How much does camping cost at Santa Cruz Scorpion?

Camping fees at Santa Cruz Scorpion range from $15-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Santa Cruz Scorpion first-come first-served or reservation?

Santa Cruz Scorpion 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 Scorpion before I book?

Yes! Santa Cruz Scorpion has 10 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 Scorpion?

Santa Cruz Scorpion 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 Scorpion?

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

How many campsites does Santa Cruz Scorpion have?

Santa Cruz Scorpion has 31 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 Scorpion?

Pets are not allowed at Santa Cruz Scorpion. 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 Scorpion?

Santa Cruz Scorpion offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Santa Cruz Scorpion?

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

Santa Cruz Scorpion

Q: Can I have a campfire at Santa Cruz Scorpion?

Fire policies at Santa Cruz Scorpion: No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed. Smoking is only allowed on beach areas at Scorpion, Smugglers, and Prisoners Harbors.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.64

958 reviews

1901 Spinnaker Drive

Top 2% in CASpring

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Channel Islands National Park#1 Primitive Camping California#2 Best Campgrounds California#2

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,808 ft

Price

$15 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

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

1,808 ft

Price

$15 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Santa Cruz Scorpion

$15.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $40.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00; Temp hazardous tree removal 3/15/21 - 4/29/21: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$40.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-658-5730

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Santa Cruz Scorpion

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

Campground Map

1901 Spinnaker Drive

Santa Cruz Scorpion

1901 Spinnaker Drive

Nearby places

Ventura (approx. 20 miles by boat), Oxnard (approx. 30 miles by boat).

Weather at Santa Cruz Scorpion

Current alerts(16)

1/2 mile to 1 mile hike to campground. Visitors must carry all their own gear.
A party or group of 13 or more are not allowed in individual sites and must use the group sites (A-F) in the upper campground.
A party or group of 46 or more may not reserve any sites through recreation.gov and must contact the park to obtain a special use permit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm .
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 .

Best Time to Camp at Santa Cruz Scorpion

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather (mornings in the low 50s to afternoons in the low-to-mid 60s), abundant wildflowers, and active wildlife—making hiking, birding (look for the island scrub‑jay), and shoreline exploration especially rewarding. Ocean conditions are often calmer than winter storms, improving chances for smooth boat access, snorkeling, and kayaking, while daytime temperatures are comfortable for long trail days. Crowds are present but generally lighter than peak summer, Peak months: April, May, March, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Spring best: mild temps, wildflowers, calm swells and highly recommended in overview.

Planning Tips

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

About Santa Cruz Scorpion

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.

Scorpion Canyon Campground offers tent camping options in both individual and group settings. Primitive camping is emphasized, with no hook-ups or luxurious amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather (mornings in the low 50s to afternoons in the low-to-mid 60s), abundant wildflowers, and active wildlife—making hiking, birding (look for the island scrub‑jay), and shoreline exploration especially rewarding. Ocean conditions are often calmer than winter storms, improving chances for smooth boat access, snorkeling, and kayaking, while daytime temperatures are comfortable for long trail days. Crowds are present but generally lighter than peak summer, Peak months: April, May, March, October

Elevation1808 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryEucalyptus groves tower over the campground, filling the air with their sharp scent and providing reliable shade. Below the canyon, Scorpion Anchorage's beach curves along rocky tide pools where anemones and crabs cluster at low tide. The island's peaks rise to 1,808 feet, framing views across the Santa Barbara Channel. Island foxes wander through camp at dawn and dusk, small as house cats and bold enough to investigate unzipped tents. The blue island scrub-jay. Found nowhere else on Earth. Flashes through the coastal scrub above the upper loop.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is provided. Only tent camping is available.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led interpretive programs, such as sunset hikes and guided kayak tours, are available. Some users mentioned junior ranger activities for children.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 7 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 guests per individual site
up to 15 guests per group site.

Groups

The campground includes six group sites accommodating 13–15 people each. These sites are located in the upper loop and are noted for their seclusion and spaciousness.

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 via Recreation.gov, contact center, or app.

AccessibilityAccessible trails are available; however, the terrain may be challenging for individuals with severe mobility issues. Service animals are allowed with prior authorization.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and well-shaded in most cases. The upper loop provides more privacy.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Upper loop sites are noted for their seclusion, while lower loop sites are closer together but still spacious.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesLower Loop sites are closer to the pier and suitable for families, while Upper Loop sites offer more privacy and quieter surroundings. Sites near water spigots can attract yellow jackets.

Best CampsitesSites 2, 23, 24, and 25 get consistent praise in reviews for a mix of privacy, shade, and views. The upper loop overall delivers more seclusion if you're willing to haul gear the extra distance from the pier.

Need help booking Santa Cruz Scorpion?

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. Partial shade from trees. Picnic table, food storage box, and drinking water provided. No stores or services.

Potable water

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Scorpion Canyon Campground provides access to a wide range of outdoor activities that highlight the unique environment of Santa Cruz Island. Popular activities include hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The campground’s proximity to the beach and coastal trails makes it an excellent base for exploring the island’s natural beauty.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; all restrooms are vault toilets. These are described as clean and spacious by users.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers ('fox boxes') are provided at each site to protect food from the island foxes and ravens. Lockers are spacious enough to store multiple items securely.

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. Smoking is only allowed on beach areas at Scorpion, Smugglers, and Prisoners Harbors.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are required to pack out all trash. Trash and recycling facilities are not available on the island; storage lockers are provided for temporary use.

Cell CoverageCell signal may be available at high ground or the pier, but connectivity is limited.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.6

958 reviews

Top-Rated

Santa Cruz Scorpion is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Scorpion Canyon Campground highlight its pristine natural beauty, unique wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to excellent hiking trails. Many users appreciated the clean vault toilets, potable water availability, and helpful rangers. However, some noted issues such as yellow jackets at water spigots, proximity of campsites, and heavy weekend crowds.

Review Summaries

Based on 958 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent praise was given for the clean facilities, friendly rangers, and stunning island views. Wildlife sightings, including island foxes and dolphins, were memorable for many visitors. Guided...

Based on 958 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned noise from large groups and proximity of sites in the lower loop. Yellow jackets near water spigots were noted as a nuisance, particularly during summer and early fall. Pit...

Based on 958 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 2 and 25 in the lower and upper loops, respectively, received high praise for privacy and scenic views. Site 13 was noted as having no shade.

Based on 958 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking ferry and campsite reservations well in advance. Strong tent stakes and zippered tents are advised due to wind and wildlife. Bringing extra food is recommended, as no...

Based on 958 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits often feature serene experiences with fewer crowds. Spring boasts blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures. Summer and fall are busier, with yellow jackets noted as a nuisance during...

Based on 958 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camping on the island is a dream, especially if it's not too busy." "The island foxes are adorable but sneaky; keep your gear locked up!" "The hikes we did had spectacular views of the hills on one...

Based on 958 reviews

Accessibility Features

Visitors with mobility limitations appreciated the ranger assistance and the relatively flat terrain near the lower loop. Service animals are allowed with proper documentation.

Based on 958 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are restricted; exceptions only apply to service animals with authorization. Visitors noted that these animals must be controlled to avoid disrupting local wildlife.

Based on 958 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want a true island adventure with endemic species, guided paddles, and don't mind carrying your gear uphill from the dock.

Skip if

You need vehicle access to your site or can't tolerate vault toilets and occasional group noise after quiet hours.

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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.