Anacapa Island

4.25

44 reviews

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Camping Near Channel Islands National Park

Quick Facts

250 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

250 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Anacapa Island

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fee for camping is $15 per night per site. Additional reservation fees are $8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in person.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-658-5730

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 44 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewswell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the island's natural beauty, unique birdlife, and stunning ocean views. However, excessive bird noise, strong odors, and lack of shade are common complaints. The campground is best suited for short stays."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Anacapa Island

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Driving directionsBoat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura or Channel Islands (Oxnard) Harbors. To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.

Anacapa Island may only be reached by boat. Visitors are required to arrange boat transportation before reserving a campsite.

Nearby places

Ventura (approx. 12 miles, about 45-minute boat ride)

Nearby supplies

No stores or services are available on the island. Supplies must be brought to the island from the mainland.

Best Time to Camp at Anacapa Island

Anacapa's maritime climate wraps the island in an ever-changing tapestry of weather moods. Mystical fog often rolls across the bluffs at dawn, while afternoon winds carry the salt-sweet scent of the Pacific. The sun can be surprisingly intense on this exposed outpost, demanding respect and preparation. Summer transforms the island into nature's amphitheater as thousands of nesting seabirds create a symphony of calls that echo day and night—a wild soundtrack that either enchants or challenges visitors. When winter rains arrive, they work magic on the landscape, awakening dormant wildflowers and painting the usually golden-brown hills in vibrant splashes of green, purple, and gold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers good weather and ranger programs but seabird nesting (Apr–Aug) brings noise/odors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Off-season visits in fall are quieter and more pleasant per reviews; fewer nesting impacts.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring blooms and arriving seabirds noted positively, though nesting season can begin.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winter is quieter but maritime fog, wind and cool temps remain factors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations are available on a 6-month rolling basis.
Current Alerts: Seasonal trail closures during seabird nesting (April-August). No off-trail hiking allowed. Temporary closure alerts for nearby Santa Rosa Island.

About Anacapa Island

Perched on dramatic coastal bluffs, Anacapa Island Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic island escape. This intimate primitive campground features seven exclusive tent sites, each welcoming 4-6 guests into a world where ocean horizons stretch endlessly. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride, followed by an invigorating half-mile trek from Landing Cove—including a memorable ascent up 154 weathered stairs carved into the cliffsides. Once settled, you'll find yourself immersed in raw natural beauty, with only essential amenities: sturdy picnic tables for sunset dinners, secure food storage boxes to protect your provisions, and basic pit toilets. This is true off-grid camping where self-sufficiency reigns—remember to pack every drop of water and all supplies for your island adventure.

Anacapa Island Campground features primitive, tent-only camping. It is accessible via boat and requires a hike to reach. No RVs or glamping options are available.

Historical SignificanceAnacapa Island whispers stories of ancient peoples and maritime heritage at every turn. Sacred Chumash shell middens dot the landscape, silent testimonies to thousands of years of indigenous life on these windswept shores. Standing sentinel since 1932, the island's historic lighthouse has guided countless vessels through treacherous waters, its original Fresnel lens now treasured and displayed at the visitor center—a crystalline marvel of engineering that once cast its protective beam across dark Pacific nights.

Weather and SeasonsAnacapa's maritime climate wraps the island in an ever-changing tapestry of weather moods. Mystical fog often rolls across the bluffs at dawn, while afternoon winds carry the salt-sweet scent of the Pacific. The sun can be surprisingly intense on this exposed outpost, demanding respect and preparation. Summer transforms the island into nature's amphitheater as thousands of nesting seabirds create a symphony of calls that echo day and night—a wild soundtrack that either enchants or challenges visitors. When winter rains arrive, they work magic on the landscape, awakening dormant wildflowers and painting the usually golden-brown hills in vibrant splashes of green, purple, and gold.

ElevationRising majestically from the Pacific, Anacapa's dramatic bluffs soar to heights of 250 feet, creating a natural viewing platform that rivals any human-made observation deck. From these lofty perches, campers are treated to panoramic vistas that stretch from the California coastline to the distant Channel Islands, with the endless Pacific filling the spaces between. Each viewpoint offers a different perspective of this vertical world where land meets sea in spectacular fashion.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has sculpted Anacapa into a masterpiece of contrasts and drama. Sheer cliffs plunge into churning waters where hidden sea caves echo with the rhythmic pulse of waves. The island's volcanic origins reveal themselves in every weathered outcrop and natural bridge spanning ancient chasms. Throughout most of the year, the landscape wears a coat of sun-bleached browns and golds, but winter rains perform an annual miracle, transforming the terrain into a riotous wildflower display. Wildlife thrives in this protected sanctuary—colonies of western gulls nest along the clifftops while California sea lions bask on rocky ledges below, their barks carrying on ocean breezes.

Geological RegionBorn from ancient volcanic forces, Anacapa Island stands as a testament to the raw power of geological creation. This rugged outpost rises from sea level to 250-foot summits, its terrain carved by millennia of wind, waves, and weather into a landscape of breathtaking drama. Spectacular sea caves tunnel through the island's foundations, while natural bridges span dramatic gaps—frozen moments in stone telling the story of erosion's patient artistry. The vegetation adapts to this harsh beauty, wearing subtle browns through dry months before exploding into color when winter rains awaken the dormant seedbank hidden in volcanic soils.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity per site is 4-6 persons.

Groups

Group site option available for 4-6 people per site, but not a dedicated larger group site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSeven tent-only sites spread along bluffs with nearby restrooms and food lockers.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the park service.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-ups are allowed; reservations are mandatory.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight one day before check-in) also forfeit the first night's camping fee.

AccessibilityAccess to the campground requires a half-mile hike and climbing 154 steps from the Landing Cove. This may not be accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeEach site accommodates 4-6 people. There are seven tent-only sites.

PrivacyCampsites are exposed with no privacy features such as vegetation barriers. Limited shade is available, as noted in user reviews.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesBring earplugs for bird noise. Solid tents are better suited to prevent dust and debris. Sites closer to the restroom are convenient but may lack privacy.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Anacapa Island is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking on the two-mile trail system, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, swimming, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Ranger-led underwater video programs are available during the summer.

HikingThe island has a two-mile trail system leading to dramatic coastal overlooks, including Inspiration Point. Trails are short but offer spectacular views. Off-trail hiking is prohibited to protect nesting seabirds and fragile vegetation.

FishingFishing is allowed outside marine reserves with a California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker. Fishing is subject to strict regulations and is prohibited within marine reserves.

SwimmingSwimming is possible at the Landing Cove, but there are no lifeguards. Access to water beyond the Landing Cove is limited due to steep cliffs.

BoatingBoating activities, such as kayaking, are popular. However, ocean conditions can change rapidly, requiring expertise. Kayakers must take precautions due to cliffs and docking challenges.

Wildlife viewingBirdwatching is a highlight, with large colonies of western gulls, California brown pelicans, and other seabirds. Marine life such as sea lions, harbor seals, and dolphins can also be seen.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsSummer ranger-led underwater video programs showcase sea life. The island also features historical landmarks like the 1932 lighthouse and Chumash shell middens.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBird nesting season (April-August) involves constant noise, strong odors, and potential health risks from deer mice carrying hantavirus. The steep cliffs and ocean conditions also pose risks.

Active AlertsSeasonal trail closures during seabird nesting (April-August). No off-trail hiking allowed. Temporary closure alerts for nearby Santa Rosa Island.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredProvided at each site to protect food from animals like deer mice. Hard-sided containers are recommended for additional security.

Fire PolicyNo campfires or charcoal allowed. Only enclosed gas stoves are permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Ventura, approximately 12 miles away via boat.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities. Visitors must pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesAccess to water is limited to the Landing Cove dock; no beaches are accessible without watercraft.

Camp HostRangers may not always be available. Visitors are advised to bring confirmation documents.

Weather at Anacapa Island

Reviews

4.3

44 reviews

Satisfactory

Anacapa Island is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the island's natural beauty, unique birdlife, and stunning ocean views. However, excessive bird noise, strong odors, and lack of shade are common complaints. The campground is best suited for short stays.

Review Summaries

Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the breathtaking views, the unique opportunity to observe seabirds and marine life, and the well-maintained facilities like the vault toilets. Many appreciated the solitude...

Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Feedback often mentioned the constant noise from birds, strong bird droppings odors, and harsh environmental conditions such as strong winds and lack of shade. Some users also noted challenges with...

Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing earplugs to block bird noise, solid-walled tents to avoid wind-blown debris, and plenty of water and sunscreen. They also suggest planning trips outside the seabird...

Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews show that the seabird nesting season (April-August) significantly impacts the camping experience, with constant noise and odors. Off-season visits (fall and winter) are quieter and more...

Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The sunset is amazing, but ask yourself whether it’s worth the noise and smell." - Helio F. "Be prepared for loud birds, the lighthouse, and a fog horn that goes off about every 10 seconds." -...

Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is noted for its excellent ocean views and distance from the restroom, making it a preferred choice. Site #6 also received positive mentions for its scenic location.

Based on 44 reviews