2
Channel Islands National Park › California
› Ventura County
› Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground
› Campsite #2
Campsite #2 at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA
$15
Tent Site #2
| Walk-In | 6 people |
| 0 | weak |
8/7
Campsite #2 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site, No Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (17)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 82% |
| 4 star | | 18% |
| 3 star | | 0% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@GeraldS3169904 · Camped on Oct 21, 2024 at Campsite #2
Santa Cruz Island is beautiful and has a fascinating history. Seeing the foxes as well as all the birds was really cool and kayaking in the sea caves was awesome.
@WhitneyD372659 · Camped on Jun 29, 2024 at Campsite #2
Its a remote camping experience but beautiful countryside and decent amenities
@GregoryD246439 · Camped on Nov 22, 2023 at Campsite #2
Pretty standard NPS campground. Most sites are located in a large open space with little to no demarcation/privacy between sites. Stayed at site #2, which is one of the few that is away from the mess of other campers. Try to secure one of the sites on the south side of the path of the best sites. Fine stay. Island foxes are ubiquitous.
@TimW5397967 · Camped on Nov 21, 2023 at Campsite #2
Overall good experience
@LorraineB28049 · Camped on Nov 15, 2023 at Campsite #2
Great experience. Felt very isolated despite being at an established campground - like backpacking with a few extra conveniences. Just a short walk to the pier. Site 2 was the best, with a little tree coverage and the smell of eucalyptus trees.
@SteveN82C23E0C · Camped on Sep 6, 2023 at Campsite #2
Great island getaway. Highly recommend the kayak tours, and an extra thanks to Chuck for pulling me out of the water.
@AllisonS114048 · Camped on Jun 20, 2023 at Campsite #2
One of my favorite National parks for sure!!
@MarkM2223984 · Camped on Jun 17, 2023 at Campsite #2
2 is the best and most private site in the lower loop.
@WilsonS6124952 · Camped on Apr 16, 2023 at Campsite #2
My husband and I camped on Santa Cruz Island for 2 nights on 4/17 and 4/18. We camped at the Scorpion campground in lot #2. We loved our lot as it was peaceful and a bit tucked away from the other campers. We also had a gorgeous view from our site of the side of the mountain. It was beautiful but a bit chilly and with the breeze it was very cold after the sun went down so if you come in April be prepared with some warm clothing. We hiked up to Potato Cove and we were rewarded with beautiful shoreline views! We did the sea cave kayaking with Adventure Kayaks and it was an amazing excursion. We absolutely loved our time on the Island. Also on the Island Packers ferry on the way out to the Island we were able to see humpback whales very close to the boat that were quite active. That was a real treat!
@KimberlyG831 · Camped on Jan 5, 2022 at Campsite #2
Unbelievable experience. Perfect weather, very few people. Absolutely gorgeous. Campsite had everything I needed. Restrooms were clean. Hiking was a great adventure!
@AnneB245 · Camped on Dec 28, 2021 at Campsite #2
We hiked across the island and I would suggest it to anyone visiting. You just can't experience the island fully without getting into the mountains!
@BradleyD806 · Camped on Dec 8, 2021 at Campsite #2
Hiked in from Del Norte backcountry campsite/Prisoners Cove. Scorpion Ranch was beautiful. The off season is definitely where its at. Me and my buddy were the only humans there for hours until a volunteer ranger showed up via massive Ocean NSP ranger boat (SICK!).
The Foxes and Ravens aren’t afraid of getting all up in your business so make sure to put EVERYTHING in the bear canisters before heading out to check the coast out. Also, don’t spill boiling hot ramen all over yourself. Will lead to slight burns on your thighs and then the foxes will not leave your site alone the rest of the night.
Campground was very clean as were the toilets. People said the water tasted funny so bring Nuun tablets to counter act that.
The Foxes and Ravens aren’t afraid of getting all up in your business so make sure to put EVERYTHING in the bear canisters before heading out to check the coast out. Also, don’t spill boiling hot ramen all over yourself. Will lead to slight burns on your thighs and then the foxes will not leave your site alone the rest of the night.
Campground was very clean as were the toilets. People said the water tasted funny so bring Nuun tablets to counter act that.
@JeromeG541 · Camped on Aug 22, 2021 at Campsite #2
I love this spot. Plenty of space, well-maintained. The only weird thing is my second night, at around 1am, I was awakened by the sound of a motorized vehicle and what sounded like someone revving it and a female and a male voice yelling “stop!” Kinda unexpected for a place that’s usually dead silent at night except for the wind and waves. Oh well, it was still a great experience.
@FranciscoS463 · Camped on Jun 6, 2021 at Campsite #2
Great place for an adventurous family trip. Camp sites are awesome, some don't have the best shade so look for sites on the left side of the camp area. Those seem to have the best shade. And make sure to kayak and check out the seas caves SAFELY!
@CorinaS253 · Camped on May 14, 2021 at Campsite #2
Really nice shaded camp ground. There’s a pan stuck to the picnic table bench which is a bit annoying. But good campsite & facilites over all.
@JasonG809 · Camped on May 4, 2021 at Campsite #2
Camped on the island for one night, went kayaking the next morning; which was awesome. Will for sure try to camp on the island again some day soon.
@RichardM834 · Camped on Mar 21, 2021 at Campsite #2
Fantastic hidden gem! We stayed in the lower loop campground and I could not have been happier with our experience. The facilities are very well kept, the rangers are very nice and very informative, the setting is absolutely gorgeous and I just cannot say enough good things about Santa Cruz Island. I am so happy I got to spend my spring break here and I am already anxious to come back. I didn't get a chance to go kayaking, but I can vouch that the hiking is fantastic and definitely worth your time regardless of your individual skill level. Don't miss this one!!
Also, wwhile I did love my experience and I strongly recommend it, I will put out some tips I learned while out there to hopefully help out anyone reading this: 1) the winds are FEARSOME. Bring very strong tent stakes if you want to have peace of mind that your tent isn't going to blow away, and note that your stoves will burn a LOT more fuel than usual under these high-wind conditions so load up on gas when you come here (bonus tip: bring earplugs for the wind noise if you're a light sleeper like me). 2) Bring big water bottles. There are essentially no water sources on the island apart from those in camp so when you set out for the day be sure to have the ability to bring a lot of water with you, and you can probably leave the filters at home. 3) Bring a big pack of wet wipes with you, they will come in handy way more than you'd expect (of course also plan on packing them out). 4) While the bug population is quite low there are a fair number of spiders who make their home in the bathrooms, if you're an arachnophobe this is worth knowing. 5) The boat ride to the island can be quite rough, the way back isn't nearly as bad as it's down-swell, but bring Dramamine for the way there. Island Packers do a great job, their crew is super nice and they are sure to take care of those who start to feel sick, but still better to prevent it from happening in the first place. Hope this helps!
Also, wwhile I did love my experience and I strongly recommend it, I will put out some tips I learned while out there to hopefully help out anyone reading this: 1) the winds are FEARSOME. Bring very strong tent stakes if you want to have peace of mind that your tent isn't going to blow away, and note that your stoves will burn a LOT more fuel than usual under these high-wind conditions so load up on gas when you come here (bonus tip: bring earplugs for the wind noise if you're a light sleeper like me). 2) Bring big water bottles. There are essentially no water sources on the island apart from those in camp so when you set out for the day be sure to have the ability to bring a lot of water with you, and you can probably leave the filters at home. 3) Bring a big pack of wet wipes with you, they will come in handy way more than you'd expect (of course also plan on packing them out). 4) While the bug population is quite low there are a fair number of spiders who make their home in the bathrooms, if you're an arachnophobe this is worth knowing. 5) The boat ride to the island can be quite rough, the way back isn't nearly as bad as it's down-swell, but bring Dramamine for the way there. Island Packers do a great job, their crew is super nice and they are sure to take care of those who start to feel sick, but still better to prevent it from happening in the first place. Hope this helps!
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