$15
Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
Total sites: 4
Available Tonight: 1
Available this Weekend: 0
Booking Window: 6 months
Available Tonight: 1
Available this Weekend: 0
Booking Window: 6 months
700 ft
68°F
60°F
60°F
poor
Channel Islands National Park › California
› Ventura County
› Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground
Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map
Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground is part of Channel Islands National Park in California (about 28 miles from Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 700 feet. There are a total of 4 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $15.00 per night. Activities include hiking trails.
Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)
Campsite Reviews (143)
4.8 out of 5
| 5 star | 82% | |
| 4 star | 13% | |
| 3 star | 3% | |
| 2 star | 1% | |
| 1 star | 0% |
@DavidE7840041 · Camped on Feb 28, 2026 at Campsite #1
Beautiful spot
@RobertC4745893 · Camped on Feb 17, 2026 at Campsite #1
This was a moderately challenging trail from Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Campground with an overnight at Del Norte Campground. Trails were well marked and facilities were better than average - bear boxes, picnic tables and outhouses at both campgrounds. Views along the trail were of rocky coasts, craigy mountains and verdant canyons/valleys. Outstanding experience.
@AmberC9992904 · Camped on Jan 30, 2026 at Campsite #1
Gorgeous! Went the last weekend of January and the weather was perfect. Everything was green and the view was spectacular! A couple of cute foxes walking along the trail minding their own business and then checking to see if wed left any food out for them to sneak, but we didnt. An Island Scrub Jay watched us closely looking to be fed, but we did not oblige. Some backpackers werent strong enough to carry out their empty water bottles and so they did leave a trace, which was unfortunate. Overall this was a very special little spot and I hope to return.
Major Issues
@NickS9183761 · Camped on Jan 22, 2026 at Campsite #3
One of the most beautiful camp spots I've ever stayed. Good days hikes from Del Norte too.
Major Issues
@JohnW4841416 · Camped on Jan 17, 2026 at Campsite #2
Challenging hike but well worth it for the views and peace that came with it!
@MasouiM7CE9F18 · Camped on Jan 7, 2026 at Campsite #1
Very nice and peaceful camp site experience. The constant view of the ocean is amazing. Be mindful of the wind as the campsite is very exposed.
Some Coverage
@Anneliese3B9DA · Camped on Jan 4, 2026 at Campsite #4
The Del Norte campground was a great spot and very beautiful! Staying here for a night or two and hiking through from prisoner's harbor to scorpion cove is a must do. My only problem was that the bathroom facility needed improvement, but my group came expecting the worst so it wasn't an issue.
Some Coverage
@MichalA078C840 · Camped on Dec 9, 2025 at Campsite #1
excellent place to spend your time in backcountry. nice trail to scorpions pier
Good
@ZhaoxiangC164B · Camped on Nov 26, 2025 at Campsite #3
Very good experience. The trail is well maintained.
No Service
@JamesA8630934 · Camped on Nov 7, 2025 at Campsite #2
Truly amazing hike with a campground that has a great view. The sites are located in very small area so expect neighbors that are close. Site 1 is more protected and site 4 has the best view, although the views are great from anywhere. We had a group and were able to get all four sites after last minute cancelations. Having the whole campsite was amazing since each site can really only handle one, maybe two small tents. Bring more water than you think you need because the weather is warmer at elevation and there is no shade.
Some Coverage
@JustinR3682506 · Camped on Oct 2, 2025 at Campsite #4
We found amazing solitude at Del Norte Backcountry campground. The hike in was more difficult that we expected but we probably over-packed a bit. Trekking poles were a must have in our opinion and helped navigate the sometimes loose gravel steep singletrack sections of the 3.5mile hike from Prisioner's Harbor to the campground. Great expereince!
Major Issues
@JessicaG555444 · Camped on Sep 27, 2025 at Campsite #4
Great campsite. Clean and nice tables with good spots to set up tents. Our campsite (#4) was sheltered under oak trees while some of the others (eg #1) were in the open with great views. Nice spot. Pit toilet was clean (but still a pit toilet so smelled a bit when inside) and pleasantly surprised us by having toilet paper and hand sanitizer!
Some Coverage
@CaseyD477799D2 · Camped on Jun 30, 2025 at Campsite #1
If you have the privilege and opportunity to visit this very special and unique place, don't miss out on the opportunity.
@TitoCCD82A69B4 · Camped on Jun 29, 2025 at Campsite #4
Excellent campsite and amenities for being such an isolated place. Loved Channel Island will sure come back for more adventures!
Some Coverage
@Alexandre1CA03 · Camped on Jun 27, 2025 at Campsite #4
Very good campsite ! But the only problem hikers still leaving trash on fox box !
@ANDREWL5237889 · Camped on Jun 17, 2025 at Campsite #1
Fantastic camp site.Was hit. Sites 1 and 2 did not have shade. 3 and 4 ate under trees.1 and 2 have better views.
No Service
@AmeliaO7CE05EE · Camped on May 20, 2025 at Campsite #1
Beautiful campsite location! We had a view of the sun setting over the harbor and it was very quiet. However, the trail to get there and the trails to other locations were not very well maintained. At some points, it felt like we were bush whacking instead of hiking. We stayed two nights, but I would recommend only staying one because it is very dry and the campsite does not have water or even emergency stores. However, overall we had a good time and I would go back for a night.
No Service
@LuboP1FEED17B3 · Camped on May 16, 2025 at Campsite #4
Amazing hike, views and memories! The campsite is an absolute gem - super clean, great views, bear boxes, and of course Island Foxes! Just bring enough water! We got lucky with the weather and only had to use about 1L each on the way to the site.
Some Coverage
@KateH4574741 · Camped on Apr 21, 2025 at Campsite #4
Wish others cleaned up after themselves. Got welcomed by human turds and tampons, among other trash.
No Service
@JaminBDB902E1D · Camped on Apr 20, 2025 at Campsite #3
This is an amazing spot to watch the sunset after hiking in. As stated in the description, there is no water but a pit toilet is available ( it had TP and hand sanitizer when we were there) and with only a few campsites its very quiet at night. We took the hike in from Prisoners Harbor via the Del Norte trail and there were two steep canyons along the way. We took our time and enjoyed the climb up to the camp area. The spring is beautiful and we saw a few island foxes but also beware of ticks and do a thorough check before bed.
Major Issues
@RaymondD430090 · Camped on Apr 9, 2025 at Campsite #2
A bit of a hike to get here, but well worth it! Stunning views!
Some Coverage
@SawyerB45FA8B5 · Camped on Mar 29, 2025 at Campsite #4
You can't go wrong with any of the sites here, but this one was the best of the 4! It's engulfed by a tree so you have some cover but there is still an amazing view of the ocean. Easily a top 5 campsite for me.
Some Coverage
@RebeccaK768006 · Camped on Feb 24, 2025 at Campsite #1
Del Norte Campground is a fantastic spot for those looking for a remote and peaceful backcountry experience on Santa Cruz Island. The 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor is moderately challenging, with some elevation gain, but the views along the way make it absolutely worth it.I stayed at Campsite #1, which had the best views but was also the most exposed. Despite that, I did fine and would probably choose that site again. The campground itself is small and quiet, offering four campsites with stunning views of the coastline and surrounding hills. Since it's one of the few backcountry campgrounds in Channel Islands National Park, it feels much more secluded than Scorpion Ranch. The sites are well-spaced, and the area is well-maintained, though theres no water availableso be sure to pack plenty.Water was something I was nervous about since I had planned on hiking to Scorpion Ranch, so I packed six liters, which turned out to be more than enough for me. The ranger also dropped off two gallons of emergency water in the fox box early in the afternoon, which was a good backup but not something to rely on.One of the highlights is watching the sunset from the nearby ridge. The islands natural beauty, combined with the sense of solitude, makes this an incredible experience. That said, be prepared for strong winds at night, and as with any coastal camping, be mindful of the weather conditions.If youre looking for a true backcountry camping adventure in the Channel Islands, Del Norte is a perfect choice. Just be ready to carry in all your essentials and enjoy the islands rugged beauty!
Some Coverage
@CLARKHC4F46F50 · Camped on Feb 7, 2025 at Campsite #2
Great hike w beautiful views. And foxes!
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