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Camping near Channel Islands National Park

696 Reviews

Camping on Santa Cruz Island and other islands within Channel Islands National Park requires boat transportation and advance planning. Most camping is primitive, with Santa Cruz Island offering the most developed options at Scorpion Canyon Campground. This walk-in tent campground has potable water, picnic tables, and food storage boxes to protect supplies from island wildlife. The Del Norte Backcountry Campground on Santa Cruz provides a more remote experience with only four sites. Nearby mainland options include Lake Casitas Recreation Area and Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, both offering full RV hookups, cabin rentals, and tent sites.

Access to island campgrounds requires ferry service from Ventura Harbor, with most camping gear needing to be carried approximately one-quarter to three-quarters of a mile from landing areas to campsites. No campfires are permitted on any of the Channel Islands, and all trash must be packed out. Potable water is available at Scorpion Canyon but not at Del Norte Backcountry, requiring hikers to pack in their own water. Mainland campgrounds like Emma Wood State Beach and El Capitán State Beach offer easier road access but remain popular destinations requiring advance reservations. According to one visitor, "Going to Santa Cruz island had been on our bucket list for quite a while, but getting there requires a bit of planning and a boat reservation, but when we finally got there it exceeded our expectations."

The unique island camping environment features encounters with endemic island foxes and native birds, requiring careful food storage in provided "fox boxes." Winds can be significant, especially at Del Norte Backcountry Campground and on Santa Rosa Island, where wind shelters are provided at tent sites. Several visitors mentioned that proper tent staking is essential. Hiking trails from campgrounds lead to scenic overlooks, secluded beaches, and remarkable geological formations. Campers particularly value the isolation and natural beauty. A recent review noted, "If you like the feeling of having an entire island to yourself and don't mind hiking in a bit this is the trip for you." Cell service is limited or nonexistent on the islands, creating a true disconnection from everyday life.

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Best Camping Sites Near Channel Islands National Park (71)

    1. Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxnard, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 658-5730

    $15 - $40 / night

    "For a national park that’s located just off mainland California, Channel Islands feels like a world away from bustling L.A."

    "Choose a site a good distance away from the pit toilets if you have a choice."

    2. Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park

    3 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 658-5730

    $15 / night

    "It was away from others and felt private with the most spectacular mountains to our back. VERY WINDY! The water tasted icky but after a 10 mile hike we didn't care."

    "No water anywhere near the campsite. About 4 miles from Prisoners Harbor ferry landing. Shared the campground with one other group. Only 4 campsites total. Great place to camp for solitude."

    3. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    50 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $45 - $180 / night

    "We live in nearby Santa Barbara, but will use Carp State Beach as a midway meeting point when friends from Southern California and Central California meet up."

    "I naively thought the campgrounds wouldn’t be open to capacity and I was hoping for camping not so close to other campers."

    4. Santa Rosa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    5 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 658-5730

    $15 / night

    "Then you get to start your walk to the camp site. It's about 1.5 miles from the dock and very pretty. Some people brought a rolling cooler but I do not recommend that."

    "This is the perfect spot to get away from huge crowds while also having great facilities."

    5. Emma Wood State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1850

    $40 / night

    "There are no toilet facilities here (there are some portapotties at the entrance though - those might be for staff though.).   The only "amenity" this place offers is trash and recycling bins.  "

    "We parked next to the sea wall great view of the ocean. Ocean almost comes to your door step"

    6. El Capitán State Beach Campground

    46 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1869

    $45 - $320 / night

    "It's convenient, easy drive-up and set up tent camping. The campground and the bathrooms are well taken care of and clean. It's also nice that the beach is nearby."

    "This campground doesn’t feel too much like you’re out in the wilderness, but it is on a cliff above the beach on California’s central coast so who’s to complain?"

    7. Anacapa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    3 Reviews
    Port Hueneme, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 658-5730

    $15 / night

    "I highly recommend hiking the short distance to inspiration point at sunset, the views are breathtaking."

    8. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together."

    "As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!"

    9. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 649-2233

    "This campground is located in Santa Barbara County just west of Ojai. Beautiful mountain scenery. It’s great for tents and RVs. The lake offers fishing and boating, no body contact."

    "A nice feature, (we did not take advantage of), is there is a water slide park near the entrance. As far as I know, this is a separate fee, but nothing astronomical."

    10. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."

    "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool."

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Recent Camping Photos near Channel Islands National Park

209 Photos of 71 Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Channel Islands National Park

696 Reviews of 71 Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds

  • Myne
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Camp Comfort Park

    It is camp "Cozy"

    Great Little Camping Site, Shower and Laundry ( Bring your Quarters!)

  • Eleanor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Santa Rosa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Great location, parking lot

    We got lucky with a premium spot that opened up on the beach front. It was a gorgeous place to wake up! Definitely a festive tailgate-style vibe in the parking lot. You are close to your neighbors with no privacy but it was a great first stop for us out of LA. Easy walk into town for breakfast burritos!

  • Ryan C.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Fairways RV Resort

    Very quiet and clean

    Disabled Veteran from the area so getting on base was a breeze. Our trailer is 36ft so parking our long bed dually on the site took some space, but there is extra parking if you don’t mind a short walk. There are parks located throughout the base and the bowling alley is super cheap for unlimited bowling. There is a movie theater on site but limited on how many movies are showing.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Faria Beach Park

    Right in the Ocean

    Campsite are close together but the view & vibe are awesome. Clean excellent facilities with hot & cold showers. Camp sites are packed, but I car camp so had no issues.

  • S
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Clean and easy access

    I love Carp State Beach campground. The proximity to everything Carpinteria is within a short walking distance. Staff and venue are amazing.

  • T
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Camp Comfort Park

    It's fine

    It's fine. It is a lower cost option although not exactly low cost. Website says $46 or $48 a night for full hook up but was actually $50 plus $15 (mandatory reservation fee). Farther off of 101 than what we would have liked but ok. Get quarters before you arrive if you want to shower and do laundry.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Carpenteria State Beach

    Good location

    This was our first stop out of LA, great location. The beach was nice but beware of tar staining. The showers required tokens but the token machine was out of order. A bit annoying for the price of the site.

Guide to Channel Islands National Park

Camping near Channel Islands National Park, California, offers a unique experience filled with stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: The trails around the campgrounds provide great opportunities for hiking. One camper mentioned, “We hiked five miles and it was pretty hot at 75-80 degrees, beautiful views though,” while enjoying the scenery near Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Campground.
  • Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, surfing, or just relaxing on the beach. A review highlighted, “Seals and dolphins all around while you swim or surf,” at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach.
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. One visitor noted, “Dolphins passing by constantly,” while camping at Faria Beach Park.

What campers like:

  • Proximity to the Ocean: Many campers appreciate being close to the water. A review stated, “You are parked right on the beach, which we love so much,” at Emma Wood State Beach.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper said, “Bathrooms and laundry super clean,” at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: The vibe at many campgrounds is welcoming. A visitor shared, “Everyone is friendly and happy and in a good mood,” about their experience at Faria Beach Park.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have few amenities. A camper noted, “No amenities other than trash dumpsters and the occasional recycle bin,” at Rincon Parkway RV Overnight.
  • Tight Spaces: Many sites can be cramped. One review mentioned, “The spots are just so small, especially the ones with full hookups,” at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach.
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper said, “The 101 is really loud all night long,” at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots that allow pets and have activities for kids. One family enjoyed, “Dogs are allowed on a leash on the campsite,” at Emma Wood State Beach.
  • Plan for Limited Space: Be prepared for snug camping conditions. A camper mentioned, “You can get stuck waiting for a while if your neighbors don’t know how to park their unit,” at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach.
  • Bring Entertainment: With limited amenities, having games or activities can keep kids entertained. One camper suggested, “The cafe is fun and seems to be a hangout for bikers,” at Faria Beach Park.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Size Restrictions: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review warned, “They say max 35'. We had a heck of a time with our 34 5th Wheel,” at Hobson Beach Park.
  • Self-Contained RVs Only: Many campgrounds require RVs to be self-contained. One camper noted, “As long as you’re self-contained in an RV, car, bus, you are golden,” at Rincon Parkway RV Overnight.
  • Be Ready for High Tides: If camping near the beach, be cautious of high tides. A visitor shared, “At high tide the ocean comes right up to your doorstep,” at Emma Wood State Beach.

Camping near Channel Islands National Park, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the campground facilities and amenities available at Channel Islands National Park?

Channel Islands National Park offers primitive camping with limited facilities. Anacapa Island Campground provides pit toilets but no water, while Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground has potable water and pit toilets. All campgrounds have picnic tables, food storage boxes to protect from wildlife, and designated tent sites. There are no showers, electricity, or services on the islands. All trash must be packed out. Campfires are prohibited throughout the islands, but camp stoves are permitted. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent. Each campground is located within hiking distance from the boat landing areas, with Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz offering the most developed facilities among the islands.

How do I make camping reservations at Channel Islands National Park?

Camping reservations for Channel Islands National Park must be made through recreation.gov. Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground and Santa Rosa Island Campground require advance reservations, which are available up to 6 months ahead. The park is only accessible by boat or plane, with Island Packers being the primary concessionaire providing transportation from Ventura Harbor. It's recommended to secure your transportation before finalizing campground reservations. During peak seasons (summer and weekends), both transportation and campsites fill quickly, so booking 3-6 months in advance is advisable. A camping permit is required for all overnight stays on the islands.

Are there dog-friendly camping options at Channel Islands National Park?

Dogs are not permitted at any Channel Islands National Park campgrounds. This prohibition extends to all trails, beaches, and developed areas within the park to protect the islands' fragile ecosystems and endemic wildlife. If traveling with pets, consider mainland alternatives like Carpinteria State Beach or Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, which allow leashed dogs in campground areas though restrictions apply for beach access. For those planning a Channel Islands trip, pet boarding services are available in Ventura and surrounding areas. The strict no-pet policy helps preserve the islands' unique environment and protect native wildlife from introduced diseases and disturbance.

Is glamping or alternative accommodation available at Channel Islands National Park?

Channel Islands National Park does not offer glamping or alternative accommodations - only primitive tent camping is available on the islands. For those seeking comfort-oriented options near the park, mainland alternatives include El Capitan Canyon which offers safari tents, yurts and cabins in a natural setting near Santa Barbara. Lake Casitas Recreation Area provides cabin rentals with modern amenities while still being close to Ventura Harbor, the departure point for island trips. For day trips to the islands, these mainland accommodations allow you to experience the Channel Islands while returning to more comfortable lodging each evening. The islands themselves remain dedicated to low-impact, traditional camping experiences only.

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