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Channel Islands National Park › California
› Ventura County
› Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground
› Campsite #18
Campsite #18 at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA
$15
Tent Site #18
| Walk-In | 6 people |
| 0 | fair |
5/11
8/7
Campsite #18 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site, No Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (13)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 85% |
| 4 star | | 8% |
| 3 star | | 8% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@EvaRogerF7C27E · Camped on Mar 27, 2025 at Campsite #18
Campsite (18) was clean and located close to water and toilets. Ground was flat and firm, but not overly hard providing an excellent surface for setting up and staking tents.
@DianaWDDE13F93 · Camped on Aug 15, 2024 at Campsite #18
Campground was clean, trails were clean and well maintained. Had a great time kayaking in, around and through the caves. Saw a couple of seals, kit foxes and island blue jays.
@AnnieR1789884 · Camped on Jun 23, 2024 at Campsite #18
My best friend and I had the most fantastic trip on Santa Cruz Island! The hike into the site is pretty short, and very flat ground. You might even be bale to bring a wagon to cart your stuff to the site. (We saw many people do this but we weren't confident it was allowed beforehand) The campsites themselves are pretty spacious, but didn't seem to be all evenly sized. We stayed on site 18 and LOVED it! The area with the campsites got pretty windy so I would recommend brining some warmer layers for after sundown. The sites are also pretty shaded although they aren't all conducive to hammocking. The bathroom was a pit toilet and there were lots of flies/bugs in it but even if you're a bit squeamish you can do it! Also the bathrooms at the entry of the island near the ferry are cleaner/much less buggy. The hiking on Santa Cruz was AWESOME! On several of our hikes we didn't run into anyone else, so it felt like you were really secluded and on your own private island. Our favorite hike was to Smuggler's Cove and then to Yellowbanks. We had the beaches essentially to ourselves and it was a very doable moderate hike. I would suggest bringing at least 2 liters of water per person because there is no water on the island except at the campsite and the hikes have no shade (although there is shade at the Smuggler's Cove). I hope this was helpful and you have a fantastic trip!
@PaulS8803282 · Camped on Mar 30, 2024 at Campsite #18
The head ranger went out of his way to ensure the campers were doing well. From the detailed orientation, to answering lots of questions, to regularly coming through the campground to give updates on ferries, to offering food and tents to stranded campers. Cancelled ferries were unfortunate for those that couldn't make it to the island or were stuck there, but for my group (two) it meant no crowds and great solitude while hiking. The island was beautiful and the Scorpion Ranch area was well-maintained.
@KyleM6109393 · Camped on Mar 19, 2024 at Campsite #18
Amazing campground on an amazing island. Location was very central to all hiking trails. The facilities were clean and nearby. The walk from the dock was doable but I'm glad I brought my wagon. Overall it was an amazing trip! Highly recommend!
@TommyS8346623 · Camped on Mar 10, 2024 at Campsite #18
Everything was well maintained. Trails were clearly marked. Campsite bathrooms were remarkably clean.
@CecilyF14F3872 · Camped on May 23, 2023 at Campsite #18
The scenery is amazing. We enjoyed many day hikes right from our campground. The rangers are friendly and helpful.
@JosephB6747928 · Camped on Apr 30, 2023 at Campsite #18
Great quiet campground. Highly recommend
@MichaelW725874 · Camped on Apr 21, 2023 at Campsite #18
Nicely maintained.
@WilliamW222 · Camped on Dec 4, 2021 at Campsite #18
Great!
@JasmineC434 · Camped on Aug 12, 2021 at Campsite #18
We were in campsite #18 and the Scorpion campground is one of the flatest campgrounds I have experienced. The campsites are also spacious and well shaded in trees. The trees in the campsite were too big for my hammock but the sites closer to the entrance had more smaller trees. The bathrooms were pit toilets and were stinky on this side of the campground (seemed not to be emptied but cleaned every morning and no flies) but the bathrooms on the other side and near the dock are better (still not pleasant to use but better smelling). From our campsite, sometimes you can get whiffs of the bathroom when the door is opened and the wind is blowing in that direction. People were generally quiet after 10 pm but do get up early in the morning. Friday and weekends seemed to be more younger adults where as during the week was more families.
@LaurenT542 · Camped on Aug 6, 2021 at Campsite #18
Clean bathrooms, easy walk to the sites, amazing area, good hiking. We will be back!
@GeorgeS515 · Camped on Jul 14, 2021 at Campsite #18
The island is wonderful but the site is not very private. The bathrooms and campsite also smelled especially the western bathrooms in the lower campsite
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