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Camping near Channel Islands National Park

678 Reviews

A camping trip to California should include a visit to Channel Islands National Park. Near Ventura, CA, the park is made up of five islands and offers some of the best camping experiences. On Santa Cruz Island you can visit the Painted Cave — one of many sea caves in the area. Camp underneath the rare pines on Santa Rosa Island. On Anacapa Island you can wander the trails to Inspiration Point and camp by the 1932 lighthouse. Santa Barbara Island is known for nesting birds and San Miguel Island draws seals. RV campsites not available on the islands but can be found near Channel Islands National Park in the Ventura area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Channel Islands National Park (69)

    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

    47 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

    26 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

    58 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

212 Photos of 69 Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Channel Islands National Park

678 Reviews of 69 Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds

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 camping is available near Channel Islands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Channel Islands National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 69 campgrounds and RV parks near Channel Islands National Park and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Channel Islands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Channel Islands National Park is Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Channel Islands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Channel Islands National Park.

What parks are near Channel Islands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Channel Islands National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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