Campsite #1 at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

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$15

Tent Site #1

19 reviews
Walk-In 6 people
0 weak
1
2/26
2/27
Campsite #1 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site, No Pets Allowed

Campsite Reviews (19)

5.0 out of 5

5 star
74%
4 star
21%
3 star
0%
2 star
5%
1 star
0%

@ShelleyP651318 · Camped on Feb 12, 2026 at Campsite #1
This island is beautiful, camping is unique and the rangers are fabulous.
@PennyP2716444 · Camped on Jan 24, 2026 at Campsite #1
Scorpion campground and the campsite was beautiful. Unfortunately I fell returning from a hike to Potato Harbor on a washed out portion of the trail coming down and had to leave the island to go to ER. Be aware you truly are ON YOUR OWN here, regardless of your situation, condition or circumstances. I travel the national parks and this was the first time I have ever been injured, as well as the first time I have ever encountered a park ranger who was less than extraordinarily helpful. A very heartbreaking experience.
AT&T
Some Coverage
@MarisaL8FC0A06 · Camped on Jul 3, 2025 at Campsite #1
What an incredible experience. A California native, I had heard of the Channel Islands but was never sure where they were or what they were all about. The easiest "backpacking" experience I can imagine, with 60 lbs. weight limit, running water (no showers or sinks, just a spigot) on the island, it was a short walk from the boat to the campgrounds. People were quiet (though those foxes were pretty sniffy around the tent in the night) and respectful. The hikes were well-curated and gorgeous - wish I'd been able to go for more than one night!As promised - foxes - hungry! Adorable.Ravens - giant! Vocal!Scrub jays - ... exist!Watch for the weird sticky brown tiny oval bugs... they'll climb on your pen while you're journaling and it'll be hard to get them off your things. ;) The rangers were incredible. This administration can **** it if they mess with locations like this.
Verizon
No Service
@JacobB1049072 · Camped on May 8, 2025 at Campsite #1
Incredible.
@KatrinaL468876 · Camped on Apr 16, 2025 at Campsite #1
This is the third time I have camped out at Scorpion cove on Santa Cruz Island. It is always amazing. We love to hike and then just hand out and enjoy nature. We saw a bunch of humpback and Minke whales on the way out and back which was a real treat.
AT&T
Major Issues
@SierraGB7CD429 · Camped on Jan 3, 2025 at Campsite #1
Nice and flat campsite. However, lots of people passing by during the day due to proximity to the trail and bathrooms.
T-Mobile
Major Issues
@Jennifer927428 · Camped on Nov 23, 2024 at Campsite #1
Loved this site! Right next to the bathrooms. There are little foxes there so make sure to store your food away.Amazing views! 10/10
@DianaKA913AF93 · Camped on May 25, 2024 at Campsite #1
Closest site to main path from harbor therefore didnt have to carry heavy backpacks and gear for that long after getting off boat. Close to pit toilet but cant smell it. Since bathroom is on main path its highly trafficked. The other bathroom tugged deep in campsite is cleaner. Site is shaded by trees but that comes with price of caterpillars falling every few minutes. Keep covers on your food! Would book site again if its available.
T-Mobile
No Service
@valentinaF25EE · Camped on Dec 23, 2023 at Campsite #1
Amazing place, is just gorgeous, so peaceful
@MariFA37E3B968 · Camped on Aug 6, 2023 at Campsite #1
Loved the campsites, which are well maintained. Liked that there weren't too many people/campers on Santa Cruz after the last ferry left
AT&T
Some Coverage
@JessicaB869322 · Camped on Jun 12, 2023 at Campsite #1
Absolutely fantastic experience! We saw foxes, dolphins, bald eagles, and a seal. The landscape is beautiful and varied between rolling hills and ocean. Worth the effort to reach the island and stay the night!
AT&T
Some Coverage
@NatalieT628023 · Camped on Mar 15, 2023 at Campsite #1
We got lucky with very few other campers and had a serene experience. Cant wait to go back!
T-Mobile
No Service
@TylerL2200457 · Camped on Nov 29, 2022 at Campsite #1
Our Santa Cruz experience was excellent. The campsite and vault toilets were clean and the park rangers were approachable and helpful. Remember to keep your gear tucked away in the boxes, the foxes are very mischievous!
Verizon
Major Issues
@NoahL9751754 · Camped on Jul 13, 2022 at Campsite #1
Well set up campground
AT&T
Some Coverage
@JulieS4767669 · Camped on Apr 18, 2022 at Campsite #1
My friends and I camped two nights at Scorpion Ranch and had an amazing experience! Hiking was superb, Park Rangers were super friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend 10/10!
Verizon
Major Issues
@BlakeS6182394 · Camped on Mar 29, 2022 at Campsite #1
Don't stay weekends unless you want loud neighbors...glad we only stayed Friday. Tue-Th we're nice and quiet. Some great views and nice hikes but the roads and trails are in pretty bad shape so watch your step.
AT&T
Some Coverage
@ReneeD3674863 · Camped on Feb 6, 2022 at Campsite #1
so beautiful. the hikes and views at the end are amazing! make sure all items are in fox box if your not around!
T-Mobile
Some Coverage
@LaraB775 · Camped on Jun 6, 2021 at Campsite #1
We stayed at the campsite #1 lower loop. It was a decent space and all the listed amenities were working. The campsites are right next to each other and 2 campsites away was a 30 person group. It felt more like a park/ picnic area rather than wilderness camping. Apart from that everyone was nice and obeyed quiet hours. We went hiking and had great views and great time.
P.S.: You have to be very vigilant of the foxes. They are cute and non threatening but they are out for food.
@SusanB820 · Camped on Apr 3, 2021 at Campsite #1
Beautiful location, amazingly clean pit toilets

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