Tent Sites
Kimm B
VerifiedAugust 18, 2020 Stayed at: 003, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Excellent adventure. Island Packers & the Park Naturalists/volunteers were knowledgeable , encouraging and fun.
Helpful
About San Miguel Island
Wind and weather constantly sweep across the North Pacific to batter the shores of this westernmost of all the islands. This extreme weather creates a harsh but profoundly beautiful environment. Although it can be challenging to reach the San Miguel Island Campground, it's always worth the effort. Perched on a plateau, the campground offers incredible island views and access to a variety of recreational activities and unique natural and cultural resources.
Although a century's worth of sheep ranching and overgrazing caused scientists in 1875 to describe the island as "a barren lump of sand," with the grazing animals removed, vegetative recovery is in progress. Giant coreopsis, dudleya, locoweed, lupine, buckwheat, coastal sagebrush, and poppies are all recolonizing the island to their former extent, returning San Miguel to its more natural state.
Also making a comeback, after years of hunting, are the thousands of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) that breed, pup, and haul out on the island's 27 mi of isolated coastline. Other wildlife include a variety of landbirds, 13 nesting seabird species, and unique animals like the island fox and deer mouse. Both of these little creatures are endemics -- they are found only on the Channel Islands.
In addition to the variety of natural resources, San Miguel hosts an array of cultural resources as well. The Chumash and their ancestors lived on San Miguel almost continuously for nearly 12,000 years. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his men laid eyes on San Miguel Island in 1542 which is commemorated by a monument on the island.
Other outstanding island resources that visitors may experience on San Miguel include the caliche forest (sand-castings of ancient vegetation), fossil bones of the Pleistocene pygmy mammoths that stood four to six feet at the shoulders, 150 years of ranching history and numerous shipwrecks.
Available sites
9 total sitesSeasonal information
2026
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2026 Season availability
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Currently open - Jul 1 to Nov 20
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
On Site Services
- Fish Cleaning Station
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Boat Ramp / Launch
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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9 Sites Available
⛺
001, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
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002, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
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003, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
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004, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
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005, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
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006, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
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⛺
007, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
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008, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
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009, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
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9 Sites Available
Site
Price
⛺
001, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
⛺
002, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
⛺
003, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
⛺
004, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
⛺
005, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
⛺
006, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
⛺
007, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
⛺
008, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
⛺
009, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Tent
No available sites
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Reviews
59 reviews
Summary
San Miguel Island offers a stunning natural environment with incredible wildlife, including one of the largest pinniped rookeries in the world. The guided hikes led by knowledgeable volunteers enhance the experience, providing opportunities for relaxation and solitude away from crowds. While the island has minimal infrastructure and limited shade, these aspects contribute to its rugged charm and memorable adventures.
Based on guest feedback
4.8
Overall rating
Based on 59 reviews
5 stars
88.1% (52)
4 stars
6.8% (4)
3 stars
5.1% (3)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 59 reviews
Verified Only
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Kimm B
VerifiedAugust 18, 2020 Stayed at: 003, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Excellent adventure. Island Packers & the Park Naturalists/volunteers were knowledgeable , encouraging and fun.
Helpful
Michael K
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2020 Stayed at: 002, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Reluctant to discuss this as its still a far away, uncrowded, beautiful destination. There is some hardship required to get to camp, overcoming the wind, fog, wet mornings and hiking long distances.... On second thought ya'll better avoid this spot. Thanks.
Cardwell point- sunny September Weekday AM. A few very very large Bull Elephant Seals, several adult female mom sea lions, and a multitude of sea lion pups playing tag, king of the mountain and other shenanigans atop all these large lounging pinnipeds. About the cutest thing I have witnessed, ever.
If your a water person- wetsuit, fins, face mask... there is as much or more to explore below the surface. (enter far west end of the beach past the palm trees and swim thru the kelp beds towards the point).
It's a nearly 2 mi long beach to share with whomever else is out there, (not many).
Helpful
Michael K
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2020 Stayed at: 002, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Reluctant to discuss this as its still a far away, uncrowded, beautiful destination. There is some hardship required to get to camp, overcoming the wind, fog, wet mornings and hiking long distances.... On second thought ya'll better avoid this spot. Thanks.
Cardwell point- sunny September Weekday AM. A few very very large Bull Elephant Seals, several adult female mom sea lions, and a multitude of sea lion pups playing tag, king of the mountain and other shenanigans atop all these large lounging pinnipeds. About the cutest thing I have witnessed, ever.
If your a water person- wetsuit, fins, face mask... there is as much or more to explore below the surface. (enter far west end of the beach past the palm trees and swim thru the kelp beds towards the point).
It's a nearly 2 mi long beach to share with whomever else is out there, (not many).
Helpful
Peili C
VerifiedOctober 1, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
This was my second time staying on the island (the last time was 14 years ago). Island Packers are always so great, even with the Covid safety requirements. Once on the island, it was heaven! The hike out to Point Bennett this time was long, hot and exposed (last time I went, the weather was much cooler, so it didn’t seem like such a drag). I would’ve rather stayed and enjoyed the beach, with crystal clear waters soft, fine sand, and plenty of wildlife to see and enjoy.
Helpful
Peili C
VerifiedOctober 1, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
This was my second time staying on the island (the last time was 14 years ago). Island Packers are always so great, even with the Covid safety requirements. Once on the island, it was heaven! The hike out to Point Bennett this time was long, hot and exposed (last time I went, the weather was much cooler, so it didn’t seem like such a drag). I would’ve rather stayed and enjoyed the beach, with crystal clear waters soft, fine sand, and plenty of wildlife to see and enjoy.
Helpful
tracey w
VerifiedNovember 8, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
My favorite vacation spot. XOXO
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tracey w
VerifiedNovember 8, 2020 Stayed at: 009, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
My favorite vacation spot. XOXO
Helpful
Kan F
VerifiedFebruary 18, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Good camping experience away from the shore. It's a special experience not easily gained on the mainland.
Helpful
Kan F
VerifiedFebruary 18, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA
Good camping experience away from the shore. It's a special experience not easily gained on the mainland.
Helpful
Location & Directions for San Miguel Island
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 United States
Elevation: 151 ft
Getting There
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor.
Air transportation can be arranged with Channel Islands Aviation from Camarillo airport.
To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaw...
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor.
Air transportation can be arranged with Channel Islands Aviation from Camarillo airport.
To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
Highway access
The campground has access to 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: Cuyler Harbor (San Miguel Island)
Approximate drive: 0.5 mi · 1 min
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 4, 2026
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Explore Ventura, CA
Nearby city: Santa Barbara, CA
Approx. 45 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 36 ft
Best Season: Spring, Fall
Ventura, CA
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