Channel Islands National Park$15
Santa Cruz Scorpion
Total sites: 31
Available Tonight: 0
Available this Weekend: 1
Booking Window: 6 months
Available Tonight: 0
Available this Weekend: 1
Booking Window: 6 months
20 ft
64°F
61°F
61°F
no signal
Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map
Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground is part of Channel Islands National Park in California (about 23 miles from Oxnard, CA) with an elevation of 20 feet. There are a total of 31 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. Fees range from $15.00 to $40.00. Some amenities include drinking water, swimming, restroom, water sports rental. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)
Campsite Reviews (685)
4.8 out of 5
| 5 star | 83% | |
| 4 star | 9% | |
| 3 star | 3% | |
| 2 star | 1% | |
| 1 star | 1% |
@ShannonS994874 · Camped on Mar 6, 2026 at Campsite #11
This trip was one of my favorite camping/national parks experiences Ive ever had. The boat ride over was amazing, island packers provided a top service experience, the rangers were super friendly and helpful, the campground was lovely and all the hiking on the island was dreamy, varied and full of cutie island foxes. Such an amazing and unique experience, would go back in a heartbeat.
@DavidE7840041 · Camped on Mar 1, 2026 at Campsite #11
Great campground in a great spot
@KarenM8822647 · Camped on Mar 1, 2026 at Campsite #20
well organized, anticipated lighting needs in restroom with solar lights (civilized!). Ranger was calm and knowledgeable when giving us info about changes in schedule due to Gale Force winds, very appreciated. Trails were signposted and kept well. Campsite was great. we made sure to cancel our camp site when we heard the boat was canceled; it would be great if any cancellation of either boats or campsites could trigger communication with each other, and confirm both are cancelled (for campers only).
@LucyPD7C315346 · Camped on Feb 23, 2026 at Campsite #23
This place is so awesome! So many trails to hike too!
@ShelleyP651318 · Camped on Feb 12, 2026 at Campsite #1
This island is beautiful, camping is unique and the rangers are fabulous.
@PL89680DED2252 · Camped on Feb 8, 2026 at Campsite #24
Beautiful camp site in a beautiful location. Well maintained with easy access to all trails on the island. Ill be back!
No Service
@KathyP5276768 · Camped on Feb 2, 2026 at Campsite #11
Primitive camplng, but we loved the quiet beautiful night. We enjoyed the hikes and the kids got another Jr Ranger badge. What a great memory!
Major Issues
@KeeganPF2A1398 · Camped on Feb 1, 2026 at Campsite #25
Santa Cruz is such a special spot. Big thanks to everyone working to preserve Island. To any first-timers: bring your hiking shoes and explore as much as you can. Smugglers cove is a great first day outing fresh off the boat. The bluffs off cavern point trail are great for sunset. Oil well trail off scorpion loop is a cool spot to rest and see a rusty remnant of the islands turn of the century history.
@EvanGFF05D683B · Camped on Jan 31, 2026 at Campsite #10
A delightfully protected and beautiful campground. Being in this valley, the sounds from nearby sites travel easily, but all campers were, by and large, respectful of quiet hours. Potable water is, indeed, potable!Lots of great access to multiple hiking trails, and a short walk to the ferry dock. Plenty of island fox sightings, but they are generally pretty shy, but still a great idea to keep all your food/goods in your bear box. Bear boxes can accommodate a padlock for safe-keeping of items, too.
No Service
@PennyP2716444 · Camped on Jan 24, 2026 at Campsite #1
Scorpion campground and the campsite was beautiful. Unfortunately I fell returning from a hike to Potato Harbor on a washed out portion of the trail coming down and had to leave the island to go to ER. Be aware you truly are ON YOUR OWN here, regardless of your situation, condition or circumstances. I travel the national parks and this was the first time I have ever been injured, as well as the first time I have ever encountered a park ranger who was less than extraordinarily helpful. A very heartbreaking experience.
Some Coverage
@lauram1165586 · Camped on Jan 20, 2026 at Campsite #14
Beautiful campsite! Very peaceful and quiet. The island fox are fun to watch, but they are looking for food- definitely use the "Fox boxes."
Some Coverage
@TimothyD312193 · Camped on Jan 5, 2026 at Campsite #18
Pleasant campground. Great hiking opportunities. Prepared for rain and mud: glad to have both boots and camp shoes as advised and only had light overnight showers. Good to be self-sufficient though ranger support was available and prepared for an extra night if water conditions lead to a boat cancellation. Our experience could not have been better with excellent weather and calm waters. The online information about the islands was very helpful in planning for our trip.Do be mindful of the foxes. Keep the storage box closed unless you are right there. I briefly turned my back and one dashed into the box to grab our food back. He quickly dropped it when I reacted but it was a good lesson for me. They are wonderful to see, just respect their stealth quickness.
No Service
@KeenuMACCF6BDB · Camped on Jan 1, 2026 at Campsite #2
One of the best campsites I've ever camped at, highly recommend
No Service
@EricC9781985 · Camped on Dec 28, 2025 at Campsite #24
The park rangers were extremely helpful, ensuring that we enjoyed our stay.
No Service
@SamuelC4310088 · Camped on Dec 27, 2025 at Campsite #4
Rangers were great accommodations were simple to confirm and easier to get and that is all before even mentioning the park.
@MitchellG43C84 · Camped on Dec 26, 2025 at Campsite #8
great campsite beautiful trails easy access. the facilities worked out great and made the experience enjoyable.
Major Issues
@JohnB25C9C5AB2 · Camped on Dec 19, 2025 at Campsite #14
We camped in late December and felt like we had the entire island to ourselves. The campground was only 25% full. A great experience.
No Service
@SiddharthA0463 · Camped on Dec 13, 2025 at Campsite #4
Wonderful campground, foxes come by early in the morning!No showers, but everything else very well maintained!
Major Issues
@RobNAA0943898D · Camped on Dec 7, 2025 at Campsite #18
Wonderful site, wonderful weather...helpful rangers. Great hikes every day though a more detailed trail map would be helpful. (I left a headlamp at site 018 and if found or turned in, I'd love to have it back!) Smugglers Cove z must as is Montanon Ridge...incredible. Swam in the ocean all 3 days I was there.
@RaisaSFA5C243E · Camped on Nov 26, 2025 at Campsite #5
Clean and well kept campsites. The day visitor restrooms are a lot cleaner than the ones on the campsite
Some Coverage
@ErinS5754026 · Camped on Nov 25, 2025 at Campsite #14
Great campsite that was slightly tucked away. The other sites were kinda on top of each other with minimal trees for privacy. Flat and big enough for two tents. Bathrooms were very clean. Lots of foxes!
No Service
@JacksonW480232 · Camped on Nov 24, 2025 at Campsite #19
It is a short walk from the boat, but there are great options for long walks from the camp.
@KaitlinDC65947 · Camped on Nov 2, 2025 at Campsite #7
Super great! Toilets had toilet paper and seat covers. Note that there is no hand washing station, just provided hand sanitizer. There is drinking water. There is an outfitter on the island that rents out snorkeling gear.
Major Issues
@LauraD1350391 · Camped on Oct 31, 2025 at Campsite #4
Such an amazing experience and so well organized between ferry service, national park and the kayaking.
No Service
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