How much does camping cost at San Miguel Island?

Camping fees at San Miguel Island range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is San Miguel Island first-come first-served or reservation?

San Miguel Island accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at San Miguel Island before I book?

Yes! San Miguel Island has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit San Miguel Island?

San Miguel Island is open July 01 to November 17. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at San Miguel Island?

San Miguel Island does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at San Miguel Island?

Fire policies at San Miguel Island: No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does San Miguel Island have?

San Miguel Island has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at San Miguel Island?

Pets are not allowed at San Miguel Island. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at San Miguel Island?

San Miguel Island offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at San Miguel Island?

Popular activities at San Miguel Island include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

San Miguel Island

4.64

42 reviews

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Top 2% in CASpring

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds California#3 Primitive Camping California Camping Near Channel Islands National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

500 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

500 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

San Miguel Island

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-658-5730

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to San Miguel Island

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

San Miguel Island

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Nearby places

Ventura: less than 5 miles from the park headquarters.

Weather at San Miguel Island

Current alerts(15)

1 mile steep, uphill hike to the campground if arriving by boat. Hike In Distance to Site: 1/4 mile to 1 mile. Visitors must carry all their own gear.
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 .
Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility
Landing and beach access is only allowed at Cuyler Harbor.

Best Time to Camp at San Miguel Island

Best season: spring. Spring brings the island’s wildflower bloom and the most comfortable maritime temperatures—expect daytime highs around 55–65°F and nights in the mid-40s—making hikes across the plateau both scenic and pleasant. Giant coreopsis, locoweed and other blooms peak from March through May, and wildlife viewing (nesting seabirds, hauled-out seals) is excellent while crowds remain lower than summer. Winds remain a factor, but calmer windows are more common than in winter storms and mid-summer onshore gust Peak months: April, May, June, September

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Spring called best: 55–65°F days, wildflower peak (coreopsis), calmer winds than winter storms.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 01 to November 17. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1 through December 31, 2025.

About San Miguel Island

San Miguel Island sits eight miles off the Ventura coast in Channel Islands National Park, accessible only by boat and managed by the National Park Service. The primitive campground offers fewer than ten walk-in sites on a windswept plateau where island foxes roam and pinnipeds haul out on the beaches below. Visitors hike ranger-led trails through spring wildflower blooms and scan dark skies for the Milky Way after sunset.

The San Miguel Island Campground offers primitive camping for tent campers only, with no RV or glamping options. "Primitive camping. Tent camping only, no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring brings the island’s wildflower bloom and the most comfortable maritime temperatures—expect daytime highs around 55–65°F and nights in the mid-40s—making hikes across the plateau both scenic and pleasant. Giant coreopsis, locoweed and other blooms peak from March through May, and wildlife viewing (nesting seabirds, hauled-out seals) is excellent while crowds remain lower than summer. Winds remain a factor, but calmer windows are more common than in winter storms and mid-summer onshore gust Peak months: April, May, June, September

Elevation500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe island's 9,500-acre plateau rises to two gentle 800-foot hills, its 27 miles of coastline alternating between sandy beaches and sea cliffs. Giant coreopsis blooms turn the landscape gold from March through May, joined by locoweed, dudleya, and coastal sagebrush adapted to constant wind. Endemic island foxes appear frequently around camp. Below the cliffs, elephant seals and sea lions haul out in large numbers. Fog often blankets the island in the morning before clearing to ocean views. The caliche forest preserves calcium carbonate casts of ancient vegetation in ghostly white formations.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations or structured lodging options available. Visitors must camp in tents at designated sites.

Programs & ActivitiesGuided hikes by park rangers or volunteers often include educational elements about the island's history, flora, and fauna. "Rangers are often available to offer guided hikes to areas like Point Bennett or the caliche forest."

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

7nights maximum consecutive stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 4 guests per site.

Groups

Group camping is not available
each site accommodates a maximum of four people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not specified for this campground.

Site SizeCampsites are generally small, designed for tents only. Each site includes a five-foot windbreak, optimized for the windy conditions of the island.

PrivacySites are closely set and offer limited privacy. "The setup of sites is cozy, the few sites are not too far apart.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 7 and 8 for ease of setup. South-facing sites are ideal for views. Carry water separately to minimize strain during the uphill hike.

Best CampsitesSites 7 and 8 offer the flattest terrain and easiest setup. South-facing sites provide better ocean views. One review notes that site 003's fox box has a loose closure requiring extra care to secure food.

Need help booking San Miguel Island?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

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. No shelter or shade. Five-foot windbreak provided along with picnic table, food storage box, and vault toilet. Must bring your own water. No stores or services.

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at San Miguel Island offers a connection to the island's unique natural and cultural history. Activities include hiking on designated trails, wildlife viewing, and exploring the unique geological features of the island. Swimming and other water sports are limited due to strong winds. "Due to the strong, persistent wind, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are limited and recommended for the experienced visitor only."

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault-style toilets are provided on-site.

Food Storage RequiredMetal fox boxes are provided at each campsite for food and trash storage. Some closures may be loose, requiring extra precautions.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate San Miguel Island

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.6

42 reviews

Top-Rated

San Miguel Island is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews express awe at the island's natural beauty, wildlife, and isolation, but emphasize the challenging logistics and strong winds. Visitors frequently praise guided hikes led by knowledgeable rangers.

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include stunning natural scenery, unique wildlife like island foxes and pinnipeds, and educational ranger-led hikes. The night sky visibility is often mentioned, with many noting the...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include the difficulty of the steep hike to the campsite, the strong winds, and the need to carry all supplies, including water. Some reviews noted issues with food storage boxes.

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 3 was noted for having issues with the food storage box, while sites 7 and 8 were mentioned as the flattest. "The farthest south sites have the best view."

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water and food in case of delays. Pack light for the steep hike to the campsite. Use strong wind-resistant equipment and carry binoculars for wildlife viewing. "I suggest lining the...

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the weather can vary dramatically; summer months often bring calmer winds, while the winter is cooler and windier. Visibility of certain wildlife, like pinnipeds, may be seasonal.

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The logistics getting your stuff, especially water, takes a little planning but it was worth it." "An incredible island with amazing NPS tour guides! Bring windbreakers, a rain jacket, and seed-free...

Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues were not extensively discussed by users, but the steep hike to the campsite was mentioned as strenuous.

Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed on the island, and there are no pet-related reviews.

Based on 42 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a true wilderness island experience with seabirds, seals, wildflowers, and some of the darkest skies in Southern California.

Skip if

You need easy access, vehicle camping, or shelter from persistent coastal winds.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

4.3

(58)

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, USA

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping sits on a remote Channel Islands National Park island accessible only by boat or plane from Ventura. The National Park Service operates this primitive beach camping area where visitors hike, fish, swim, and watch island foxes and elephant seals along miles of undeveloped coastline. Fall brings calm seas and stable weather for kayaking and exploring the island's rugged terrain.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Santa Rosa Island sits eight miles off the Ventura coast in Channel Islands National Park, accessible only by boat or plane. This National Park Service campground offers primitive tent sites with flush toilets, potable water, and wind shelters across rolling grasslands and coastal bluffs. Campers hike to white-sand beaches, watch for endemic island foxes, and explore tide pools between spring wildflower blooms.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Santa Barbara Island sits 38 miles off Ventura in Channel Islands National Park, the smallest and most remote of the park's five islands. The National Park Service maintains a handful of primitive campsites on this low-elevation outcrop, where vault toilets and picnic tables are the only infrastructure. Visitors come for wildlife viewing—sea lions, seals, and migrating whales—plus hiking to Signal Peak, fishing, and snorkeling in clear winter waters.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.3

(58)

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, USA

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Santa Cruz Scorpion sits on Channel Islands National Park's largest island, accessible only by boat from Ventura. The National Park Service operates this mid-sized campground in coastal foothills, where campers hike in with gear to reach primitive and group sites. Visitors come for island scrub-jay sightings, shoreline kayaking, and spring wildflower displays, with island foxes often wandering through camp.

$15.00 - $40.00 / night

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Anacapa Island sits 11 miles off the coast of Ventura in Channel Islands National Park, accessible only by boat. The National Park Service operates a handful of primitive campsites on the island's clifftop plateau, where visitors hike, fish, swim, and watch seabirds and marine mammals in one of California's most remote settings. Expect vault toilets, picnic tables, and little else beyond wind, wildlife, and panoramic ocean views.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.7

(29)

Point Mugu-La Jolla Walk-In Campground

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Point Mugu-la Jolla Walk-in Campground sits along the Pacific Coast Highway where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the ocean. Ten walk-in tent sites ($6-$45/night) put you within earshot of waves and a short walk from both beach and hillside trails. Sites are spacious enough for up to four cars, but privacy is limited. You'll hear your neighbors.

$6.00 - $45.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.5

(196)

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry sits on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park, accessible only by boat from Ventura and a strenuous hike inland. This National Park Service primitive campground offers vault toilets and picnic tables amid oak woodlands with ocean views, where island foxes roam and winter brings peak whale migration and seabird activity. Sites are close to the trail with limited privacy, and strong coastal winds are common.

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.4

(117)

Islay Creek Campground

Islay Creek Campground, Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos, CA 93402

Islay Creek Campground sits behind the historic Spooner Ranch House in Montaña de Oro State Park, offering 47 primitive sites for tents and RVs. At $27/night, you get fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and bear lockers. But no showers or hookups. The tradeoff is worth it: you're steps from coastal trails, marine terraces, and Spooner's Cove Beach, with cell service completely absent and quiet abundant.

$27.00 - $27.00 / night

Less Visited

3.9

(66)

Reyes Peak Campground

Los Padres National Forest

Reyes Peak Campground sits at 7,000 feet in Los Padres National Forest, offering panoramic views from the Pacific Ocean to the Cuyama Badlands. This very small, high-elevation site features widely spaced primitive sites among pines and boulders, managed by Parks Management Company. Campers come for the dark skies, remote quiet, and mountain biking access, though the lack of water and seasonal yellow jackets require preparation.

$30.00 - $32.00 / night

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Sycamore Campground sits in a coastal canyon at Point Mugu State Park, where sycamores and oaks fill the valley floor just across Highway 1 from the beach. The 56 sites run $45/night and fill quickly in summer. An underpass connects camp to the ocean, putting surf and sand less than a 10-minute walk from your tent.

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.3

(149)

Refugio State Beach Campground

10 Refugio Beach Road, Goleta, CA 93117

Refugio State Beach Campground sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, about 20 miles west of Santa Barbara. The campground has 66 individual sites and 3 group sites, all within easy walking distance of a crescent-shaped beach. Sites are large and level, with fees ranging from $45 to $350 per night. Reservations fill quickly on summer weekends.

$45.00 - $350.00 / night

Campgrounds

Channel Islands National Park

San Miguel Island

About Channel Islands National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding San Miguel Island, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.

Directions

While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.