How much does camping cost at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry?

Camping fees at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry 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 Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry first-come first-served or reservation?

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry 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 Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry before I book?

Yes! Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry has 7 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 Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry?

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry?

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry?

Fire policies at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry: No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry?

Cell phone service at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry have?

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry?

Pets are not allowed at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry?

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

4.49

196 reviews

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Top 9% in CAWinter

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Channel Islands National Park#3 Winter Camping California Hiking Camping California +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

700 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has 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

700 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

$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.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-658-5730

I manage this campground

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1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001, USA

Weather at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

Current alerts(14)

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.
During winter and spring, Del Norte campground campers will need to be prepared for a wet creek crossing at Canada del Puerto in Prisoner's Harbor. Visitors may have to wade through fast moving water up to 2 feet deep.
Kayakers: ocean conditions can rapidly change, requiring expert abilities. Ocean kayaking is an inherently dangerous activity. Always check weather and do not kayak beyond your experience level.

Best Time to Camp at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

Best season: winter. Winter offers the clearest air, peak wildlife-viewing (whale migration and seabird activity) and some of the most dramatic, crisp hiking days on Santa Cruz Island; expect daytime highs around 50–65°F and nights around 40–50°F with strong coastal breezes at times. Conditions are typically cool and clear, which makes the island's cliffs, oak woodlands, and sea vistas especially spectacular and photography-friendly, while crowds remain lower than mainland summer hotspots. Boat access can be choppy— Peak months: February, March, April, October

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 9% in CA

Winter noted for clearest conditions, whale migration peak and good seabird activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

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.

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground is a remote, primitive camping site requiring a strenuous hike to access. It is not suitable for RVs, glamping, or large groups. Tent camping is the only option, with four designated sites available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the clearest air, peak wildlife-viewing (whale migration and seabird activity) and some of the most dramatic, crisp hiking days on Santa Cruz Island; expect daytime highs around 50–65°F and nights around 40–50°F with strong coastal breezes at times. Conditions are typically cool and clear, which makes the island's cliffs, oak woodlands, and sea vistas especially spectacular and photography-friendly, while crowds remain lower than mainland summer hotspots. Boat access can be choppy— Peak months: February, March, April, October

Elevation700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOak trees shade parts of the campground, while open sites face directly toward the Pacific. Island foxes move through camp regularly. Reviewers mention frequent sightings of these endemic animals. The coastline below shows turquoise water against dark cliffs, and coastal sage scrub covers the surrounding hillsides. Views stretch across the channel toward the mainland on clear days. Golden grasslands roll inland from the campsites, and the elevation puts you above much of the fog layer that can blanket lower sections of the island.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations. The campground only provides primitive camping facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no formal cultural or educational programs offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

7nights maximum

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 4 persons per site.

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 online via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited due to the primitive nature of the campground and the strenuous hike required to reach the site.

Site SizeCampsites are designed to fit small tents, typically accommodating up to 4 people. One user noted that 'a 2-person tent fits comfortably, with some sites accommodating up to 3 tents.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited at this campground. 'All 4 campsites are clustered together,' said one reviewer, and others have mentioned the proximity of sites to the trail.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Site 1 for ocean views and sunsets but come prepared for exposure to wind and lack of shade. Site 4 is ideal for shade and wind protection but has a higher presence of bugs.

Best CampsitesSite 1 gets the strongest ocean views but sits fully exposed to sun and wind. Site 4 sits under an oak tree, offering the most shade and some wind protection. Reviewers recommend it for hot weather. All four sites cluster together near the trail, so don't expect seclusion from other campers.

Need help booking Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground provides a primitive camping setup that prioritizes a remote experience on Santa Cruz Island. "Visitors are encouraged to pack as light as possible" as they must carry all gear, food, and water to the site. Facilities include picnic tables and a pit-style toilet, but campers must bring their own toilet paper. No fresh water is available. Each campsite includes a food storage locker to safeguard items from wildlife such as foxes and ravens.

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground offers various recreational activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. While the campground has no direct beach access, Prisoners Harbor provides the nearest shoreline. Long hiking trails take campers through diverse ecosystems with scenic views of the coastline.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

Food Storage RequiredEach site has a food storage locker to protect against wildlife, including Island Foxes and ravens.

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.

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

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash. Food and trash storage lockers are provided at each campsite to protect materials from wildlife.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability at the campground is spotty but 4G signal on Verizon has been reported by some users. Reception quality may vary based on carrier and location within the island.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

196 reviews

Recommended

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground emphasize its breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and lack of water supply. Many campers praise the site's isolation and natural beauty, while some criticize the lack of privacy between campsites and the prevalence of bugs and strong winds.

Review Summaries

Based on 196 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 196 reviews.

Site 1Loved
Site 1 offers the best ocean views but no shade.
Site 4Loved
Site 4 is shaded and under a large oak tree but has more bugs.
Site 2Mentioned
Site 2 is partially slanted, making it less ideal for some campers.

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes 'amazing views of the ocean,' 'well-maintained pit toilets,' and 'spectacular sunsets.' Several reviewers also appreciated the opportunity to spot unique wildlife such as...

Based on 196 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the strenuous hike required to reach the site, the lack of shade at some campsites, and the absence of potable water. Additionally, some users noted that the campsites are...

Based on 196 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, using hiking poles, and choosing campsites based on preferences for shade versus ocean views. 'Site 1 has the best views but...

Based on 196 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and early spring are noted for cooler, more manageable hiking weather, while summer reviews cite intense heat and the need for extra water. 'June gloom often covers the island in fog during...

Based on 196 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Site #1 has amazing views!! Fox box and new pit toilet bathrooms were clean and as expected," a reviewer wrote. Another stated, "Campsites 1 and 2 have the best views but least protection from the...

Based on 196 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to the primitive nature of the campground, the strenuous hike required to reach it, and the absence of water on-site.

Based on 196 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at this campground, which aligns with the park's biosecurity measures to protect native wildlife.

Based on 196 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want backcountry solitude on a California island and can handle a strenuous hike with gear.

Skip if

You need vehicle access, privacy between sites, or shelter from persistent coastal winds.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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

Frequently Visited

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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

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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.

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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.

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Hi Mountain Campground

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Hi Mountain Campground sits at 2,382 feet in Los Padres National Forest, tucked between the Santa Lucia and Garcia Wilderness areas. This primitive campground offers 10 sites under dense oak canopy (reviewers estimate 90% shade) with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Fees range from $5 to $30 per night. Getting here requires navigating rugged dirt roads. High-clearance vehicles recommended, and the Santa Margarita Highway 58 route is reportedly easier.

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Rancho Nuevo Campground

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Rancho Nuevo Campground is a very small primitive site in the foothills of Los Padres National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Access requires a 4WD vehicle, keeping visitation light even during spring wildflower season. The campground offers basic tent camping in a remote canyon setting where visitors hike, photograph grasslands, and enjoy solitude after winter rains freshen the landscape.

Campgrounds

Channel Islands National Park

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

About Channel Islands National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry, 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.