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. Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground is rated 4.8 stars from 146 reviews. 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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Picnic table next to large tree overlooking ocean. View from a high ridge overlooking the rest of a long, narrow, rugged island with steep cliffs. View from a high ridge overlooking the rest of a long, narrow, rugged island with steep cliffs. View of harbor with boat and pier from grassy bluff.
$15

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

147 reviews
Total sites: 4
Available Tonight: 0
Available this Weekend: 0
Booking Window: 6 months

700 ft
62°F
57°F

poor
Tents allowedHiking trails
Fr
64°
57°
Sa
62°
56°
Su
61°
56°
Mo
60°
55°
Tu
60°
55°
We
62°
56°
Th
62°
58°

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (147)

4.8 out of 5

5 star
82%
4 star
13%
3 star
3%
2 star
1%
1 star
1%
@LaurenJB05C4CA · Camped on Apr 13, 2026 at Campsite #4
Incredible views! Well maintained space. All the spots are great but we were really happy with our covered spot from the wind. Just make friends with people in spot 1 so you can sit with them for sunset ;) You definitely have to work to get to this campsite but it's very inviting once you get there! Pit toilet was way nicer than I anticipated. If you have a clear vantage to the mainland, you'll get a little cell service too. Obligatory reminder to bring more water than you think you'll need.
@NathanJ854F558 · Camped on Mar 18, 2026 at Campsite #3
Both shade and views, amazing spot.Carry lots of water.
@BarbaraT607139 · Camped on Mar 18, 2026 at Campsite #1
Hike is on a steep road with no hiking views or interest for 1st couple miles, hike route should be rerouted for hiking grades and scenery. We got up to the camp and found picnic tables and 4 campsites crowded close together. Only sites 2 and 4 had any visual privacy or more importantly shade. Wed picked site 1 and it was probably the worst 2 night camping weve done in 40 years!
@AuldenFFB8F50A · Camped on Mar 12, 2026 at Campsite #2
Stunning site with the cutest little foxes. When we went, it was hotter than average and we went through a ton of water, especially on the walk up.
@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.
AT&T
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.
AT&T
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.
T-Mobile
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.
Verizon
Some Coverage
@MichalA078C840 · Camped on Dec 9, 2025 at Campsite #1
excellent place to spend your time in backcountry. nice trail to scorpions pier
T-Mobile
Good
@ZhaoxiangC164B · Camped on Nov 26, 2025 at Campsite #3
Very good experience. The trail is well maintained.
Verizon
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.
Verizon
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!
Verizon
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!
AT&T
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!
T-Mobile
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.
T-Mobile
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.
Verizon
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.
Verizon
Some Coverage
@RUBENO5E512359 · Camped on May 15, 2025 at Campsite #2
This place is paradise!
AT&T
No Service
@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.
Verizon
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.
AT&T
Major Issues

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