Channel Islands NP (Scorpion, Santa Cruz Island)
Channel Islands National Park · near Ventura · Central Coast
Camping
At a glance
- Difficulty
- advanced
- Elevation
- 50
- Campsites
- ~30 sites
- Season
- Year-round
- Fee
- Varies
Permits and booking
- Reservation required
- Yes
- How to reserve
- Reserve on Recreation.gov AND book the Island Packers boat separately (from Ventura). Boat-in only — carry all gear a half-mile from the pier. NO water (bring all), pit toilets. Foxes, ravens (secure food in boxes). The 'Galapagos of North America.'
What is here
- Setting
- beach
- Amenities
- Boat-in island wilderness · Endemic island foxes · Sea caves & kayaking · No crowds, incredible stars
- Best for
- Boat-in island wilderness
- Features
- Boat-in island wilderness · Endemic island foxes · Sea caves & kayaking · No crowds, incredible stars
Worth knowing
- Dogs
- Not permitted
- Good for a first timer
- No
Camping detail
- Camp type
- boat-in · backcountry
- Intl tip
- Reserve BOTH the campground (Recreation.gov) and the Island Packers boat (from Ventura) — separately. Boat-in only; carry gear ½ mile. Bring ALL water and food (secure it from foxes/ravens in the boxes). Kayak the sea caves, snorkel the kelp (dive guide). Incredible dark skies. Pack for wind. A true island-wilderness experience.
The guide
Camping at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island is a true island-wilderness adventure — a boat ride from Ventura delivers yo…
In the Guidebook
Everything above is yours for free. The written guide to Channel Islands NP (Scorpion, Santa Cruz Island) — what it is actually like, and what we would tell a friend before they went — comes with the Guidebook.
Getting there
- Coordinates
- 34.049, -119.556