Anacapa Island

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, California, United States
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Yellow flowered plant on ocean bluff overlooking three islets and the surrounding ocean.
Yellow flowered plant on ocean bluff overlooking three islets and the surrounding ocean.
Coastal terrace with two tents, two buildings and lighthouse in the distance.

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
View all amenities

About Anacapa Island

Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views. Anacapa Island, the closest Channel Island to the mainland of California, is comprised of three islets (appropriately named East, Middle, and West Anacapa Islands). Waves have eroded the volcanic island, creating towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and natural bridges, such as forty-foot-high Arch Rock -- a symbol of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. Exploring East Anacapa's two-mile trail system allows visitors to experience the island's native vegetation, wildlife, and cultural history. The islands' native vegetation is recovering slowly with the help of the National Park Service's restoration efforts. This recovery, along with the removal of nonnative predators, has aided in the reestablishment of nesting land birds and seabirds. The island is one of the most important seabird nesting sites within the Channel Islands. While the steep cliffs of West Anacapa are home to the largest breeding colony of endangered California brown pelicans, all the islets of Anacapa host the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world. The rocky shores of Anacapa are perfect resting and breeding areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. Anacapa's rich kelp forests (ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving) and tidepool areas provide visitors with the opportunity to meet some of the resident ocean animals up close. Anacapa Island has a rich human history as well. Shell midden sites indicate where Chumash people camped on the islands thousands of years ago. In addition, visitors can view the 1932 light station. The original lead-crystal Fresnel lens, which served as a beacon to ships until an automated light replaced it in 1990, is on exhibit in the East Anacapa Visitor Center.

Available sites

7 total sites
Tent Sites 7 sites Check Availability

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round
Diving

Diving

Summer
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Kayaking

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall
Snorkeling

Snorkeling

Summer

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

7 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 001, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA Tent
⛺ 002, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA Tent
⛺ 003, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA Tent
⛺ 004, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA Tent
⛺ 005, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA Tent
⛺ 006, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA Tent
⛺ 007, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA Tent

Reviews

136 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Anacapa Island offers a unique and beautiful camping experience with stunning views, especially at sunset, and opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking. While the island is home to many noisy gulls, most visitors find the experience magical and worth the minor inconveniences. The campsites are clean, and the amenities are well-maintained, making it a memorable destination for nature lovers.

Based on guest feedback

4.2

Overall rating

Based on 136 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 66.2% (90)
4 stars 16.2% (22)
3 stars 2.2% (3)
2 stars 4.4% (6)
1 star 11.0% (15)

Showing 136 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Anthony L

Verified

May 30, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA

The sea state was rough and the boat had to cancel the trip. Received a refund from them but could not get a refund for my camping fees

Helpful

Anthony L

Verified

May 30, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA

The sea state was rough and the boat had to cancel the trip. Received a refund from them but could not get a refund for my camping fees

Helpful

Anthony L

Verified

May 30, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA

The sea state was rough and the boat had to cancel the trip. Received a refund from them but could not get a refund for my camping fees

Helpful

Allyssa B

Verified

May 2, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA

We went to Anacapa island during seagull mating season...a HILARIOUS experience to say the least. Apparently March-April is mating season, but you do NOT want to get in the way during hatchling season in May-June. According to Island Packers, you really have to have a sense of humor when camping on Anacapa, and we could not stop cracking up!!! Along with its breathtaking views, and crystal clear water, Anacapa is definitely a quirky island. Roosting seagulls, and barking sea lions really steal the show here! We learned so much about island ecology from Ranger Dave, and by just being in the middle of it. Would definitely recommend!!!

Helpful

Allyssa B

Verified

May 2, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA

We went to Anacapa island during seagull mating season...a HILARIOUS experience to say the least. Apparently March-April is mating season, but you do NOT want to get in the way during hatchling season in May-June. According to Island Packers, you really have to have a sense of humor when camping on Anacapa, and we could not stop cracking up!!! Along with its breathtaking views, and crystal clear water, Anacapa is definitely a quirky island. Roosting seagulls, and barking sea lions really steal the show here! We learned so much about island ecology from Ranger Dave, and by just being in the middle of it. Would definitely recommend!!!

Helpful

Allyssa B

Verified

May 2, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA

We went to Anacapa island during seagull mating season...a HILARIOUS experience to say the least. Apparently March-April is mating season, but you do NOT want to get in the way during hatchling season in May-June. According to Island Packers, you really have to have a sense of humor when camping on Anacapa, and we could not stop cracking up!!! Along with its breathtaking views, and crystal clear water, Anacapa is definitely a quirky island. Roosting seagulls, and barking sea lions really steal the show here! We learned so much about island ecology from Ranger Dave, and by just being in the middle of it. Would definitely recommend!!!

Helpful

Paul H

Verified

April 26, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: ANACAPA ISLAND AREA

Quite an experience to be surrounded by about 10 thousand seagulls who own the island. We spent one night there which was enough for us to see everything several times. The views were amazing, the boat ride from Island Packers not only got us there and back but gave us helpful information about the islands. We saw a pod of hundreds of dolphin on the way out which was an amazing sight. The sheer cliffs around all the island limit access to the water everywhere on the island except at the ladders at the boat loading area. It was windy and cold there most of the time and quite a bit of dust blew into our tent, but that is all part of camping.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Anacapa Island

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 United States

Elevation: 63 ft

Getting There

Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura or Channel Islands (Oxnard) Harbors.

To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.

Highway access

Access to Anacapa Island is available via Highway 101, with exits for Victoria or Seaward leading to Ventura Harbor, where boat transportation can be arranged.

Near Channel Islands National Park

The closest entrance is: Anacapa Island Landing Cove

Approximate drive: 0.5 mi · 1 min

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

11AM

Check out time

11AM

  • Visitors must arrange boat transportation to reach Anacapa Island before making campsite reservations.
  • Reservations are mandatory for camping; no walk-up camping is allowed.
  • Upon arrival, check in with the ranger at designated areas and have your confirmation letter or receipt ready, as staff may not always be present.
  • Campsites are located 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the boat landing, and visitors must carry their own gear.
  • Access to the water is limited to the Landing Cove dock; no other beaches are accessible without a boat.

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Site capacity

  • Each group can reserve up to 2 campsites, with a maximum of 4-6 people allowed per site.

Site types & loops

  • Only tent camping is allowed; no utilities are provided. Bring low-profile tents and your own water, as there are no services.
  • Off-trail hiking is prohibited, and some trails may be closed during nesting season for Western gulls.

Wildlife & food storage

  • Food and trash must be stored properly in provided lockers; hard-sided containers are recommended to deter animals.
  • All visitors must pack out all items they bring, including trash.

Fires & fuel

  • Campfires and charcoal fires are prohibited; only gas camp stoves may be used.

Safety & rules

  • Smoking is restricted to a specific area near the crane.
  • Avoid contact with deer mice due to Hantavirus risk; more info is available on the park's website.
  • Kayaking is risky due to changing ocean conditions; only experienced kayakers should go out and check the weather beforehand.

Local regulations

  • Bringing certain items to the island is prohibited to prevent nonnative species introduction.
  • Fishing is not allowed in marine reserves; a license is required for fishing elsewhere.

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Last updated: October 22, 2026

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Explore Ventura, CA

Nearby city: Oxnard, CA

Approx. 17 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 36 ft

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