Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground is part of Channel Islands National Park in California (about 23 miles from Oxnard, CA) with an elevation of 20 feet. There are a total of 31 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. Fees range from $15.00 to $40.00. Some amenities include drinking water, swimming, restroom, water sports rental. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.

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Campsite Reviews (349)

4.8 out of 5

5 star		83%
4 star		9%
3 star		4%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

@DarrenTD56B8BB · Camped on Apr 1, 2025 at Campsite #19

Bad weather canceled the boat ferry out to the island on short notice so we were unable to cancel the campsite. The system would not let us get a refund due to short time interval. There needs to be exceptions for that type of event.

@AmyP7922549 · Camped on Mar 31, 2025 at Campsite #15

Beautiful place. Great staff and communication. We loved the junior ranger book and activities. The park ranger was very informative. Thank you!

@EvaRogerF7C27E · Camped on Mar 27, 2025 at Campsite #18

Campsite (18) was clean and located close to water and toilets. Ground was flat and firm, but not overly hard providing an excellent surface for setting up and staking tents.

@SusannahBA9B2D · Camped on Mar 21, 2025 at Campsite #8

Awesome island, awesome campsite.

@Elizabeth36747 · Camped on Mar 13, 2025 at Campsite #13

Absolutely breathtaking! Wonderful campsites and rangers

@RebeccaK768006 · Camped on Feb 25, 2025 at Campsite #24

Scorpion Upper Campground on Santa Cruz Island is a great choice for campers looking for a more secluded experience. Unlike the lower campground, where sites are packed closely together, the upper sites offer more space and privacy, making for a quieter stay. There are a few non-group sites, along with some larger group sites, so its a good mix depending on what kind of camping experience you're looking for.One big plus is that there is potable water available, which makes planning a lot easier compared to backcountry sites like Del Norte. The campground also has picnic tables, food storage boxes, and nearby restrooms, making for a more comfortable experience.However, the tradeoff for more seclusion is that the upper sites are more exposed to wind and the elements. Its something to be aware of when setting up camp, as conditions can change quickly. In contrast, the lower campground is much less exposed, but the sites are closer together and nearer to the pier.One of the best parts of staying here is the easy access to great hiking trails, including the hikes to Smugglers Cove and Cavern Point. Watching the sunset from Cavern Point is a must! The wildlife is also a highlightfoxes are everywhere, so securing your food and gear is crucial.Cell service: I had no cell coverage at this campsite (T-Mobile), whereas I did have service at Del Norte.Overall, Scorpion Upper is a fantastic spot if you want more privacy and dont mind a little extra exposure to the elements. Its a great option for those who want a structured camping experience on Santa Cruz Island while still feeling immersed in nature.

@ToddM7765289 · Camped on Feb 25, 2025 at Campsite #10

Campground excellent at Scorpion and Del Norte (#4 site sits under a majestic oak). The hike was difficult due to carrying extra load of water. I dont recommend attempting to fish. Access to water is very difficult or impossible except where it is illegal due to sanctuary status. Island Scrub-Jay is everywhere. Northern Saw-whet Owl calls all night long in Eucalyptus grove covering lower Scorpion campground. Smugglers Bay is splendid.

@LucasC1B71A724 · Camped on Feb 21, 2025 at Campsite #B

Such a beautiful place to visit!! Everyone saying to visit during winter time is correct, coming here in February was already good weather/ kinda hot so I can't even imagine summer. Be ready for lots of hills, make sure to see potato harbor @ sunset and either Scorpion Cove dock or I'd imagine cavern loop outlook would be beautiful for sunrise. So amazing!

@KatherineBC279 · Camped on Feb 20, 2025 at Campsite #8

I liked this spot! The campground is a 5min walk from the harbor. It backs up to a big hill and is not on the main trail path. It's convenient to the water spigot and around the corner from the bathrooms, and you can't smell them. The sites are pretty close together though. The trees made the campground smell SO GOOD! There are a couple foxes that live behind the campsite so you will likely see them! Please be kind to the ranger(s), when I was there, there was only 1 ranger for the whole island. He was also responsible for cleaning the bathrooms, checking on campers, and checking the trails.

@StephenC406899 · Camped on Feb 17, 2025 at Campsite #13

We had a wonderful trip. Winter can be a little tricky due to wind and swell. We had a bit of a bumpy ride over and the first and second day the swell was a bit tough for kayaking. The caves were definitely tricky on the first two days but the third day was glassy and kayaking was amazing. The first and second days were perfect for hiking up Scorpion Canyon to beautiful vistas.We camped for two nights in Scorpion Lower Loop Site 13. It was a great site except that we had a very strong smell from the toilets near the end of the campground when the afternoon winds picked up. I know this was due to the reduced park staff due to DOGE cuts which infuriates me. There was only one ranger on site and there was just too much maintenance for one staff member.

@AndyD3751630 · Camped on Feb 17, 2025 at Campsite #8

Awesome experience staying at this campsite, easy access from the boat dock, all the trails are nearby, the sites are good size and are equipped with fox boxes and tables.

@DavidC2858387 · Camped on Feb 10, 2025 at Campsite #23

All time gorgeous campground. Ranger Alex was friendly and very helpful with weather/boat logistics. A+ experience.

@ZivB23F014EDCC · Camped on Feb 7, 2025 at Campsite #11

Very special location. Campsite was well maintained and very convenient with picnic tables and large lockers that fit several backpacks. Rangers were friendly and helpful.

@AngelaB3904301 · Camped on Feb 7, 2025 at Campsite #4

Having bear lockers at the dock was very helpful. The camp sites are clean and the smell of the eucalyptus trees is refreshing. The foxes are cute but sneaky! Keep all your stuff close or in the bear lockers! The rangers were nice and helpful. Know that, even with the earliest ferry, you will not be ready to explore the island until around 11.

@BobE4E783C0486 · Camped on Feb 3, 2025 at Campsite #7

Lower Scorpion was definitely the better of the two campgrounds. The foxes are fun to watch but just know that they sometimes will very loudly fight in the night.

@RachelR8534803 · Camped on Jan 27, 2025 at Campsite #23

Upper 023 was lovely! Separated from most of the busy dayhike trails, but will note that it is right where one trail enters the campground so there's still a small amount of foot traffic.The massive trees are beautiful and provide shade when you need it. Potable water and pit toilets are within reasonable distance. Bear proof food lockers are great for storing both food and other belongings.There are camper lockers by the pier to store things after check-out while waiting for the ferry.

@HarrisonLAC648 · Camped on Jan 25, 2025 at Campsite #22

Really awesome campsites just a short walk away from the dock.

@DavidK6336379 · Camped on Jan 20, 2025 at Campsite #10

Fantastic national park, super unique. If a santa-ana event is in the forecast, the lower campground is in a valley well protected from high winds (upper is a little more open and exposed). Camp sites don't have too much privacy from each other, but in 3 nights in January, there were only 1-3 other campsites in use on a given night and we were all spread out. The campground is in a eucalyptus grove which smells nice. Though the bathrooms are pit toilets, the staff keeps them clean. The only fresh water is from spigots (for drinking/cooking, and it was good tasting water), there are no bathroom sinks. So as long as you understand what to expect and plan accordingly, this was a top notch camping experience in a really cool national park. Also pro-tip, there is a permanent ban on open fires, but stove cooking is normally allowed. But if there is also a temporary ban on stove cooking due to high winds, freeze-dried meals (such as Mountain House or Peak Refuel) can be rehydrated and eaten cold. For dinner, add cold water in the morning and store it in the fox box all day. It doesn't taste as good cold, but it is plenty safe to eat as all ingredients are pre-cooked.

@BarryA3600B238 · Camped on Jan 20, 2025 at Campsite #4

Although we did not get to stay there because of the high wind warnings, the camp site is beautiful.

@KeniaT3A810F20 · Camped on Jan 18, 2025 at Campsite #25

It is a beautiful campsite and a perfect spot with canyon views. It is the furthest spot in the campground so pack lightly.

@LisaR8773346 · Camped on Jan 18, 2025 at Campsite #23

Stayed in the upper campground for one night after backpacking from Del Norte Camp. The upper campground is mostly for groups but there are a few singles. Loved staying there. The groups around us were a little gregarious as you might expect but the campground got quiet early and we loved being at the edge of un-spoiled nature. Keep your stuff in the provided lockers as the Island Foxes and Scrub Jays were diligent about looking for "goodies".

@KelleyW883B489 · Camped on Jan 11, 2025 at Campsite #22

Fantastic Campground on a remote island. Hooray.

@DarrenH8F8937F · Camped on Jan 10, 2025 at Campsite #13

Short hike to the campsite. Water tasted good. Boat ride to the island was pleasant. Great outing

@DarrenH8F8937F · Camped on Jan 9, 2025 at Campsite #21

Campsite was close to the dock. The water was available and tasted okay. The pit toilet was clean but other campers left the lid up so the smell wasnt great (seriously people, close the lid to contain smell). It was a great campsite and the weather was great.

@AshisSA66B44F8 · Camped on Jan 3, 2025 at Campsite #24

Excellent experience at the campsite. Especially the restrooms were probably the best pit toilets I have ever seen.

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Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA