Campground

Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground

Campground
Campground picnic table on green grass overlooking ocean, coastline, and blue sky with white clouds

Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is a remote, primitive camping experience accessible only by boat. The hike to the four campsites takes 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor. Each site includes a picnic table, food storage box, and vault toilet—no water or showers. This is genuine backcountry camping for self-sufficient outdoors people.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov and phone (877) 444-6777
Reservation Window
Advanced reservations required
Reservation Tips
Book well in advance; limited capacity (4 sites) and island access mean quick fill-up. Check Recreation.gov frequently as sites may have limited availability windows. Confirm boat schedules align with your camping dates.
Season Dates
Year-round

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov and phone (877) 444-6777
Reservation Window
Advanced reservations required
Reservation Tips
Book well in advance; limited capacity (4 sites) and island access mean quick fill-up. Check Recreation.gov frequently as sites may have limited availability windows. Confirm boat schedules align with your camping dates.
Season Dates
Year-round
Per Night Cost
$15 per site per night (covers up to 4 people)
Extra Vehicle Fees
N/A—boat transportation only
Day Use Fees
No day-use fee; camping only (reservations required)
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
4
Site Types
Tent-only
Site Type Breakdown
4 tent-only sites
RV Max Length
Not permitted (boat access only)
Group Sites Available
0
Group Site Capacity
N/A—no group sites
Hookups
Dry camping only—no water, electric, or sewer hookups
Site Features
Picnic table, food storage box, pit-style vault toilet
Ground Type
Compacted earth with rocky outcrops; sandy/rocky island composition
Site Privacy
Limited—4 sites in close proximity with minimal screening

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets (pit-style outhouses)
Potable Water
No potable water on-site. Bring sufficient water or treatment system.
Dump Station
No dump station
Trash Service
No trash collection. Pack out all trash.
Camp Store
No camp store. Bring all supplies from mainland.
Firewood Availability
No firewood sales or gathering. No open fires allowed (gas stoves only).
Cell Service
No cell service. Download offline maps before trip.
Nearby Facilities
Ventura (mainland)—restaurants, lodging, supplies approximately 20 miles by boat from Prisoners Harbor.

Access

Road Type
No roads—boat access only
Road Conditions
Accessible only by boat. 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor or 12-mile hike from Scorpion Anchorage. No vehicle access.
Vehicle Restrictions
No vehicles. Boat transportation required.
Clearance Needed
N/A—boat access only
Gate Hours
No gates; open 24/7. Access dependent on boat service schedules and weather conditions.
Distance From Entrance
3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor (via boat + hiking trail) or 12 miles from Scorpion Anchorage
Nearest Gas Services
Ventura (mainland)—approximately 20 miles by boat from Prisoners Harbor
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible. Rugged 3.5-mile hike on unimproved trail with no accessible facilities. Primitive camping requires self-sufficiency.
ADA Accessible Sites
0 sites—not wheelchair accessible. Rugged terrain and 3.5-mile hike required.

Rules & safety

Food Storage Requirements
Food storage boxes provided. All food and scented items must be stored in animal- and bird-proof containers.
Fire Restrictions
No open fires allowed. Gas camp stoves only.
Pet Restrictions
Pets not permitted
Generator Hours
Not specified; consult park before bringing generator
Quiet Hours
Not specified; wilderness setting implies low-impact practices
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking (3.5-mile trail access), camping, wildlife observation
Trailheads Nearby
Del Norte Trail Overlook Hike accessible from campground
Wildlife Viewing
Marine wildlife visible from island (sea lions, seabirds, endemic species)
Scenic Views
Ocean views and Channel Islands coastal scenery
Noise Level
Quiet—remote island location; wave and wind sounds primary noise sources
Best Time To Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) for calmer seas and moderate weather; avoid winter storms and summer fog
Vibe Check
True backcountry wilderness experience—not a developed campground. No services, no crowds, minimal amenities. Isolated island setting with self-sufficient camping culture. Wind and weather are constant companions. Solitude is the main amenity.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: Experienced backpackers seeking remote, primitive island camping with no distractions. Self-sufficient outdoors people comfortable carrying water and cooking on gas stove. ❌ SKIP IF: First-time campers, families with young kids, RV/car campers, or anyone needing showers or potable water on-site.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 100% of your water—no source on-island
  • Gas stove is your only cooking option; bring sufficient fuel
  • Tent stakes and guy-lines critical for island winds
  • Layered clothing; island weather shifts rapidly
  • Pack out everything you bring in (including toilet paper)
  • Check boat schedules before committing to dates
  • Download offline maps; no cell service
  • Food storage box prevents scavenging by gulls and foxes

More details

Park Area
Santa Cruz Island
Sites Tent Only
4
Family Friendly Notes
Not recommended for young children or families without extensive backpacking experience. Lack of water, primitive facilities, and 3.5-mile hike make this unsuitable for casual camping.
Amphitheater
No
Boat Launch
Accessible via tour boat operators from Ventura. No boat launch on-site; camping access only.
Nearby Attractions
Channel Islands coastal marine resources, island ecology, historic ranch sites on other islands
Terrain Type
Rocky island terrain, rugged coastal landscape
Snow Season
Rare to none; island climate typically mild year-round
Monsoon Season
Possible summer thunderstorms; check weather before trip
Wind Exposure
Exposed to ocean winds. Tent stakes and guy-lines essential. Sturdy, low-profile tent recommended.
Setup Strategy
After boat arrival at Prisoners Harbor, hike 3.5 miles to site. Expect rocky terrain and exposure. Pack is heaviest load—carry water, fuel, food for entire stay. Upon arrival, set tent on flattest ground, secure stakes firmly against wind, position food box nearby. Vault toilet downwind from camp. Check ground for rocks before placing tent pad.
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers or laundry facilities. Primitive island camping means creek/saltwater bathing or sponge baths. Plan personal hygiene accordingly.
Review Summary
Campers praise this site for its remote, genuine backcountry experience. Primary concerns: no water (must bring all), isolation requires self-sufficiency, and weather-dependent boat access can delay/cancel trips. Popular with experienced backpackers seeking solitude.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the campground?

Boat access only from Ventura (via Prisoners Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage), then 3.5-mile hike to the campground. Check www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/island-transportation.htm for approved boat operators.

What if I need water?

No potable water on-site. You must bring all drinking and cooking water for your entire stay. Estimate 2-3 gallons per person per day minimum.

Are fires allowed?

No open fires. Gas camp stoves only. Bring sufficient fuel for all cooking and any heating needs.

Can I bring my RV or large vehicle?

No vehicles of any kind. Boat access only; no roads reach the campground. This is primitive backcountry camping.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes, reservations are required. Book through Recreation.gov (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232499) or call (877) 444-6777.

What's included at each campsite?

Each site has a picnic table, food storage box, and pit-style vault toilet. You provide tent, water, fuel, food, and all other gear.

What's the biggest challenge for first-timers?

Self-sufficiency: no water, no showers, no stores, and no help nearby if something goes wrong. This is genuine wilderness camping—bring experience and proper gear.

Anacapa Island Campground

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San Miguel Island Campground

Remote island primitive: pit toilet, zero water, boat access only. Wind shelter & bear box provided. Hardcore backpackers only.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.