hike everything in to the campground.
-Be prepared to keep all scents in the Animal proof boxes as the foxes and crows are great theaves. Even visiting for the day, don't let your backpack unwatched as the foxes /ravens are around.
-Take all the food you will need. Either a small propane stove, or self heating O'Meal packs of food.
