About Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
Number of accommodations: 4
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Hiking
Kayaking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Rates, Sites & Availability
4 Sites Available
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Site Details
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4 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (143)
What Guests Are Saying
Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry offers stunning views and a peaceful camping experience, with well-maintained sites and amenities like picnic tables and bear boxes. The hike to the campsite is moderately challenging but rewarding, showcasing the island's natural beauty. However, campers should be prepared for limited privacy, a lack of water, and potential challenges with the trail's maintenance. Overall, it's a great destination for those seeking a remote and picturesque camping adventure.
What Guests Are Saying
Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry offers stunning views and a peaceful camping experience, with well-maintained sites and amenities like picnic tables and bear boxes. The hike to the campsite is moderately challenging but rewarding, showcasing the island's natural beauty. However, campers should be prepared for limited privacy, a lack of water, and potential challenges with the trail's maintenance. Overall, it's a great destination for those seeking a remote and picturesque camping adventure.
Review Summary
Lauren J
VerifiedApril 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Incredible views! Well maintained space. All the spots are great but we were really happy with our covered spot from the wind. Just make friends with people in spot 1 so you can sit with them for sunset ;) You definitely have to work to get to this campsite but it's very inviting once you get there! Pit toilet was way nicer than I anticipated. If you have a clear vantage to the mainland, you'll get a little cell service too.
Obligatory reminder to bring more water than you think you'll need.
Barbara T
VerifiedMarch 27, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Hike is on a steep road with no hiking views or interest for 1st couple miles, hike route should be rerouted for hiking grades and scenery. We got up to the camp and found picnic tables and 4 campsites crowded close together. Only sites 2 and 4 had any visual privacy or more importantly shade. We’d picked site 1 and it was probably the worst 2 night camping we’ve done in 40 years!
Nathan J
VerifiedMarch 26, 2026 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Both shade and views, amazing spot.
Carry lots of water.
Aulden F
VerifiedMarch 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Stunning site with the cutest little foxes. When we went, it was hotter than average and we went through a ton of water, especially on the walk up.
David E
VerifiedMarch 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Beautiful spot
Robert C
VerifiedFebruary 25, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
This was a moderately challenging trail from Prisoner's Harbor to Scorpion Campground with an overnight at Del Norte Campground. Trails were well marked and facilities were better than average - bear boxes, picnic tables and outhouses at both campgrounds. Views along the trail were of rocky coasts, craigy mountains and verdant canyons/valleys. Outstanding experience.
Amber C
VerifiedFebruary 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Gorgeous! Went the last weekend of January and the weather was perfect. Everything was green and the view was spectacular! A couple of cute foxes walking along the trail minding their own business and then checking to see if we’d left any food out for them to sneak, but we didn’t. An Island Scrub Jay watched us closely looking to be fed, but we did not oblige. Some backpackers weren’t strong enough to carry out their empty water bottles and so they did leave a trace, which was unfortunate. Overall this was a very special little spot and I hope to return.
Nick S
VerifiedFebruary 2, 2026 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
One of the most beautiful camp spots I've ever stayed. Good days hikes from Del Norte too.
John W
VerifiedJanuary 25, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Challenging hike but well worth it for the views and peace that came with it!
Masoui M
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Very nice and peaceful camp site experience. The constant view of the ocean is amazing. Be mindful of the wind as the campsite is very exposed.
Location Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
Address:
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA, 93001
United States
The campground is accessible via US Highway 101, located approximately 20 miles to the southeast.
Latitude & Longitude: 34.0108 / -119.66
Elevation: 217 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
11AM
Check out time
11AM
General
- Santa Cruz Island may only be reached by boat. Visitors are required to arrange boat transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Contact the park's authorized concessioner Island Packers or use your own private boat.
- During winter and spring, Del Norte campground campers will need to be prepared for a wet creek crossing at Canada del Puerto in Prisoner's Harbor. Visitors may have to wade through fast moving water up to 2 feet deep.
- Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility.
- One party or group may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit. There are 4 individual campsites. Max 4 people per site.
- This is a backcountry campground that requires a 3.5-mile moderate to strenuous hike. You must carry all your gear, including water. Due to difficult weather and rugged terrain, backcountry camping is an arduous endeavor and should be undertaken only by experience, well-conditioned backpackers.
- Upon arrival, meet ranger at beach, landing dock or campground. However, park staff is not always available on the island. Please have confirmation letter, receipt, or campsite number with you.
- Primitive camping. Tent camping only, no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground. Bring low profile tents and extra food for weather delays. Partial shade from trees. Picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet (bring your own toilet paper) provided. No stores or services. Must bring your own water. One gallon of water per person per day is recommended.
- Proper food and trash storage is required. Food/Trash storage lockers are provided at each site. Recommend hard-sided container (i.e. action packer) to further protect food/garbage from animals.
- Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage.
- No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed.
- Smoking is only allowed on beach areas at Scorpion, Smugglers, and Prisoners Harbors.
- Avoid contact with deer mice. Hantavirus has been found in island deer mice. For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/hantavirus.htm.
- To help prevent the introduction of nonnative species the following items may not be brought to the park: pets; live or potted plants; soil; cut flowers; firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (including hiking sticks); corrugated boxes; tools or equipment with attached soil; motorized vehicles; bicycles; and single-use plastic grocery bags. Prior to departure, visitors are required to use pest-proof packing materials, inspect and clean their gear and shoes of all soil, seeds, and insects. Learn more about biosecurity and watch the required video at Protect Your Park Through Biosecurity.
- No fishing in marine reserves. California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker required to fish outside marine reserves.
- Kayakers: ocean conditions can rapidly change, requiring expert abilities. Ocean kayaking is an inherently dangerous activity. Always check weather and do not kayak beyond your experience level.
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Last updated: June 3, 2026
