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.

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Campsite Reviews (96)

4.7 out of 5

5 star		79%
4 star		15%
3 star		4%
2 star		1%
1 star		0%

@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!

@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.

@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.

@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.

@RUBENO5E512359 · Camped on May 15, 2025 at Campsite #2

This place is paradise!

@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.

@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.

@RaymondD430090 · Camped on Apr 9, 2025 at Campsite #2

A bit of a hike to get here, but well worth it! Stunning views!

@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.

@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!

@CLARKHC4F46F50 · Camped on Feb 7, 2025 at Campsite #2

Great hike w beautiful views. And foxes!

@RachelR8534803 · Camped on Jan 26, 2025 at Campsite #4

A nice, quiet campsite with a lovely hike out of prisoners harbor for access. The different sites are fairly close to one another for a backcountry site. Site 4 has the most shade/ is least exposed.At location: tent pad, bear proof food locker (for the foxes & birds), picnic table, pit toilet

@LisaR8773346 · Camped on Jan 17, 2025 at Campsite #4

Beautiful location with views of the Santa Barbara Channel. Each site had a picnic table, a food locker and an "engineered" flat spot to pitch your tent. Site #4 is under a low hanging oak tree. Site #3 had a more open oak tree, whereas sites #1 and #2 were open air. All 4 sites were nice but closer together than I expected. Each site is reservable for up to 4 people, but the engineered "tent-pitch area" is probably too small for a larger tent that would comfortably fit 4 people (perfect for a 2 person tent though) -- the surrounding ground is gently sloping. One pit toilet is shared by the 4 sites and was sufficient but a little smelly with a wooden floor. Hiked to Scorpion Campground 9.5 miles from Del Norte Camp and loved the trip!

@DarrenH8F8937F · Camped on Jan 10, 2025 at Campsite #3

All sites were reserved but we were the only ones that actually showed up for the night. The view was amazing, but the wind was intense. Stake your tent or it will blow over. There is no water at the site so carry your own. There are a lot of up and down sections getting to the site. There are some emergency water jugs, but they were all empty when we got there. Expect to only have the water you carry.

@RaenaR6C0D2FFA · Camped on Jan 1, 2025 at Campsite #2

We loved Del Norte campground. We did have a hard time finding out which campsite were which before we went. Number 1 has the best view as does number 2. 3 & 4 are back in the trees with more privacy. You can't do wrong with any spot. The outhouse is really ripe but it had toilet paper included. If I didn't live in Alaska I would go out to Santa Cruz all the time. It's an incredible trip. We hiked from Prisoners harbor to Del Norte, camped then continued to Scorpion for the second night of camping.

@Gabrielle89A52 · Camped on Dec 7, 2024 at Campsite #4

My first night on the island I stayed at Scorpion Anchorage, which had a lovely campsite with nice flat sites under the trees and access to drinking water in the campsite. Then I hiked the long trek to the Del Norte Backcountry sites, which were amazing campsites with absolutely majestic views. I was in campsite 4 which is nestled under a couple very twisty trees- super cool and fantasy-like. Definitely recommend camping in some capacity if you visit Santa Cruz Island!

@PeterS7845234 · Camped on Nov 18, 2024 at Campsite #1

I would suggest that efforts be made to provide more wind breaks at the campground, especially sites 001 and 002.Also, any chance to provide more backcountry campsite sites? Or offer backcountry permits for dispersed camping?

@BradS9486590 · Camped on Nov 11, 2024 at Campsite #1

With excellent views and being roughly 5 miles from Prisoners Harbor, this site is a perfect spot for a quiet scenic night of camping. The trails were well marked and maintained and sites were clean and relatively private. There is a pit toilet at the top of the hill as well. There is no water supply at Del Norte and I did not see any water sources on the hike from Prisoners Harbor or from Del Norte to Scorpion Canyon. There are water spigots at the Scorpion Campground but that's a 10 mile hike from Del Norte. Bring lots of water and be prepared for some hills and lots of amazing views. Also, plan for camping with critters, there are foxes and ravens that like to steal food if they can; use the provided fox boxes and consider sealing food and trash in ziploc bags. I'd highly recommend hiking across from Prisoners Harbor to Scorpion Canyon and stopping here. What a great trip!

@ClaireA2347578 · Camped on Oct 31, 2024 at Campsite #4

Gorgeous view from the campsite! Only 4 spots. Sites 3 and 4 have shade. Sites 1 and 2 are in direct sunlight. The drop toilet has toilet paper. Make sure you pack enough water - there is no water here. It's a steep climb to get here, and you'll not only need water for this night and breakfast, but for the long hike to Scorpion the following day (if you plan on backpacking there). We enjoyed our overnight here!

@MarklynR0C4AE6 · Camped on Oct 25, 2024 at Campsite #3

Great view and good vibes! We loved hiking across the island from Prisioners to Scorpion. Del Norte backcountry campground was awesome!

@KathleenL99212 · Camped on Oct 21, 2024 at Campsite #3

Gorgeous campground but dont underestimate the climb, especially carrying the water required. For Pelican Bay & Del Norte the first day, then the trek to Scorpion the next, I took 8L of water total and it was just barely enough for one person. Pit bathrooms were well cared for with TP and privacy. Little wind mid-October. Trek to Scorpion started easy but once the inclines start it becomes a long, challenging day in mid-sun. Very rewarding overall.

@LindsayD9CF223 · Camped on Oct 14, 2024 at Campsite #2

Ranger on duty was very attentive and came by with extra water just before sunset.

@AlisonL8037F1A · Camped on Sep 3, 2024 at Campsite #1

My entire experience on Santa Cruz felt magical. I was in heaven there, especially having my paddleboard with me. It was a tough climb to Del Norte after hiking to Pelican Bay. I recommend having a campground closer to the beach at Prisoners. And perhaps another backcountry camp mid island.

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Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map