Established Camping
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
About
National Park Service
Channel Islands National Park
Overview
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 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 island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm .
Recreation
With its easy beach access and generally good weather, this area offers the most recreational activities in the park, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.
Facilities
Primitive camping is available at Scorpion Canyon Campground with 25 individual sites which accommodate up to six persons per site; and six group sites with up to 15 persons per site. Picnic table, food storage box, pit toilet, and water are provided. The campground is a flat 1/2 mile to 1 mile hike from the pier. Access to the island is by Island Packers Cruises or by private boat.
Natural Features
The beach near the campground is a mix of sand and rocks, and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The campground is located in a valley with a mixture of trees and shrubs. Rugged mountain peaks rise above the campground to 1,808 feet.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking options are unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the 2 mile round-trip Cavern Point Loop hike for views of the island's mountain peaks, and the southern California coastline. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and historic buildings for a taste of island ranch history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 7.5-mile round-trip hike from the campground to Smugglers Cove.
Reservation Info
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.
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Nice little remote spot
Have to take the ferry over and walk a distance to the campground, so be ready to haul your camping gear about half a mile.
Nice shaded area under the trees for tents, whereas the rest of the island was pretty uncovered. We hiked five miles and it was pretty hot at 75-80 degrees, beautiful views though.
Has regular put toliets and had a spicket for water (surrounded by yellowjackets). No showers or food/grocery, so come prepared! Nice remote getaway for the adventurer!
Island camping
You can basically bring all your camp gear on the ferry. The walk was only like 10/15 mins. Put toilets, drinking water. Pretty peaceful and the ocean is so nice. Must because of the ravens and foxes.
Remote but easy to get to
What a fantastic getaway! The Channel Islands offer some of the most remote camping, and it's easy to do. Plus, the weather is moderate, and you don't have to worry about wildlife much. You do have to carry your gear from the boat to the site, but it's very manageable even if you have coolers, full-size tents, etc. You don't need backpacking gear for this camp. Make yourself comfortable for the trip, and be sure to explore the many trails on the island. There are green hills, secluded beaches, and stunning cliffs to check out.
Location
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park is located in California
Directions
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.
Address
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
Coordinates
34.0482444 N
119.5615972 W