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Channel Islands National Park › California
› Ventura County
› Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground
› Campsite #3
Campsite #3 at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA
$15
Tent Site #3
| Walk-In | 6 people |
| 0 | weak |
3/7
3/8
Campsite #3 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site, No Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (20)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 95% |
| 4 star | | 0% |
| 3 star | | 5% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@ElizabethB5852 · Camped on Apr 20, 2025 at Campsite #3
Loved camping here, the sites were great and the bathrooms in good shape for being well used pit toilets!
No Service
@KristenC378064 · Camped on Apr 15, 2025 at Campsite #3
What an incredible place! The campground is beautiful and just a short walk from the pier and beach. We definitely want to come back!
@CindyJ8CC6D63A · Camped on Apr 8, 2025 at Campsite #3
Beautiful Island. Great hiking trails. Campsite was excellent but unfortunately our timing was such there was a large group of kids right next to us and kids are kids but by 8pm they were in their tents and quiet.
@DavidS3927304 · Camped on Apr 28, 2024 at Campsite #3
Campground is well protected from the winds and has easy access to water and vault toilets. Some campsites have little shade but site 3 is well shaded. The walk from the boat is short with no elevation change. I definitely had a great time but its probably highly dependent on the weather you get! I stayed 2 nights and saw everything to see in this part of Santa Cruz island
No Service
@AlexA9725662 · Camped on Nov 22, 2023 at Campsite #3
Great experience, hope to be back soon!
@DanielleJ33186 · Camped on Apr 28, 2023 at Campsite #3
Too much fun, highly recommend camping a night to enjoy the island fully… The foxes are too cuteeee…
@DanielleJ33186 · Camped on Apr 28, 2023 at Campsite #3
Too much fun, highly recommend camping a night to enjoy the island fully The foxes are too cuteeee
@KatrinaL468876 · Camped on Apr 22, 2023 at Campsite #3
This is the second time my daughter (8) and I have camped out on Santa Cruz Island but it will definitely won't be the last. We LOVE this place! The campground is beautiful with ravens and Island foxes wandering around, and great trees for stringing your hammock which you will want to relax in after a day of hiking. We did the scorpion loop trail this time, which is about 4.4 miles, and some other smaller hikes on the second day. It is a little challenging for a child, but the good news is that once you reach the halfway point it is all flat and downhill and my daughter ultimately loved it! The visitors' center is just the right size to pop in for a bit and learn about the island. We camp a lot and this is one of our top spots. Just remember to bring extra food since there isn't anywhere to get food here and you may be more hungry than you think after all the walking and hiking (I made this mistake and ended up eating trail mix for lunch before getting on the boat home).
Some Coverage
@Jacquelin75264 · Camped on Mar 28, 2023 at Campsite #3
The island was absolutely beautiful! Lot of wildflowers. Only rained at night and had a wonderful conversation with Mithra, the ranger on duty. She was so positive and helpful. Loved the visit!
Some Coverage
@KallieR4518554 · Camped on Mar 20, 2023 at Campsite #3
Camping on the island is a dream, especially if it's not too busy and rains so bad that they cancel boats for the day. Downside you have to navigate the rain. We loved out site. Little fox coming and going all day long. Bathrooms were not bad especially the one that had the automatic freshener. Plenty of space. So quiet and peaceful.
Major Issues
@EdwinT9083923 · Camped on Apr 15, 2022 at Campsite #3
We brought a high profile tent but it was great even it was little windy. Plenty shade and protection from wind. We loved this site, near the water/not too far from toilet but not too close to it. It was very handy to bring the foldable cart with us. We did hiking, kayaking, viewing the beautiful sunset and magnificent full moon. Cute Island foxes everywhere. Park rangers are very friendly and helpful. Superb holiday! BTW, we stayed in April but we got bitten by mosquitos...
No Service
@HannaS3A99D9E2 · Camped on Mar 27, 2022 at Campsite #3
Such a beautiful trip! Cant wait to come back! The campsite was way closer than expected and very easy to get to!
Major Issues
@Jacquelin75264 · Camped on Mar 22, 2022 at Campsite #3
The weather was incredibly beautiful. Not too much wind and cool temps. Santa Cruz Island was beautiful with lots of wildflowers. Foxes and ravens are aways entertaining. Lots of hiking and pho ops. Had a great trip and can't wait to go back! Jackie G.
Some Coverage
@DrewC3714854 · Camped on Oct 28, 2021 at Campsite #3
The drive to privatize access to the outdoor experience for the general public is time consuming and a bit awkward. I did appreciate the phone access and help I received from the park service. Island Packers where also very helpful and professional. The pervasive trend towards trash, including micro trash at the camp spots is a bummer. The kayaking concessionaire had equipment and gear spread out on the beach in the same area that "private" Kayakers were supposed to put there gear. When we first saw the beach after a heavy rain and wind storm it looked like some catastrophe had occurred, but over the next 3 days it was apparent this is the norm. When waiting for the outbound ferry my gear was rifled through out of one of the metal boxes. I realize that there is not much the Park Service can do about the general publics decline of mores but maybe some reminders about trash and personal respect of others gear may help spark some positive response. I did interact with many positive and helpful park staff, volunteers, and park visitors. Thank you for the experience.
Some Coverage
@Andym2723036 · Camped on Oct 22, 2021 at Campsite #3
The island was incredible. Watch out for those foxes though, they will poop and pee all over your stuff to show you who owns the place.
Major Issues
@NatalieL961 · Camped on Apr 21, 2021 at Campsite #3
We loved it! As first time backpackers this campsite was ideal. We stayed at site #003 which was perfectly sheltered from the winds that come at night. Good bathrooms with fully stocked hand sanitizer, close to all the trailheads, easy access to the water spigot. All the campers were courteous. Those island foxes are everywhere. Immediately upon arriving at the site, a fox came along to inspect our gear and even jumped up on the table while we were sitting there.
No Service
@JacquelineG419 · Camped on Mar 23, 2021 at Campsite #3
Two beautiful nights on Santa Cruz Island! Hiking was great. It was pretty windy when we arrived but the next day was perfect. My daughter and I always have such a good time on the island. It gives us some very special time together without the distractions of civilization.
Some Coverage
@SusanH8664991 · Camped on Oct 14, 2019 at Campsite #3
The crew of the ferry over was super, the ride comfortable, and the Ranger and recreational staff at the Cove were really great. We ordered food from Channel Islands Provioners was FANTASTIC. Great customer service, high quality and tasty food, with generous portions. We hiked most of the trails, which were lovely with beautiful views, and the highlight of the trip was kayaking through the various caves. We learned a lot about the history of the Island and area, and it helped that I read Diary of a Sea Captain's Wife before the trip so that I knew more about the people who had lived there and developed the Island. I can't wait to visit again after the new pier is installed. The selection of books and gift items in the National Park office in the Ventura marina was excellent. Great trip, highly recommended!
Some Coverage
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