San Miguel Island

We were so lucky to have the perfect weather for our visit, warm and no winds. Sabina was an excellent guide to the island. She was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna as well as the island history and the animals that live there. While it wasn't the "season" for the pinnipeds, we did see quite a few of them, even right on the beach were where loaded onto the skiffs. Since there are only 9 campsites we were able to get to know our fellow campers and had a wonderful time with them. Don't miss the beautiful sunrises and sunsets!

GReat trip but be ready for some walking to all the sights. The hike at the start to camp all up hill. Then you get to do it atleast 1 more time to get some your water. Worth the trouble.

GReat trip but be ready for some walking to all the sights. The hike at the start to camp all up hill. Then you get to do it atleast 1 more time to get some your water. Worth the trouble.

I very positively recommend a trip to San Miguel Island, and it is surprisingly different from Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. However, it is very difficult to get a campground reservation there (particularly on the weekend), because people book all the camp sites and then do not cancel them when they decide that they will not go. So even though the campground was sold out, there were half the camp sites vacant. This really doesn't make any sense to me, since the only way you can get to the campground is on Island Packers, the concessionaire, and Island Packers knows exactly how many people have booked the boat trip out to the island-simple math, right? It seems that Recreation.gov, the NPS, and Island Packers could figure out a way to solve this problem.

I very positively recommend a trip to San Miguel Island, and it is surprisingly different from Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. However, it is very difficult to get a campground reservation there (particularly on the weekend), because people book all the camp sites and then do not cancel them when they decide that they will not go. So even though the campground was sold out, there were half the camp sites vacant. This really doesn't make any sense to me, since the only way you can get to the campground is on Island Packers, the concessionaire, and Island Packers knows exactly how many people have booked the boat trip out to the island-simple math, right? It seems that Recreation.gov, the NPS, and Island Packers could figure out a way to solve this problem.

One of the best experiences I have been fortunate enough to have! This is the perfect place for a camping trip to get away from it all and take in some beautiful nature. When we went, there were 5 people in total on the island. For the longer hikes you do have to go with the ranger, but instead of this being limiting, it makes it so you have someone with great knowledge with you as you explore the island! Make sure you pack lightly to carry your stuff to camp and I recommend sunglasses because the wind can get pretty intense. We were lucky enough to have Kate as our ranger and seeing point Bennet was a once in a lifetime experience!

One of the best experiences I have been fortunate enough to have! This is the perfect place for a camping trip to get away from it all and take in some beautiful nature. When we went, there were 5 people in total on the island. For the longer hikes you do have to go with the ranger, but instead of this being limiting, it makes it so you have someone with great knowledge with you as you explore the island! Make sure you pack lightly to carry your stuff to camp and I recommend sunglasses because the wind can get pretty intense. We were lucky enough to have Kate as our ranger and seeing point Bennet was a once in a lifetime experience!

We had campsite 3 and while the metal fox box didn't latch perfectly, it was latched enough that it didn't come off except when humans pulled it. We were pretty worried about it since it closed loosely and wouldn't recommend this particular campsite because of it (though the ranger mentioned some of the other campsites had problem too), but if you do end up getting this campsite it was fine. We did get a lot of ants in the wooden fox box, so would recommend putting items in plastic/some sort of second covering.

We had campsite 3 and while the metal fox box didn't latch perfectly, it was latched enough that it didn't come off except when humans pulled it. We were pretty worried about it since it closed loosely and wouldn't recommend this particular campsite because of it (though the ranger mentioned some of the other campsites had problem too), but if you do end up getting this campsite it was fine. We did get a lot of ants in the wooden fox box, so would recommend putting items in plastic/some sort of second covering.

So peaceful and uniquely beautiful.
Amazing campsite. Great long hikes.