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Channel Islands National Park › California
› Ventura County
› Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground
› Campsite #3
Campsite #3 at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA
$15
Tent Site #3
| Walk-In | 4 people |
| 0 | weak |
4/5
4/21
Campsite #3 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site
Campsite Reviews (25)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 92% |
| 4 star | | 8% |
| 3 star | | 0% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@NathanJ854F558 · Camped on Mar 18, 2026 at Campsite #3
Both shade and views, amazing spot.Carry lots of water.
@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
@ZhaoxiangC164B · Camped on Nov 26, 2025 at Campsite #3
Very good experience. The trail is well maintained.
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
@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.
Major Issues
@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!
Major Issues
@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.
Major Issues
@ShannonM451773 · Camped on Aug 1, 2024 at Campsite #3
We had the whole campground to ourselves, it was peaceful and the views were unbeatable.
No Service
@BrettS5682972 · Camped on Jul 8, 2024 at Campsite #3
Beautiful views, nice campground. Awesome location for day hikes.
@KeenanL43D8F1A · Camped on Nov 7, 2023 at Campsite #3
Good small campground. Site 1 has big stateside vistas but is fully exposed to wind. Site 2 is exposed with lesser views. Site 3 has an Oak tree to break up wind over the table but not the tent. Site 4 is fully protected by a large Oak. California Coastal Sage is all around the periphery which makes for a wonderful smell. Island Jays can be seen in the morning checking out your campsite. Other birds were hard to spot.
@bradn2569325 · Camped on Oct 15, 2023 at Campsite #3
Just bring the water you need, and the rest takes care of itself.
No Service
@Jacquelin5BBD7 · Camped on Aug 22, 2023 at Campsite #3
Site #3 was a great shaded site at this trailcamp with a lovely view. So many quail at sunset, and spectacular views at sites #1 and #2 - but no shade there. Everything about the trip to Santa Cruz was amazing, the ferry ride (dolphins) the beach (gorgeous swimming and shells - we took only pictures) and the phenominal hike to Scorpion the next morning at dawn was breathtaking. Cannot wait to return!
No Service
@Jennifer602066 · Camped on Jun 29, 2023 at Campsite #3
I absolutely loved this campground. I highly recommend taking advantage of the Pelican Bay hike through the nature Conservancy and then having lunch at the dock before making the trek up to the campsite. A really fun hike! The trail is very well marked and the campground is easy to find. The vault toilet is actually very clean and kind of big. Definitely bring water. I stayed at site three which has shade. Site one has the best view followed by site two. Site four has the most shade and feels the most private. I would definitely stay here again!
@MarkF9408903 · Camped on May 8, 2023 at Campsite #3
Amazing experience. Best camping location in CA- aside from Yosemite Valley.
Some Coverage
@JeremyE8787017 · Camped on Jan 27, 2023 at Campsite #3
Del Norte campground is an A+ campground. Keep it up y'all! Brand new pit toilet, splendid views of the coastline and channel, picnic tables and shade for two of the sites (3 and 4). The hike up is well worth it.
@VincentC808723 · Camped on Nov 10, 2022 at Campsite #3
Excellent backcountry campground! Amazing views, sunrise and sunset. It gets a little windy and chilly at night but as long as you’re prepared, you should have good sleep.
Some Coverage
@JabbarW9316483 · Camped on Oct 10, 2022 at Campsite #3
My three night stay was wonderful. There was very little sun and it rained on and off. My pack was just over 60 pounds with 3 gallons of water so go nice a slow on your way to the campsite. I rushed it and didn’t take any breaks until the last quarter mile because I was dead tired. So take breaks. There is no rush.
No Service
@GlynBB732BB0DC · Camped on Jun 4, 2022 at Campsite #3
Clean, well maintained, new pit toilet with TP and hand sanitizer. Dry camp of course, but worth the effort to visit and enjoy the views. Plenty of animal food containers which is a plus.
No Service
@AsdisBD329BAA9 · Camped on May 27, 2022 at Campsite #3
I hiked to Del Norte from Scorpion. I'd camp here again rather than at Scorpion. Only downside is the lack of water. I carried 9L with me to last me 2 days of long hikes. Loved camping here! I will admit that site 1 & 2 have much better views of the ocean but then sites 3 & 4 have shade. Site 4 is the only one where you can hang a hammock. So it really depends on what you're looking for. But next time I'm definitely booking site 1. I want the ocean views. The outhouse needs to have some type of netting/mesh to keep flies out at the top because when you open the toilet seat over 30 flies cam up and out and no one wants to feel that going up their butt. Anyways with that aside, 10/10 I'd still recommend this campground.
No Service
@RYANB605 · Camped on Jan 7, 2022 at Campsite #3
No water at this location, but great views of the channel! All 4 of the backcountry sites are clustered together so limited privacy.
No Service
@CharlesP916 · Camped on Nov 17, 2021 at Campsite #3
Always a beautiful place to get away to, there are only 4 sites. Site #4 has shade/wind break, #3 has a bit less, #2 & #1 have no real shade but do have a great view. They are all good. There is one road (Navy Road) and one foot trail to Del Norte, the Navy road is longer than the trail but has less incline, because people drive on it. The foot trail is short and harder. Next time I go, I'll take the trail there, when I'm fresh, and the Navy road back. There is a NPS ranger camp less than a mile from Del Norte so you are not without emergency resources, don't count on any rangers being there, but you should know where it is. Its visible from the Navy Road. Bring a gallon of water per day, and leave a meal and water in the bear box at the dock, you won't have to hike with it but It'll be there when you get back, also if you get stranded by weather and have to say another night. Check yourselves for ticks and try not to brush up against plants while hiking. Bring cash to tip the Island Packers crew.
Some Coverage
@DavidD464 · Camped on Apr 20, 2021 at Campsite #3
The del Norte hike is rated as "moderate to strenuous," which I would base on your personal condition. If you're in top condition it's moderate, but a solid moderate. If less that top condition then it will be strenuous. I recommend training for it! I didn't. :(
That being said, this is a spectacular hike/experience! Very scenic. For views of the other side of the island take the Navy Road on your way back. It requires a steep hike up another road to get to Navy Road, but the payoff is worth it because of elevation.
That being said, this is a spectacular hike/experience! Very scenic. For views of the other side of the island take the Navy Road on your way back. It requires a steep hike up another road to get to Navy Road, but the payoff is worth it because of elevation.
Some Coverage
@DavidD5028320 · Camped on Apr 20, 2021 at Campsite #3
The del Norte hike is rated as "moderate to strenuous," which I would base on your personal condition. If you're in top condition it's moderate, but a solid moderate. If less that top condition then it will be strenuous. I recommend training for it! I didn't. :( That being said, this is a spectacular hike/experience! Very scenic. For views of the other side of the island take the Navy Road on your way back. It requires a steep hike up another road to get to Navy Road, but the payoff is worth it because of elevation.
Some Coverage
@RoxaneV482 · Camped on Feb 28, 2021 at Campsite #3
Stunning campground with amazing birdlife in the early morning.
@JohnB8383631 · Camped on Nov 27, 2020 at Campsite #3
Nice campsite, great views. Long hike to it but worth it
No Service
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