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
Lars L
VerifiedNovember 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
We hiked from Lower Scorpion Campground 10.3 miles across the island to arrive here. We had 6 liters of water for two people, (but could have used a little more). The view at site 01 is open & vast. We were at site 04 (there are only four), tucked up under a gnarly oak. It was beautiful. Perfect place to hang a hammock.
Kai Y
VerifiedOctober 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
One of a kind National Park!!!!
Meisam J
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Easy to find, Well Maintained, with Great View
Jasmine C
VerifiedAugust 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
View was amazing but we chose the shaded campsite 4 with less of a view thinking it would be cooler. It had lots of shade and much more than the others but there a swarm of flies hovering every reaches of the shade, especially the tent pad. Even though the flies didn't really bother you, you could hear them and see them hovering around. I would trade less shade for less flies next time. The toilet is almost unusable especially during the day because of the flies in and around the toilet. It is a pit toilet with open stall (no room, no door, just walled of with wood and very stinky). During the evening, there were less flies so it was manageable to use but during the day there were flies around the toilet and zooming around in the toilet. Imagine facing it or squatting with flies around you!
Otherwise, view was fantastic, sunset was amazing. If I were to come back, I would choose any of the other sites.
David V
VerifiedJuly 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Beautiful campsite. I recommend the 001 & 002 sites as they have the best views. Also, bring enough water. I’d suggest a gallon per day. Bring sweets and food in tightly wrapped packaging. Ants got into my trail mix that was sealed in ziplock bags. Also, if you’re attempting the hike to Scorpion cove, it’s definitely strenuous. Take lots of water and snacks, plus sunscreen. It’s about 22 miles round trip from the del norte camp ground. Super beautiful and amazing. Love it here!!!!
Nicole G
VerifiedJune 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Absolutely incredible, 10/10 recommend! So isolated and such beauty! Be prepared for June gloom. The hike to China Harbor is well worth it. Campsite 1 has a beautiful view while campsite 4 is more secluded under a big tree that has a lot of scrub jays hanging around.
Michelle D
VerifiedMay 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Quiet, serene, and teaming with inquisitive wildlife. I couldn’t think of a better place for me and my group’s first backpacking trip. The hike in is challenging, but well worth it. I greatly enjoyed camping near spotted towhees scratching for bugs, channel island foxes casing campsites, and scrub jays imitating hawks. Incredible! I highly recommend site number 4. It has a massive oak that provides shade and shelter from the wind.
Bradley Y
VerifiedMay 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
great place, nice trail. great people!!!!
Emily M
VerifiedMay 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Soooo this was the best. So remote, only 4 campsites and gorgeous view of the ocean. Hike to get there with water was legit but worth it!
Craig H
VerifiedMay 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Best view anyone could ask for!
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
