Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground is part of Channel Islands National Park in California (about 28 miles from Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 700 feet. There are a total of 4 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. Activities include hiking trails.

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Campsite Reviews (76)

4.8 out of 5

5 star		82%
4 star		12%
3 star		5%
2 star		0%
1 star		0%

@BradS9486590 · Camped on Nov 11, 2024 at Campsite #1

With excellent views and being roughly 5 miles from Prisoners Harbor, this site is a perfect spot for a quiet scenic night of camping. The trails were well marked and maintained and sites were clean and relatively private. There is a pit toilet at the top of the hill as well. There is no water supply at Del Norte and I did not see any water sources on the hike from Prisoners Harbor or from Del Norte to Scorpion Canyon. There are water spigots at the Scorpion Campground but that's a 10 mile hike from Del Norte. Bring lots of water and be prepared for some hills and lots of amazing views. Also, plan for camping with critters, there are foxes and ravens that like to steal food if they can; use the provided fox boxes and consider sealing food and trash in ziploc bags. I'd highly recommend hiking across from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Canyon and stopping here. What a great trip!

@ClaireA2347578 · Camped on Oct 31, 2024 at Campsite #4

Gorgeous view from the campsite! Only 4 spots. Sites 3 and 4 have shade. Sites 1 and 2 are in direct sunlight. The drop toilet has toilet paper. Make sure you pack enough water - there is no water here. It's a steep climb to get here, and you'll not only need water for this night and breakfast, but for the long hike to Scorpion the following day (if you plan on backpacking there). We enjoyed our overnight here!

@MarklynR0C4AE6 · Camped on Oct 25, 2024 at Campsite #3

Great view and good vibes! We loved hiking across the island from Prisioners to Scorpion. Del Norte backcountry campground was awesome!

@KathleenL99212 · Camped on Oct 21, 2024 at Campsite #3

Gorgeous campground but dont underestimate the climb, especially carrying the water required. For Pelican Bay & Del Norte the first day, then the trek to Scorpion the next, I took 8L of water total and it was just barely enough for one person. Pit bathrooms were well cared for with TP and privacy. Little wind mid-October. Trek to Scorpion started easy but once the inclines start it becomes a long, challenging day in mid-sun. Very rewarding overall.

@AlisonL8037F1A · Camped on Sep 3, 2024 at Campsite #1

My entire experience on Santa Cruz felt magical. I was in heaven there, especially having my paddleboard with me. It was a tough climb to Del Norte after hiking to Pelican Bay. I recommend having a campground closer to the beach at Prisoners. And perhaps another backcountry camp mid island.

@HelgeTF013F977 · Camped on Aug 27, 2024 at Campsite #2

Wonderful place away from it all. Pleasent hike from prisoners harbour.

@simonek39A6B3D · Camped on Aug 17, 2024 at Campsite #1

Absolutely spectacular and worth the extra burden of carrying days worth of water and food if you are able. Overall/Recommendations: This side of the island was absolutely awe-inspiring and, in my opinion, more beautiful/interesting than Scorpion's Bay (aside from the kelp forests). Would recommend spending at least two-nights out here since it takes time to get around to each of the points of interest (especially with tight time constraints due to limiting ferry schedule). To lighten the load you can leave some food/water/extras near Prisoners Harbor in the provided bear boxes for night 1 then grab it on the way back up from a day trip to Pelican Bay or Prisonors Harbor (however, be sure to keep all your belongings clearly together, we did have one of 1L water bottles taken by a day-tripper--which could have been disasterous had we not overpacked water and were traveling to Scorpions Bay, where the sole water source is available). The hike to Pelican Bay was the most beautiful hike and we missed the diversity of plant species and landscapes as we traveled East to Scorpions Bay. This was a very tough hike with the heavy burden of about a 1.5gal of water under the hot sun with very sparse shade. Camp site: 01 had incredible impeccable views of the islands northern coastline especially at sunset. You are a little more secluded from the other sites so it really feels like you have it all to yourself. Picnic table and bear boxes are very handy. Didnt have any trouble with animals/rodents/insects. Only issue is there is no shade... better to avoid hanging around during the hottest part of the day and retreat to the water. Also the vault toilet/outhouse was.... honestly noxious. I couldnt even step foot in there, despite it being quite spacious and relatively clean.

@ShannonM451773 · Camped on Aug 1, 2024 at Campsite #3

We had the whole campground to ourselves, it was peaceful and the views were unbeatable.

@GillianVD3991E · Camped on Jul 15, 2024 at Campsite #2

We had sites 2 and 3. 2 is very exposed with great ocean views. 3 is shady and protected. Im not sure how often the bathroom is serviced, it was pretty gross.

@BrettS5682972 · Camped on Jul 8, 2024 at Campsite #3

Beautiful views, nice campground. Awesome location for day hikes.

@YeongTayD707AA · Camped on Jun 11, 2024 at Campsite #1

Nice, functional campsite - can't say much for the views as it was fogged in the entire time we were there. The leveled pads at each site are nice but a bit small for multiple tents, especially if your tent isn't freestanding and needs to be staked out. Some of the dirt is heavily compacted and it's difficult to drive stakes in - there are NO rocks around this area to use as improvised stake hammers. The picnic tables were nice to have. Watch out for mosquitos at dawn and dusk! The fox boxes are large and if empty you can probably squeeze most of two people's gear in there.Did the ~13 mile through hike from Scorpion Harbor. Warning to those doing the same, your pacing will be much slower than you think due to the unmaintaned / overgrown state of the trail. The Island Packer boats all arrive at Scorpion by around 11a/12p but that's on the late side to be starting this hike - including breaks we barely made it to the campground before nightfall at around 8pm (and you really don't want to be hiking this trail in the dark). Fortunately most of the stream crossings were dried up at this time of year or else the going would be even more difficult. Wear long pants, long sleeves and long socks: you'll be shoving your way through brush for a good part of the hike. Bring extra socks to change out if the ones you're wearing get tangled up with organic debris! Trekking poles are near impossibile to use effectively for parts of it. Bring more water than you think you'll need and don't forget to reapply sunscreen!

@DavidA3218244 · Camped on May 3, 2024 at Campsite #4

Second time camping hereone of the most special and singular spots in SoCal. Love the hike inbeautiful, invigorating, but not back-breaking. The solitude of only 4 campsites, all well cared for, offers an unparalleled escape. Can't wait to return.

@CarolB2589812 · Camped on Apr 28, 2024 at Campsite #1

Gorgeous campsite, no water so bring your own.

@RicardoV563F5A · Camped on Apr 22, 2024 at Campsite #2

I wish this website had more info about the rules/expectations for the site and of the island itself.Website omits info about water and "backcountry" camping. Its not true backcountry camping, you can only post at campsites. There is no potable water at Del Norte. There is also nowhere to filter water. Pack all your own water. Bear boxes provided at site.Beautiful location otherwise, Rangers brief you upon arrival. Have fun

@AnthonyM286222 · Camped on Mar 27, 2024 at Campsite #2

Scenic ocean views!Lots ticks in the high grass.Totally worth it

@tylerC5881408 · Camped on Mar 1, 2024 at Campsite #1

What a beautiful island. We had unexpected heavy rain, which prevented us from staying the night. Island Packers suggested that we leave the island as a storm was coming in. The campsite is nice though, but with few amenities. Highly recommend. Make sure to book your ferry when you book the campsite.

@JonathanS47608 · Camped on Dec 14, 2023 at Campsite #1

Reserved site 1 but we ended up staying in site 3. It was so windy that we were too cold in #1. Also our picnic table was SHATTERED. Like a movie monster had gotten to it. It would have been the perfect site after a long summer hike with a warm night, as there was nothing but perfect stars to see.

@JackPD02FFF574 · Camped on Dec 12, 2023 at Campsite #4

Spent 3 nights at Del Notre Campground and had a great time. We were in camp site #4 and it has the most shade. The campground is on a hilltop and has a great view of the ocean. Carrying all our water was tough but worth it.

@PeterS7845234 · Camped on Dec 6, 2023 at Campsite #4

Excellent.

@ChantonP5E9269 · Camped on Dec 5, 2023 at Campsite #1

One of my favorite campsites in the NPS! We had the first site and it overlooked Prisoner's Bay and had a beautiful sunset. Very peaceful and isolated during our stay. The surrounding scene is also very lush on this side of the island. Ranger was thoughtful and made sure to check if we were good for our cross-island hike.

@Elizabeth29438 · Camped on Nov 24, 2023 at Campsite #4

This was a lovely, quiet site. Our views of sunset and sunrise were unreal. Highly recommend Site 1 if you want ocean views, or Site 4 if you want a shady tree with a little more privacy. We hope to be back one day!

@DarrenC6339401 · Camped on Nov 20, 2023 at Campsite #2

Spectacular views of the California mainland as well as Anacapa and other islands throughout our hike from the Del Norte campground to Scorpion Beach.

@DannyW5038345 · Camped on Nov 16, 2023 at Campsite #1

Would recommend starting at Prisoner's Harbor and hiking up to the Del Norte campsite for the sunsets and sunrises. The hike from the campsite to Scorpion Anchorage for pickup the next day is well worth the 12 miles for an adventurous backpacking experience.

@KeenanL43D8F1A · Camped on Nov 7, 2023 at Campsite #3

Good small campground. Site 1 has big stateside vistas but is fully exposed to wind. Site 2 is exposed with lesser views. Site 3 has an Oak tree to break up wind over the table but not the tent. Site 4 is fully protected by a large Oak. California Coastal Sage is all around the periphery which makes for a wonderful smell. Island Jays can be seen in the morning checking out your campsite. Other birds were hard to spot.

@ShanonS21C9240 · Camped on Oct 30, 2023 at Campsite #1

The campground was easy to find and beautiful to camp at. There is a little maintenance that needs to happen in campground one with the picnic table.

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