Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground
The Quick Take
Scorpion Canyon is the most accessible campground in Channel Islands National Park, but calling it 'accessible' still means boarding a boat and hauling your gear half a mile uphill from the landing. That's the beauty of it -- this is car-free camping by default, on an island that feels genuinely remote despite being visible from the Ventura coastline. The canyon setting offers decent wind protection, which matters more than you'd think out here, and the sites are spaced well enough that you won't be sharing dinner conversation with strangers. You get potable water and food lockers, which is generous by island standards, but forget about showers, fires, or cell service. This is the right campground for anyone who wants an island wilderness experience without committing to the more remote outer islands like San Miguel or Santa Rosa. First-time Channel Islands visitors should start here.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 31 sites are reservable.
Book at Channel Islands LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
805 ADA-accessible campsites. Due to Santa Cruz Island's isolation and transportation requirements, the Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground has limited accessibility for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Please contact Island Packers (805-642-1393) for more information on wheelchair access on their boats to Santa Cruz Island. Please contact the visitor center (805-658-5730) for more on-island transportation information. No Roads
Pro Tips
Book the moment reservations open -- Scorpion Canyon fills months in advance for summer weekends and spring break. Midweek trips in September and October are your best bet for availability, mild weather, and smaller crowds on the island trails.
The campground sits at the trailhead for Cavern Point and Potato Harbor, two of the best coastal hikes in the park. Hit Cavern Point at sunset for views that justify the entire boat fare. Budget a full day for the Scorpion Canyon loop to Smugglers Cove if you want real solitude.
Pack everything in dry bags or waterproof containers -- the boat landing involves wading through shallow surf, and a rogue wave can soak your gear before you even reach the trail. Bring layers for evening wind, and do not underestimate how cold the canyon gets after dark, even in summer.
Photos
Kathy deWet Oleson
Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.comGetting There
Directions
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground is only accessible by boat. Visit our island transportation webpage for more information: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/island-transportation.htm The hike to the campground is .5 miles from the boat landing.
Get directions
