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Santa Cruz Island Scorpion
NPSNational Park Service — ventura · California · Channel Islands National Park
| Agency | NPSNational Park Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Channel Islands National Park |
| Location | ventura · California · Channel Islands National Park · 34.04824, -119.56160 · Map |
| Sites | 31 public sites counted from the federal listing — 25 tent only nonelectric; 6 group tent only area nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 31 sites Water hookups at 0 of 31 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 31 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 31 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 12:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Beach accessDrinking waterRanger stationVault toiletsVisitor centerWater spigots |
| Phone | 805-658-5730 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-07-09.
From the official listing
Overview Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds.
The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world.
For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm . Recreation With its easy beach access and generally good weather, this area offers the most recreational activities in the park, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm . Facilities Primitive camping is available at Scorpion Canyon Campground with 25 individual sites which accommodate up to six persons per site; and six group sites with up to 15 persons per site. Picnic table, food storage box, pit toilet, and water are provided. The campground is a flat 1/2 mile to 1 mile hike from the pier. Access to the island is by Island Packers Cruises or by private boat. Natural Features The beach near the campground is a mix of sand and rocks, and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The campground is located in a valley with a mixture of trees and shrubs. Rugged mountain peaks rise above the campground to 1,808 feet. Nearby Attractions Hiking options are unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the 2 mile round-trip Cavern Point Loop hike for views of the island's mountain peaks, and the southern California coastline. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and historic buildings for a taste of island ranch history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 7.5-mile round-trip hike from the campground to Smugglers Cove.
Directions, from the listing
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor.
To park headquarters in Ventura, Ca: exit Highway 101, at Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
Nearest federal campgrounds
6 mi straight-line · Ventura CaliforniaNPSNational Park ServiceSanta Cruz Island Prisoners Harbor
7 mi straight-line · Ventura CaliforniaNPSNational Park ServiceAnacapa Island
11 mi straight-line · Ventura CaliforniaNPSNational Park ServiceSanta Rosa Island
28 mi straight-line · Ventura CaliforniaNPSNational Park ServiceSanta Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
31 mi straight-line · Ventura California
Trip Card — Santa Cruz Island Scorpion
ventura · California · Channel Islands National Park
| Agency | NPS · National Park Service |
|---|---|
| Location | ventura · California · Channel Islands National Park |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 31 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232498 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.