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.

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Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (431)

4.8 out of 5

5 star		83%
4 star		9%
3 star		3%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

@LauriR3388905 · Camped on Oct 19, 2025 at Campsite #12

I appreciated the Fox boxes for use the day we had to check out. We were able to kayak and not worry about our belongings.

@FaridKDF391975 · Camped on Oct 18, 2025 at Campsite #E

We love this park. Camping was nice, great weather, high 80s, more flies than usual, but overall great time. Remember to book ahead for camping!

@QyieishaM7E837 · Camped on Oct 15, 2025 at Campsite #4

We camped at site 4. There are no trees on the even camp sites that is shed and coverage on the odd sites. The site had a small amount of trash items from previous users. We arrived and noticed someone else property in the food box. The owners eventually returned to recover their items but it was inconvenient and delayed our set up. We booked the adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour (2.5-3hr on water) tour through Santa Barbara Adventure Co. The tour was great but on the expensive side for a kayaking tour. Our guide, Brad, was passionate and knowledgeable about the tour and the island. The ride over was smooth and boarding was an ease. We hiked to Potato Harbor, which was beyond worth it. Overall this was a great experience.

@AndrewB2067797 · Camped on Oct 15, 2025 at Campsite #14

Beautiful campground and a unique experience. Will definitely go back some day.

@BillM1281727 · Camped on Oct 13, 2025 at Campsite #24

We had site 24 on the upper loop. You have to deal with noise from all the kids at the group campgrounds, but this opens up to the canyon for a beautiful view and stargazing night. Water is easy. Pit toilets are not horrible. But it's a long walk back there so pack light.

@TessaM89B486CB · Camped on Oct 12, 2025 at Campsite #F

Santa Cruz Island always feels like a world away from regular, busy life on the mainland. The rangers and stewards of this land do an amazing job keeping it safe, beautiful and educational.

@JosephP4482456 · Camped on Oct 10, 2025 at Campsite #C

The campsite in the Upper Campground is very secluded and typically quiet, but if there is a rowdy group in one of the other group sites, the sound will carry. Theres only one tree in this site, so shade is limited, and you wouldnt be able to hang a hammock like you could in some other sites.

@ANDREWL5237889 · Camped on Oct 9, 2025 at Campsite #17

One of my favorite national parks. I wish the park service the best as they struggle with funding cuts, thank you for protecting this wild space.

@AdamT121661BD3 · Camped on Oct 7, 2025 at Campsite #21

Great campsite with access to potable water. Vaylt toilets werent the greatest, but cant expect much better from such a remote location. Rangers and all NPS staff were amazing.

@johnc3063297 · Camped on Oct 4, 2025 at Campsite #9

Thank you for the rangers for showing up with the shutdown going on. Park was looking excellent!!!

@DavidE7840041 · Camped on Oct 4, 2025 at Campsite #23

Great campground. Beautiful with abundant wildlife and nearby attractions. Good distance between sites. The upper campground is more beautiful, but will mean a little more walking to/from the beach.

@JohnB8383631 · Camped on Oct 3, 2025 at Campsite #19

Beautiful campsite! Beautiful island!

@NikkiC18C41929 · Camped on Oct 3, 2025 at Campsite #22

Amazing. Don't let the hike to the campground deter you, it's really easy. We saw plenty of people carting small coolers and even babies but also was wonderfully quiet with everyone enjoying the island. The waters, hikes, foxes, even the boat ride over, so awesome and worth it.

@SandraP9D6228A · Camped on Sep 20, 2025 at Campsite #17

Stellar, truly off the grid experience

@JoanneF03F14D2 · Camped on Sep 15, 2025 at Campsite #15

Beautiful island and campground. So much to explore and see and the kayak trip was amazing

@AlisonG87097BE · Camped on Sep 5, 2025 at Campsite #24

Wonderful campsite and beautiful island! 100% recommend!

@SusanneF029D02 · Camped on Sep 4, 2025 at Campsite #4

Make sure to cross check if there is room on the boat and space at the campground for the times you need. When I booked, I know the campground was booked full, but 1/4 of the sites empty. I assume they didn't realize the boat fills up with day trip folks. There is water at this campground. (Prisoners is the one you have to byo)Fox, crows and blue jays will get into your stuff if you don't put it ALL in the animal proof boxes at each site. I saw socks and dental floss picks scattered around the site from someone that didn't put them away.

@AnnaG4813831 · Camped on Sep 3, 2025 at Campsite #2

Great primitive camping with clean pit toilets and convenient water spigots. Theres no lighting in the area, so be sure to bring flashlights, fairy lights, or headlamps. The campground is in a eucalyptus grove, and we didn't see any mosquitoes or other biting insects (camped in September). Group sites are set a bit apart, and even with a group of teenagers nearby, we heard no noise. Be aware of birds and foxes. When the ranger tells you to keep food within arm's reach, please take it seriously. Foxes are not aggressive, just persistent; one even lingered after I pointed a flashlight at it.

@ToddC4002059 · Camped on Sep 2, 2025 at Campsite #7

Lower Scorpion Camp was about what I expected. . sites were mostly occupied. Most campers were respectful of quiet hours. Always a bit of wind, which I dont mind on a warm summer afternoon; unfortunately there are restrooms on either side of camp. There is always that smell, wafting through camp. Now on the upside. Solitude, beautiful vistas,wildlife is all a few minutes out of camp. Favorite hike and destination was smugglers cove. Its a nice seven or eight mile hike round trip, depending on which route you take.. take a lunch and spend the afternoon over there..

@IrinaK19364839 · Camped on Sep 1, 2025 at Campsite #15

Great place to visit. The kayaking tour to the caves was our highlight.

@jenniferj83104 · Camped on Aug 29, 2025 at Campsite #21

We didn't love the camping here. There was no enforcement of rules. There is a group site right next to this campsite, though not shown on map, where the kayak outfitter folks live. I would not camp here again if you're looking for peace in nature. Island is amazing though! Visit for the day!

@LuisC6974195 · Camped on Aug 28, 2025 at Campsite #D

Nice location shaded, water and toilets close by your camping spot. Plenty room for your tent(s). Watch for island foxes! the will chase your food!

@MichaelH990269 · Camped on Aug 27, 2025 at Campsite #18

Lovely campground in the eucalyptus trees. Boxes provided to store food away from the cute but mischievous foxes. Bathrooms clean, drop toilets. We had a great time.

@BeckyJ3884663 · Camped on Aug 27, 2025 at Campsite #10

Wonderful campground with tasty water and simple pit toilets. There are some trees for a bit of shade. Lots of great hiking options.

@EricS9323236 · Camped on Aug 26, 2025 at Campsite #10

Great and quiet!

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Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map