San Miguel Island Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

San Miguel Island Campground is part of Channel Islands National Park in California (about 43 miles from Lompoc, CA) with an elevation of 494 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. There is a fee of $15.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.

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Campsite Reviews (29)

4.9 out of 5

5 star		83%
4 star		7%
3 star		3%
2 star		0%
1 star		0%

@RebeccaC264620 · Camped on Sep 10, 2022 at Campsite #3

We had campsite 3 and while the metal fox box didn't latch perfectly, it was latched enough that it didn't come off except when humans pulled it. We were pretty worried about it since it closed loosely and wouldn't recommend this particular campsite because of it (though the ranger mentioned some of the other campsites had problem too), but if you do end up getting this campsite it was fine. We did get a lot of ants in the wooden fox box, so would recommend putting items in plastic/some sort of second covering.

@JoshuaC4915082 · Camped on Aug 31, 2022 at Campsite #4

One of the best experiences I have been fortunate enough to have! This is the perfect place for a camping trip to get away from it all and take in some beautiful nature. When we went, there were 5 people in total on the island. For the longer hikes you do have to go with the ranger, but instead of this being limiting, it makes it so you have someone with great knowledge with you as you explore the island! Make sure you pack lightly to carry your stuff to camp and I recommend sunglasses because the wind can get pretty intense. We were lucky enough to have Kate as our ranger and seeing point Bennet was a once in a lifetime experience!

@HoytT4730198 · Camped on Aug 19, 2022 at Campsite #9

I very positively recommend a trip to San Miguel Island, and it is surprisingly different from Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. However, it is very difficult to get a campground reservation there (particularly on the weekend), because people book all the camp sites and then do not cancel them when they decide that they will not go. So even though the campground was sold out, there were half the camp sites vacant. This really doesn't make any sense to me, since the only way you can get to the campground is on Island Packers, the concessionaire, and Island Packers knows exactly how many people have booked the boat trip out to the island-simple math, right? It seems that Recreation.gov, the NPS, and Island Packers could figure out a way to solve this problem.

@ErikJ9918472 · Camped on Jul 1, 2022 at Campsite #8

GReat trip but be ready for some walking to all the sights. The hike at the start to camp all up hill. Then you get to do it atleast 1 more time to get some your water. Worth the trouble.

@simonr2645994 · Camped on Nov 11, 2021 at Campsite #8

Superb place to spend a few days. Don’t forget to bring enough water, and be aware that the climb from the beach to the campsite is strenuous!

@SusanF5244064 · Camped on Nov 11, 2021 at Campsite #4

We were so lucky to have the perfect weather for our visit, warm and no winds. Sabina was an excellent guide to the island. She was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna as well as the island history and the animals that live there. While it wasn't the "season" for the pinnipeds, we did see quite a few of them, even right on the beach were where loaded onto the skiffs. Since there are only 9 campsites we were able to get to know our fellow campers and had a wonderful time with them. Don't miss the beautiful sunrises and sunsets!

@SusanF980 · Camped on Nov 11, 2021 at Campsite #4

@simonr466 · Camped on Nov 11, 2021 at Campsite #8

Superb place to spend a few days. Don’t forget to bring enough water, and be aware that the climb from the beach to the campsite is strenuous!

@ChaseO134 · Camped on Oct 7, 2021 at Campsite #3

This island is difficult to get to (and shouldn't be anyone's first Channel Island), but it is absolutely worth the trouble. The island is beautiful and remote. Be sure to camp extra food and water since the probability of high swells delaying the boat is higher out on the Outer Channel (this happened to us for a day). The Cuyler's Bay, Point Bennett, and Harris Point are the highlights. Expect high winds during most of the stay. We had a great Park Ranger but since they need to accompany you on all trails, that is pretty crucial.

@ChaseO5213169 · Camped on Oct 7, 2021 at Campsite #3

@Stacyk6593205 · Camped on Oct 5, 2021 at Campsite #7

We absolutely LOVED San Miguel. We went during the week in early Oct and ended up being the only campers and the solitude was fantastic. We had rare nice weather with only a calm breeze. Ranger Sean Pickton was amazing and took us to Point Bennett to see all the pinnipeds (AMAZING! Must do if good weather + you can hike 15 mi on easy terrain) as well as Point Harris (BEAUTIFUL! Don't miss). The flattest sites are 7 and 8 and all have a fox box for your food. You have an incredibly steep 6/10 of a mile hike to the campsite from the beach and since you have to bring all your water I suggest taking your pack with everything except water to camp when you arrive (your water and fuel have to be separated for the boat anyway) - leaving your water at the top of the beach (this is okay - you just shouldn't leave food). Come back down later to enjoy the stunning beach (check out the sea caves on the east side) and bring your empty backpack to put water in for the tough trek up. 4 gallons was perfect for 2 ppl/2 nights. For the skiff boat ride to shore just take off your boots and hold onto them and roll your pants up. You can bring a small towel to dry your feet since you'll want your shoes back on to hike to camp. I suggest lining the inside of your main pack with a trash compactor bag to keep your gear dry. You will not be able to access your "checked" bag after dropping it off until you're on the island so bring a small day pack for the long boat ride. This you can take with you on the skiff so you could bring a garbage bag to put around it if the seas are rough. Don't forget to bring binoculars to see all the sea mammals. On the boat home we also saw thousands of dolphins, a humpback whale, 2 minke whales, and our boat literally went INTO the 2nd largest sea cave in the world - the painted cave). Simply INCREDIBLE.

@StacyK615 · Camped on Oct 5, 2021 at Campsite #7

@KateB274 · Camped on Aug 11, 2021 at Campsite #2

Is it so amazing to be surrounded in wilderness and hearing the sea lions chatting as I fell to sleep. San Miguel is a national treasure.

@DouglasW210 · Camped on Aug 11, 2021 at Campsite #1

Plan well.

@KateB7910079 · Camped on Aug 11, 2021 at Campsite #2

Is it so amazing to be surrounded in wilderness and hearing the sea lions chatting as I fell to sleep. San Miguel is a national treasure.

@AaronZ851 · Camped on Aug 9, 2021 at Campsite #6

Incredible remote little island with a great look into the conservation/restoration efforts put forth by the NPS and other organizations in the region. Despite being ravaged by agriculture and military exercises for over 100 years, the wildlife is growing back beautifully and, since it’s such a trek to get there (5h ferry and steep hike to the campground where you bring all your own water), it makes you feel like it’s just you and the animals walking around the island. Tons of sea lions, seals, birds, and foxes (who are not as used to humans as on the other islands, so they’re a bit harder to come across). Our ranger (Will) was such a great presence and took us on hikes every day with seemingly unending energy. No cell reception on the island, but pretty reliable wifi available at the ranger station, in case you need to connect here and there. If you’re looking for a nature escape that’s totally different from the rest of SoCal - this is a great spot to consider.

@SaurabhS492 · Camped on Jul 21, 2021 at Campsite #6

Beautiful and picturesque views all around. Very remote and rugged. Amazing wildlife watching. The volunteer from the NPS was very kind and took us on guided hikes every day.

@traceyw463 · Camped on Oct 25, 2020 at Campsite #9

My favorite vacation spot. XOXO

@KanF509 · Camped on Oct 11, 2020 at Campsite #7

Good camping experience away from the shore. It's a special experience not easily gained on the mainland.

@MichaelK587 · Camped on Sep 13, 2020 at Campsite #2

Reluctant to discuss this as its still a far away, uncrowded, beautiful destination. There is some hardship required to get to camp, overcoming the wind, fog, wet mornings and hiking long distances.... On second thought ya'll better avoid this spot. Thanks. Cardwell point- sunny September Weekday AM. A few very very large Bull Elephant Seals, several adult female mom sea lions, and a multitude of sea lion pups playing tag, king of the mountain and other shenanigans atop all these large lounging pinnipeds. About the cutest thing I have witnessed, ever. If your a water person- wetsuit, fins, face mask... there is as much or more to explore below the surface. (enter far west end of the beach past the palm trees and swim thru the kelp beds towards the point). It's a nearly 2 mile long beach to share with whomever else is out there, (not many).

@KimmB293 · Camped on Aug 10, 2020 at Campsite #3

Excellent adventure. Island Packers & the Park Naturalists/volunteers were knowledgeable , encouraging and fun.

@PeiliC727 · Camped on Jul 24, 2020 at Campsite #7

This was my second time staying on the island (the last time was 14 years ago). Island Packers are always so great, even with the Covid safety requirements. Once on the island, it was heaven! The hike out to Point Bennett this time was long, hot and exposed (last time I went, the weather was much cooler, so it didn’t seem like such a drag). I would’ve rather stayed and enjoyed the beach, with crystal clear waters soft, fine sand, and plenty of wildlife to see and enjoy.

@BEVERLYB674 · Camped on Jul 3, 2020 at Campsite #5

We had a fabulous time on San Miguel island. The wildlife viewing was extraordinary. We saw fox pups with the most adorable faces peering up at us from the periphery of our campsite. At Cuyler Harbor, some juvenile elephant seals put on a show for us, mock-fighting with each other. The park naturalist, Joel, and his wife were incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable. They led us on four hikes. At Pt. Bennett, we watched newborn Northern fur seals and sea lions doing what comes naturally in the surf. (Bring binoculars to see more). At Cardwell Pt., sea lion pups were learning to body-surf.

@RandyB200 · Camped on Oct 11, 2019 at Campsite #7

The set up of sites is cozy, the few sites are not too far apart. The fathest south sites have the best view. The logistics getting your stuff, especially water, takes a little planning but it was worth it. The web site to reserv the site was easy and efficient.

@ToddL963 · Camped on Aug 9, 2019 at Campsite #5

Inge was an exceptional volunteer ranger, who made sure that we saw as much of the island as possible. The NOAA researchers were also very generous with their time.

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