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Channel Islands National Park › California
› Ventura County
› Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground
› Campsite #2
Campsite #2 at Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA
$15
Tent Site #2
| Walk-In | 4 people |
| 0 | weak |
5/27
6/2
Campsite #2 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site
Campsite Reviews (17)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 71% |
| 4 star | | 18% |
| 3 star | | 12% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@RUBENO5E512359 · Camped on May 15, 2025 at Campsite #2
This place is paradise!
@RaymondD430090 · Camped on Apr 9, 2025 at Campsite #2
A bit of a hike to get here, but well worth it! Stunning views!
@CLARKHC4F46F50 · Camped on Feb 7, 2025 at Campsite #2
Great hike w beautiful views. And foxes!
@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.
@LindsayD9CF223 · Camped on Oct 14, 2024 at Campsite #2
Ranger on duty was very attentive and came by with extra water just before sunset.
@HelgeTF013F977 · Camped on Aug 27, 2024 at Campsite #2
Wonderful place away from it all. Pleasent hike from prisoners harbour.
@GillianVD3991E · Camped on Jul 15, 2024 at Campsite #2
We had sites 2 and 3. 2 is very exposed with great ocean views. 3 is shady and protected. Im not sure how often the bathroom is serviced, it was pretty gross.
@RicardoV563F5A · Camped on Apr 22, 2024 at Campsite #2
I wish this website had more info about the rules/expectations for the site and of the island itself.Website omits info about water and "backcountry" camping. Its not true backcountry camping, you can only post at campsites. There is no potable water at Del Norte. There is also nowhere to filter water. Pack all your own water. Bear boxes provided at site.Beautiful location otherwise, Rangers brief you upon arrival. Have fun
@AnthonyM286222 · Camped on Mar 27, 2024 at Campsite #2
Scenic ocean views!Lots ticks in the high grass.Totally worth it
@DarrenC6339401 · Camped on Nov 20, 2023 at Campsite #2
Spectacular views of the California mainland as well as Anacapa and other islands throughout our hike from the Del Norte campground to Scorpion Beach.
@RyanMCB98469E4 · Camped on Jul 25, 2023 at Campsite #2
We had an epic time on our trip to Santa Cruz Island. There are just a few things to be aware of going to this campsite. - It's a pretty long hike at 3.5 miles. The trail is very slim and goes up and downhill several times. Because of this, it seems longer than it really is. It is also easy to miss the turn off to the small trail after the drivable road. Make sure to keep your eyes up around the 1.5 mile mark to make the sharp left onto the single-track trail. The campsite was nice with a beautiful place to watch the sunset. We were even very happy to see an emergency gallon of water was in the food box. Thanks to the National Parks service for that. We ended up using it as there is NO water at the site and the weather was very hot in the summer. The campground is small, only 4 spaces, so it is quaint and very quiet. Don't be shy, make friends with your neighbors and they might be able to help you in emergency. The only entertainment is more hiking to some of the different coves and beaches. but these are long 10 mile round trip hikes so be careful - there is No one out there and No water. If you aren't going hiking you would get very bored here and the bugs would make you miserable. Thats right, Annoying Gnats during the day and mosquitos at night. Bug spray is as essential. The other hard part is, you are so far away from the fun shore... We only stayed one night which I thought was enough time to hike, see the view, sleep and head back to the cool water and other hikes.
@GeorgiaP670901 · Camped on Dec 18, 2022 at Campsite #2
We visited the Del Norte campground in December. Given how exposed the campsites are, I was worried it would be very windy but it was not an issue. We stayed at campsite 2 and while it had a nice view (not as nice as campsite 1 though), the tent site was quite slanted and we were sliding to the foot of our tent the whole night. This may have been a result of recent rains. The campsites aren't very private, though sites 3 and 4 offer a little more privacy as well as some shade from trees. Campsites 1 and 2 have no shade, so keep that in mind if you are visiting in the summer. The trail in was well-marked and offered some nice views. Overall, we enjoyed our trip but next time we would choose a different campsite.
@alexb6244786 · Camped on Nov 15, 2022 at Campsite #2
Wonderful boat ride over. Gorgeous views. Invigorating hikes. Unique and plentiful wildlife. Secluded beaches.
@CindyB677 · Camped on Dec 31, 2021 at Campsite #2
Such a beautiful campsite. Highly recommend a day hike down to Chinese Harbor if time allows!
@ValC367 · Camped on Nov 22, 2021 at Campsite #2
Loved it!
@ANDREWS701 · Camped on Mar 24, 2021 at Campsite #2
Del Norte is a beautiful little campsite with great evening views. The sites are small, and #4 is tree covered, but it's isolated and quiet. You're a little close to your neighbor, but hopefully, they're cool!
@BrendaF402 · Camped on Feb 18, 2021 at Campsite #2
Beautiful view and serenity. Though hike for beginners but we made it .
Will certainly go back .
Will certainly go back .
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