Santa Cruz Scorpion
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 .
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.
Need to Know
- Santa Cruz Island may only be reached by boat. Visitors are required to arrange boat transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Contact the park's authorized concessioner Island Packers or use your own private boat.
- Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility.
There are 25 individual campsites. Max 6 people per site. Max 3 tents per site. A party or group of 12 or less may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit.
- A party or group of 13 or more are not allowed in individual sites and must use the group sites (A-F) in the upper campground.
- There are 6 group sites. Minimum 13 people per site. Max 15 people per site. No more than 3 group sites per party or group.
- A party or group of 46 or more may not reserve any sites through recreation.gov and must contact the park to obtain a special use permit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm.
- Upon arrival, meet ranger at beach, landing dock or campground. However, park staff is not always available on the island. Please have confirmation letter, receipt, or campsite number with you.
- 1/2 mile to 1 mile hike to campground. Visitors must carry all their own gear.
- 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. Partial shade from trees. Picnic table, food storage box, and drinking water provided. No stores or services.
Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 pm. 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.
No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed. Smoking is only allowed on beach areas at Scorpion, Smugglers, and Prisoners Harbors.
Visitors who have known allergies to yellow jacket venom should consider going to an alternate location other than Scorpion Ranch campground during the summer and early fall. Since yellow jackets are attracted to the water at the Scorpion Ranch campground water spigots, visitors that are allergic to yellow jacket stings may want to consider bringing their own water to the island.
- 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.
- Kayakers: 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.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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1901 Spinnaker Drive ventura CA 93001
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 805-658-5730
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 009, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A, Loop Upper Loop, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site D, Loop Upper Loop, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site B, Loop Upper Loop, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C, Loop Upper Loop, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site F, Loop Upper Loop, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E, Loop Upper Loop, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
