Campsite #23 at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

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$15

Tent Site #23

18 reviews

Walk-In	6 people
0	fair

5/10

8/7

Campsite #23 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site, No Pets Allowed

Campsite Reviews (18)

5.0 out of 5

5 star		78%
4 star		22%
3 star		0%
2 star		0%
1 star		0%

@DavidC2858387 · Camped on Feb 10, 2025 at Campsite #23

All time gorgeous campground. Ranger Alex was friendly and very helpful with weather/boat logistics. A+ experience.

@RachelR8534803 · Camped on Jan 27, 2025 at Campsite #23

Upper 023 was lovely! Separated from most of the busy dayhike trails, but will note that it is right where one trail enters the campground so there's still a small amount of foot traffic.The massive trees are beautiful and provide shade when you need it. Potable water and pit toilets are within reasonable distance. Bear proof food lockers are great for storing both food and other belongings.There are camper lockers by the pier to store things after check-out while waiting for the ferry.

@LisaR8773346 · Camped on Jan 18, 2025 at Campsite #23

Stayed in the upper campground for one night after backpacking from Del Norte Camp. The upper campground is mostly for groups but there are a few singles. Loved staying there. The groups around us were a little gregarious as you might expect but the campground got quiet early and we loved being at the edge of un-spoiled nature. Keep your stuff in the provided lockers as the Island Foxes and Scrub Jays were diligent about looking for "goodies".

@KathleenL99212 · Camped on Oct 22, 2024 at Campsite #23

#23 is the closest to the trailhead if arriving from Prisoners/Del Norte, and was definitely a welcome site after that hike. There were no groups present when I was there, so the upper sites were very isolated and quiet. Had a few island foxes milling around. A very quick ~mile to the beach from the furthest campsite. Upper & Lower have similar views/conditions but upper sites seem quieter and further apart, would highly recommend those sites despite the slightly further distance from the pier.

@PeterP6271166 · Camped on May 8, 2024 at Campsite #23

Great experience! Arrived Wed morning, left late Friday. Danny and the rest of the Island Packers crew, as well as the Park Rangers, were awesome. Loved the solitude of the hikes. Saw only one couple on a hike to view sunset at Potato Harbor and saw no one on our hike to Smugglers Cove and Yellowbanks, then looping back. However, Cavern Point loop hike was quite busy, probably due to the day guests.. Beautiful scenery everywhere. Surprised by and immensely enjoyed the diverse ecosystems. Great to see the cute island fox, multitude of birds at Smugglers Cove and lots of dolphins on the return boat trip. Lucked out - weather was perfect!

@SarahT3094084 · Camped on Apr 20, 2024 at Campsite #23

Incredible experience; hikes were fairly well-marked, views were spectacular. Pit-toilets were well stocked in the campground. Trees at the campsites seemed to support hammocks (though our party did not use). No fires allowed. Foxes in fact did try to steal our food.

@PaulP7190708 · Camped on Mar 12, 2024 at Campsite #23

Great place to get away from the crows and have quite time/great views.

@ThomasB3452376 · Camped on Nov 18, 2023 at Campsite #23

Scorpion Island campground is well kept and easily accessible from the boat ramp. Be prepared to stay longer than you plan, as winds extended our trip an extra night.

@MatthewM156652 · Camped on Oct 17, 2023 at Campsite #23

Santa Cruz really is a paradise. Marine wildlife, island flora and fauna, caves, cliffs, ocean views. The hiking is fantastic and, if you are up for it, do yourself a favor and hike up to Montaan Ridge. Bring plenty of water, but the views are the absolute best on the eastern part of Santa Cruz.

@IanIFAAC6DCCCE · Camped on Jun 21, 2023 at Campsite #23

The most beautiful experience on a paradise-like island.

@Alexandra58759 · Camped on Jun 17, 2023 at Campsite #23

The most amazing place in the world. The rangers are super nice. Do the junior ranger book even if you are not a kid!

@MicahB4712483 · Camped on May 6, 2023 at Campsite #23

Great campsites! Foxes were cute

@BrittanyR650 · Camped on Nov 24, 2021 at Campsite #23

One of my most favorite trips to date! Our site was spacious and the fox box was in great shape.

@NeilM141 · Camped on Oct 20, 2021 at Campsite #23

Great hiking, fantastic trails, beautiful views, and a fun boat ride over. My only complaint was - the Scorpion Upper Campground was VERY loud. I had selected the Upper Sites area because there were far fewer sites up there and it was furthest from the boat dock / harbor area. But unfortunately for me, the entire Upper Campground was filled with 5th graders enjoying a week on the island. The kids didn't do anything bad, but they were very loud. It was not pleasant to be in this beautiful setting, only to have it be so loud that the serenity was totally destroyed. Personally, I think the website should do a better job of warning folks that 5th grade school trips happen during the month of October and be aware that it will be loud.

@ThaiT864 · Camped on Oct 18, 2021 at Campsite #23

we visited Santa Cruz scorpion and prisoner in mid October.site 23 It was super windy. Love that the site is clean with water and bathroom close by. The trees were too big to hang our hammock. Would return again.

@KeithG855 · Camped on Sep 29, 2021 at Campsite #23

Clean campgrounds. Fair distance apart from other campsites. Close to facilities such as the latrine and potable water. Overall good experience.

@AvisP508 · Camped on May 12, 2021 at Campsite #23

Beautiful campground. I liked smelling the eucalyptus trees.

@LinaS229 · Camped on Apr 15, 2021 at Campsite #23

Best camping place is number 23.
The island is love! The rangers, the boats, the kayaks, nature – everything is so adorable. Thank you!

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Campsite #23 at Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground, Channel Islands National Park, CA

Tent Site #23

Campsite Reviews (18)

5.0 out of 5

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