Established Camping
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground, near Ventura, California, is a unique camping experience that offers a remote escape with stunning natural beauty. This campground is situated within Channel Islands National Park, providing a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by the ocean and wildlife.
The sites here are shaded, making them a welcome relief from the sun, and each comes equipped with a metal food box to keep your supplies safe from the local foxes. Visitors have noted that the vault toilets are clean, and there are drinking water spigots available, though you’ll need to pack in everything else you might need since there are no showers or food options nearby.
Getting to the campground involves a short hike from the ferry drop-off, which adds to the adventure. Reviewers have shared that the walk is manageable, even with camping gear, and the views along the way are breathtaking. As one camper put it, “The ocean is so nice,” and many have enjoyed the tranquility of the area, often spotting wildlife like foxes and dolphins during their stay.
For those looking to explore, the island offers numerous hiking trails with beautiful vistas, including routes to Smuggler's Cove and Potato Harbor. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground is a fantastic choice for those seeking a bit of adventure and a chance to connect with nature.
Description
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.
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.
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
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol