Featured amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Available sites
4 total sites
Tent Sites
About Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Kayaking
Year-round
Hiking
Spring
Kayaking
Summer
Kayaking
Fall
Kayaking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
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 (157)
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
Stella N
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Arrived via ferry on 06/28/2022 approx noon. Met national park volunteer who was super sweet. He gave us a run down about the island when we docked the ferry and gave us trash bags. He mentioned that the campsite fox box had emergency water for those staying at the backcountry del Norte campsite (but sometimes is not guaranteed). The hike up to the campsite was a GRUESOME 4 mi, given the time we started and the amount of things/ water we had to carry. I suggest carrying 4-5L per person, given that the campsite is primitive with a clean outhouse toilet with provided hand sanitizer. Campsite #1 has the best view of the water, but no shade whatsoever. We stayed at campsite #4 which was THE BEST SPOT! Surrounded by numerous trees and kept us cool and shaded during the heat. Foxes are everywhere and are not afraid to be close to humans. Started trek earlier in AM the next day to scorpion campsite. Overall, beautiful place! With amazing sunsets!
Bob G
VerifiedJune 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
We were the only ones in the campsite except for some really cute baby foxes. The hike up from Prisoners carrying water in the heat is strenuous. Campsite #1 has best view but is very exposed. #4 is tucked in the trees and offers some shade. Worked as a good overnight stop for a next day hike back to Scorpion.
Katherine W
VerifiedJune 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Wonderful campground. Sites 3 and 4 have shade coverage so get those if you can, it is very hot on the island. There was some emergency water left and that was very thoughtful of whoever put that there. I took 5.5L and hiked 14+ miles and between drinking, making food, and making coffee I did runout halfway through the second day. Luckily the boat came as scheduled. I met a super nice park ranger named Bonnie who got us situated to hike to Pelican Bay. Great weekend.
Glyn B
VerifiedJune 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Clean, well maintained, new pit toilet with TP and hand sanitizer. Dry camp of course, but worth the effort to visit and enjoy the views. Plenty of animal food containers which is a plus.
Asdis B
VerifiedJune 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
I hiked to Del Norte from Scorpion. I'd camp here again rather than at Scorpion. Only downside is the lack of water. I carried 9L with me to last me 2 days of long hikes. Loved camping here! I will admit that site 1 & 2 have much better views of the ocean but then sites 3 & 4 have shade. Site 4 is the only one where you can hang a hammock. So it really depends on what you're looking for. But next time I'm definitely booking site 1. I want the ocean views. The outhouse needs to have some type of netting/mesh to keep flies out at the top because when you open the toilet seat over 30 flies cam up and out and no one wants to feel that going up their butt. Anyways with that aside, 10/10 I'd still recommend this campground.
Travis E
VerifiedMay 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
One of the most amazing experiences of my life! The hike there was a little challenging, but so worth it. The island wildlife is one thing I will never forget, absolutely breathtaking.
Michael G
VerifiedMay 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Very enjoyable outing, wonderful weather and beautiful scenery
molly m
VerifiedApril 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Beautiful view. Hike wasn't bad but some incline, would be hard for kids with pack. No protection from weather
Janet H
VerifiedApril 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Description is accurate. Clean and well maintained.
Tracy A
VerifiedApril 22, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
GREAT BACKPACKING TRIP! One night @ Del Norte which is a spectacular camp with amazing view! New vault toilet that was very impressive and CLEAN! My group used campsites 1-3 and we were all VERY HAPPY! Then onto Scorpion Camp Group F for two nights! THE BEST GROUP SITE! Lots of room, beautiful canyon views! Very busy with other groups! Water and bathroom access good! A great visit overall!
Location & Directions for Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 United States
Elevation: 217 ft
Highway access
The campground is accessible via US Highway 101, located approximately 20 miles to the southeast.
Nearby National Park
In Channel Islands National Park
Approximate driving time: 3 min
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: October 21, 2026
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Elevation: 36 ft
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