San Miguel Island

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, California, United States

Yellow flowered plant on coastal bluff overlooking harbor with white sand and islet at the entrance.
White sand beach covered with seals and seal lions.
Tents and 5-foot tall windbreaks perches on an ocean bluff overlooking an islet covered in fog.

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
View all amenities

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

9 total sites

Tent Sites

9 sites

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 miles 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.

Number of accommodations: 9

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
Currently open - Jul 1 to Nov 20

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Fish Cleaning Station
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Boat Ramp / Launch
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

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

9 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 001, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ 002, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ 003, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ 004, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ 005, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ 006, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ 007, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ 008, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ 009, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA Tent
4 guests
Price not available

Reviews (54)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.8
54 reviews
5
87.0%
47
4
7.4%
4
3
5.6%
3
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Darla D

Verified

January 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA

5

This stunning, most remote of the Channel Islands has a host of experiences and adventures in store for the intrepid adventurer. I went with three good friends for 8 days and loved every moment. Having good camping skills is critical, and be ready for the "big haul" on day one - multiple trips across the beach, up the steps / trail to the campground with your gear and water.
Take advantage of hiking opportunities with NPS docents and explore every possible corner of the island. Bring a good camera and your nature journal if you are so inclined! And binoculars! A morning in the NPS building reading books is a good way to pass a foggy / drizzly period.
Be ready for cool temps but don't be afraid of being out there - the longer you stay outside, the more you will see! The birds, the marine mammals, the plant life, the ocean...

Darla D

Verified

January 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA

5

This stunning, most remote of the Channel Islands has a host of experiences and adventures in store for the intrepid adventurer. I went with three good friends for 8 days and loved every moment. Having good camping skills is critical, and be ready for the "big haul" on day one - multiple trips across the beach, up the steps / trail to the campground with your gear and water.
Take advantage of hiking opportunities with NPS docents and explore every possible corner of the island. Bring a good camera and your nature journal if you are so inclined! And binoculars! A morning in the NPS building reading books is a good way to pass a foggy / drizzly period.
Be ready for cool temps but don't be afraid of being out there - the longer you stay outside, the more you will see! The birds, the marine mammals, the plant life, the ocean...

Julia P

Verified

December 22, 2019 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA

5

An incredible island with an amazing NPS tour guide! Bring windbreakers, a rain jacket, and seed-free hiking boots. This island is WINDY, COLD, and stunning.

Julia P

Verified

December 22, 2019 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA

5

An incredible island with an amazing NPS tour guide! Bring windbreakers, a rain jacket, and seed-free hiking boots. This island is WINDY, COLD, and stunning.

Location San Miguel Island

Address:
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA, 93001
United States

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.

Elevation: 151 feet

Map of San Miguel Island location at Ventura, CA, United States
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Last updated: September 7, 2026

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