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
Ben B
VerifiedJanuary 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Probably the single most spiritual camping experience of my adult life. I cannot recommend enough. Thank you so much to all the staff and hard-working people who maintain this special, special place.
Sophia D
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Beautiful camp spot! I reccomend spot 1 for the beautiful view overlooking the island and ocean, although like other reviews mentioned, it leaves you very exposed to the wind. Spots 3/4 are more covered although there were a lot more bugs because of the surrounding low trees. Pick your poison I guess- beautiful view and loud wind at night, or more bugs and potential wind coverage. Either way, a wonderfully maintained site! Beautifully secluded and quiet.
RYAN B
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
No water at this location, but great views of the channel! All 4 of the backcountry sites are clustered together so limited privacy.
Cindy B
VerifiedJanuary 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Such a beautiful campsite. Highly recommend a day hike down to Chinese Harbor if time allows!
Akunna U
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Amazing! Pack in enough water and enjoy!
Bradley D
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Campground was very clean. We hiked in from Prisoners via the Del Norte Trail. If you have half a brain then the campsite is very easy to find. Pit toilet was clean. We were the only people there and at night we could hear seals barking on the coast. 10/10 will go again.
If you are planning on hiking to Scorpion from Del Norte campground afterwords, we found that 2 48oz Nalgene bottles was just the right amount of water for a cool early December day. Adjust for needs and temperature ofcourse.
Anne B
VerifiedJanuary 5, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Site one and two had the best view but least protection from sun and weather! Absolutely beautiful views!
Yeji Y
VerifiedDecember 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
We did the first night in Scorpion and the second night in Del Norte. Although the information says 9 miles, it is at least 10 from Scorpion to Del Norte, and the trail difficulty is marked as moderate, but it contained one of the most dangerous trails I've ever encountered. About a third of the way in, the trail becomes non-existent, you're walking on loose rocks and extreme steepness. It may be easier to climb up that area from Del Norte but trying to walk down from Scorpion toward Del Norte was no joke. (If you have young children, definitely do not recommend.) There's only 4 campsites in Del Norte, so definitely felt quieter and quainter. The "outhouse" was clean. There is no water in Del Norte, so make sure you bring plenty of water (either when you leave for the island or from Scorpion like we did).
Val C
VerifiedNovember 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Loved it!
Charles P
VerifiedNovember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Always a beautiful place to get away to, there are only 4 sites. Site #4 has shade/wind break, #3 has a bit less, #2 & #1 have no real shade but do have a great view. They are all good. There is one road (Navy Road) and one foot trail to Del Norte, the Navy road is longer than the trail but has less incline, because people drive on it. The foot trail is short and harder. Next time I go, I'll take the trail there, when I'm fresh, and the Navy road back. There is a NPS ranger camp less than a mile from Del Norte so you are not without emergency resources, don't count on any rangers being there, but you should know where it is. Its visible from the Navy Road. Bring a gallon of water per day, and leave a meal and water in the bear box at the dock, you won't have to hike with it but It'll be there when you get back, also if you get stranded by weather and have to say another night. Check yourselves for ticks and try not to brush up against plants while hiking. Bring cash to tip the Island Packers crew.
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
