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Channel Islands National Park › California
› Ventura County
› Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground
› Campsite #11
Campsite #11 at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA
$15
Tent Site #11
| Walk-In | 6 people |
| 0 | weak |
9/28
10/15
Campsite #11 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site, No Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (10)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 80% |
| 4 star | | 10% |
| 3 star | | 0% |
| 2 star | | 10% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@SarahY2667088 · Camped on Aug 3, 2025 at Campsite #11
Deeply wonderful. We had two 5 year olds, a 9 year old, two 16 year olds, and four 40-somethings, and everyone was happy between hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and just wandering around exploring. It's so lovely to feel safe to let even the little kids wander on their own near the campgrounds and visitor's center. Having pit toilets and potable water both easily accessed made everything super relaxed. Rangers and volunteer guides were friendly and helpful.
@SummerS6EB32A1 · Camped on Jun 1, 2025 at Campsite #11
We had site #11 which is tucked away in the back of the lower loop. Site #11 is the most privacy you're going to get because it backs up to an empty creek, whereas all the other sites are pretty much out in the open, and the sites are tight with very little shade or privacy. Spigots are around for clean drinkable water. Upon arrival, please be warned that you will need to carry all of your belongings to the campsite. It says 1/4 mile walk which doesn't sound bad, but it's not a nice walk! You walk through sand, through gravelly dirt, through wood chips, and more dirt/sticks/rocks. If you have a physical disability like myself, ask a ranger for a ride on their golf carts to get to your site. I didn't know this was an option until I asked at the end of the trip. The bathrooms at this campsite (and Channel Islands as a whole) were unacceptable throughout our stay. Pit toilets were nearly overflowing with HUNDREDS of flies swarming you as you attempted to use it. Weeks old fly traps, too. Horrible experience with that. NPS needs to clean the pit toilets, or be prepared for people to go in the forest because the condition of the toilets was unacceptable.
@ZivB23F014EDCC · Camped on Feb 7, 2025 at Campsite #11
Very special location. Campsite was well maintained and very convenient with picnic tables and large lockers that fit several backpacks. Rangers were friendly and helpful.
@MegC5317555 · Camped on Apr 21, 2024 at Campsite #11
Fantastic campsite, two water spigots for convenient access and large fox boxes for food storage - we ended up storing our packs too. Great access to all of the east Santa Cruz trails, Smugglers Cove is a must-hike. Stayed one night each at 11 and 14 , wonderfully secluded sites.
@NicholasTB75B3 · Camped on Feb 25, 2024 at Campsite #11
Staff were super friendly, would suggest booking early for the snorkel or kayak sessions
@Christine30365 · Camped on Sep 8, 2023 at Campsite #11
We had a great 2 nights in Santa Cruz wish we stayed 3 nights to get in more hiking. The wind really picked up one night, but the trees helped as wind break. Our site, 11, was great only 1 close neighbor. Island foxes everywhere, even in our tent once! The trek to the campground isnt too bad, but with little kids it felt like a long schlep. Wagon wouldve really helped. What else? The rangers are awesome. Lots of ranger programs for the family.
@WilliamD106 · Camped on Oct 27, 2021 at Campsite #11
Campsites are great. Shade is nice, water works, pit toilets are nice-ish for pit toilets. In the middle of everything, and just an incredible place. Campground was noticeably less windy than the surrounding area.
Just take down those massive eucalyptus trees and let's get something native that's good for the island ecology!
Just take down those massive eucalyptus trees and let's get something native that's good for the island ecology!
@AlfredB469 · Camped on Sep 2, 2021 at Campsite #11
Did the hike across from del Norte to scorpion after camping. Beautiful and rugged. Do a kayak tour with Jared!
@HenrikW443 · Camped on Apr 15, 2021 at Campsite #11
It's great.
@HallieB694 · Camped on Mar 29, 2021 at Campsite #11
Scorpion Campground was incredible. We had site 11 which had lovely dappled sunlight and views in two directions. We loved spending 4 nights there and really experiencing Santa Cruz Island. The weather was amazing. The first night got incredibly windy but it wasn't cold. The foxes were always around as well as the Ravens eyeing our food. Best to put everything away. We think a fox chewed up a t-shirt. We did a kayak tour of the caves which was phenomenal, hiked to Smugglers Beach which was magical, and loved our walks up to Cavern Point. The campground was a great place for frisbee golf. We also brought our stand up paddle board for fun in the cove. Loved every minute of it!!!!
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