Overview

The Prisoners Harbor Campground is located near the shoreline, and with a maximum capacity of 24 people, it offers a quieter experience than the larger campground at Scorpion. The campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. As you explore this area, please respect the property boundary and help protect and preserve these delicate resources for future generations.

Santa Cruz Island, the largest of California’s Channel Islands, is one of the five islands that make up Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American peoples inhabited the island for over 10,000 years, and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for more than 150 years. More than 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals, and a variety of amphibians and reptiles call the island home. The island fox and island scrub‑jay are especially exciting finds, as they are unique to Santa Cruz Island and found nowhere else in the world.

Facilities

The Prisoners Harbor Campground has six primitive campsites (four persons per site) and users must camp within these designated sites. Each site is 8 feet by 20 feet; smaller tents are appropriate for this location. A picnic table, food storage, and vault toilet are provided. Visitors are encouraged to pack as light as possible as they will need to carry all of their gear, food and water to the campsite. Water is not available. Access to the island is by Island Packers Cruises or by private boat.

Natural Features

The Prisoners Harbor Campground is nestled in a shaded oak grove.

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.

Recreation

From Prisoners Harbor, the campground is only 0.3 miles from the pier. The road does follow a road which passes through a seasonal creek. While the campground has an accessible site and an accessible toilet, transportation to the campground requires use of a ladder and on an uneven road. This road is still used daily by vehicles, so please use caution while hiking along it. During winter and spring, visitors need to be prepared for a wet creek crossing at Canada del Puerto in Prisoner's Harbor. From Scorpion Anchorage, the campground is approximately 14 miles via the Navy Road. Beach access is at Prisoners Harbor. Recreational activities on Santa Cruz Island include 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. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm .

Important Notices

• Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Island may only be reached by boat. Visitors are required to arrange transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Contact Island Packers the park's authorized concessioner or bring your own private boat.

• The Pelican Bay Trail is on land owned by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). It is only open to Island Packers (IPCO) passengers who have signed the required waiver and are hiking during the hours an IPCO naturalist guide is present between IPCO arrival and departure at Prisoners Harbor. All other entry onto TNC property is not permitted.

• Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility.

• One party or group may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit. There are 6 individual campsites. Max 4 people per site. Campsites are 8 feet by 20 feet which includes a picnic table.

• Upon arrival, receive an orientation at the pier. However, park staff is not always available on the island. Please have confirmation letter, receipt, or campsite number with you.

• 1/4 mile from the pier to the campground. Visitors must carry all their own gear. During winter and spring, campers will need to be prepared for a wet creek crossing at Canada del Puerto in Prisoner's Harbor. Visitors may have to wade through fast moving water up to 2 feet deep.

• Primitive camping. Tent camping only, no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground. Bring low profile tents and extra food for weather delays. Picnic table and food storage box provided. No stores or services.

• Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Check-in and check-out times are at 11:00 a.m.

• Proper food and trash storage is required. Food/trash storage lockers are provided at each site. Recommend hard-sided container (i.e., action packer) to further protect food/garbage from animals.

• Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage.

• Smoking is only allowed on the beach. No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed.

• Avoid contact with deer mice. Hantavirus has been found in island deer mice. For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/hantavirus.htm 

• To help prevent the introduction of nonnative species the following items may not be brought to the park: pets; live or potted plants; soil; cut flowers; firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (including hiking sticks); corrugated boxes; tools or equipment with attached soil; motorized vehicles; bicycles; and single-use plastic grocery bags. Prior to departure, visitors are required to use pest-proof packing materials, inspect and clean their gear and shoes of all soil, seeds, and insects. Learn more about biosecurity and watch the required video at Protect Your Park Through Biosecurity 

• No fishing in marine reserves. California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker required to fish outside marine reserves.

• Watersports: Due to the strong, persistent wind, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are limited and recommended for the experienced visitor only. Ocean conditions can rapidly change, requiring expert abilities. Ocean kayaking is an inherently dangerous activity. Always check weather and do not kayak beyond your experience level.

Directions

<p>Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Island may only be reached by boat. Visitors are required to arrange transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Contact <a href="https://islandpackers.com/" rel="nofollow">Island Packers</a> the park's authorized concessioner or bring your own private boat.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 805-658-5730

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip