17
Channel Islands National Park › California
› Ventura County
› Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground
› Campsite #17
Campsite #17 at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA
$15
Tent Site #17
| Walk-In | 6 people |
| 0 | weak |
3/5
4/13
Campsite #17 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site, No Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (21)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 90% |
| 4 star | | 0% |
| 3 star | | 10% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@ANDREWL5237889 · Camped on Oct 9, 2025 at Campsite #17
One of my favorite national parks. I wish the park service the best as they struggle with funding cuts, thank you for protecting this wild space.
@SandraP9D6228A · Camped on Sep 20, 2025 at Campsite #17
Stellar, truly off the grid experience
@JONATHANF46559 · Camped on Dec 5, 2024 at Campsite #17
I really enjoyed my time camping at Scorpion Cove. I think the park rangers go above and beyond to make the off-grid camp site a great base camp to explore Santa Cruz Island!
@VERONICAD7C23A · Camped on Jul 25, 2024 at Campsite #17
This is my favorite campground of all and each time I go I have renewed appreciation. It is remote yet accessible, the amenities are sufficient. And the beach and snorkeling are top notch. Great hiking as well!
@MaxT9558852 · Camped on May 18, 2024 at Campsite #17
One of the best sites in the Scorpion Area. You're tucked up against some large bushes so there's no one behind you, and the campsites in front of you are like 40 yards away. Of note, the sites in the lower area of Scorpion tend to be shadier, more secluded, and just generally better than the open field of the upper campground. Dope spot. Highly recommended.
@DumeniMa2708C6 · Camped on Oct 26, 2023 at Campsite #17
Site is great, sadly generator hours are not enforced. Bring earplugs to sleep.
@EmilyZ8940199 · Camped on Jun 28, 2022 at Campsite #17
We LOVE SCI! The island is very busy with daytrippers, though. It's not so bad, but they do like to walk right through your camp so they can take photos of the island foxes. They love to take pictures with picnic tables, camp chairs and tents in the background:) The kayak guides who take the day trippers out onto the sea in kayaks have the right of way and they let you know it! Every day we were "in their way" apparently caves are one way and if you're swimming, you are second class So the island is great, the Chumash people who inhabited the island for thousands of years, you can feel their presence, and the kayak guides are awesome, I bet, if you get a guided tour with them.We love the rangers, they are great! All in all, go to scorpion bay, stay for a few days, have a blast:)
@ThomasHAFD45B4 · Camped on Jun 14, 2022 at Campsite #17
Great campground with water and clean composting bathrooms. Plenty of shade from the sun. Quiet hours were followed. Fox boxes kept our food safe.
@SarahJ1100865 · Camped on Mar 17, 2022 at Campsite #17
What an incredible few days on such a fascinating island. We did 34 miles for my partners 34th birthday, and this place did not disappoint. Potato Harbor, Smugglers Cove, and Montagnon Peak are a must see. Expect some moderate to challenging hikes once you start heading through the middle of the island towards Prisoners. The biggest challenge is knowing how much water to bring - there is no more potable water outside of Scorpion. The campground was nestled in a little valley with tall shade trees and tons of foxes everywhere. Every bathroom I went in was in such great condition. I recommend bringing binoculars, lots of sunscreen, and a windbreaker. Cant wait to come back!
@DineshWD8CC223 · Camped on Dec 29, 2021 at Campsite #17
Loved it. So beautiful.
@DineshW981 · Camped on Dec 29, 2021 at Campsite #17
Loved it. So beautiful.
@ZONDRAK409 · Camped on Dec 5, 2021 at Campsite #17
This experience was top knot. We had a very pleasant boat ride over to the island with Island Packers. The ranger explained everything when we got to the island and it was a very well laid out campground. Water was near and the pit toilets were well maintained by Ranger Sam. He was very informative about the islands, the island foxes - who act more like a cat than a fox and they are very cute. But you have to keep an eye on your food if you leave it out, because they show up to help you eat it. The birds here are amazing. It was a great 2 night stay and we look forward to seeing one of the other islands on a return trip. The hiking trails were excellent as well. Beautiful sights even though there was some cloudiness. Loved it - well worth the money and the time.
@ZONDRAK3AB67B0 · Camped on Dec 5, 2021 at Campsite #17
This experience was top knot. We had a very pleasant boat ride over to the island with Island Packers. The ranger explained everything when we got to the island and it was a very well laid out campground. Water was near and the pit toilets were well maintained by Ranger Sam. He was very informative about the islands, the island foxes - who act more like a cat than a fox and they are very cute. But you have to keep an eye on your food if you leave it out, because they show up to help you eat it. The birds here are amazing. It was a great 2 night stay and we look forward to seeing one of the other islands on a return trip. The hiking trails were excellent as well. Beautiful sights even though there was some cloudiness. Loved it - well worth the money and the time.
@NatalieC716174 · Camped on Sep 27, 2021 at Campsite #17
We really enjoyed our camping experience at Santa Cruz Scorpion. The campsite are very nice and there is plentiful water available near the sites which was an unexpected surprise. The camp sites are large and easily accessible from the docking area. There is also lots of shade at every camp site.
@NatalieC841 · Camped on Sep 27, 2021 at Campsite #17
We really enjoyed our camping experience at Santa Cruz Scorpion. The campsite are very nice and there is plentiful water available near the sites which was an unexpected surprise. The camp sites are large and easily accessible from the docking area. There is also lots of shade at every camp site.
@HongY424 · Camped on Sep 26, 2021 at Campsite #17
Spacious campground with well maintained restrooms. Foxs are so cute!
@HongY6D9D46E6C · Camped on Sep 26, 2021 at Campsite #17
Spacious campground with well maintained restrooms. Foxs are so cute!
@NatalieH145874 · Camped on Mar 19, 2021 at Campsite #17
Wonderful experience overall, but reserve your ferry far in advance! We were stressing trying to find a spot on the right boat as they were running at half capacity. Luckily we made it.
@NatalieH226 · Camped on Mar 19, 2021 at Campsite #17
Wonderful experience overall, but reserve your ferry far in advance! We were stressing trying to find a spot on the right boat as they were running at half capacity. Luckily we made it.
@RosalieCA9AB91 · Camped on Dec 27, 2019 at Campsite #17
Camping here was awesome! Only stayed for a night but everything was clear about getting to the island and whats required when staying. More signs around the island would be nice but overall, things are explained very well by the ranger once you get to the island. Hikes were amazing. Cant wait to come back.
@KimberlyF17054 · Camped on Aug 12, 2019 at Campsite #17
Such a fantastic trip with our 5 kids. Loved the boat ride over. Watching the curious little Fox was a ton of fun. Did lots of hiking and the highlight was using the kayak to go through all the caves.
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