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
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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
Andrew L
VerifiedJune 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Fantastic camp site.
Was hit. Sites 1 and 2 did not have shade. 3 and 4 ate under trees.
1 and 2 have better views.
Amelia O
VerifiedMay 29, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Beautiful campsite location! We had a view of the sun setting over the harbor and it was very quiet. However, the trail to get there and the trails to other locations were not very well maintained. At some points, it felt like we were bush whacking instead of hiking. We stayed two nights, but I would recommend only staying one because it is very dry and the campsite does not have water or even emergency stores. However, overall we had a good time and I would go back for a night.
Ruben O
VerifiedMay 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
This place is paradise!
Lubo P
VerifiedMay 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Amazing hike, views and memories! The campsite is an absolute gem - super clean, great views, bear boxes, and of course Island Foxes! Just bring enough water! We got lucky with the weather and only had to use about 1L each on the way to the site.
Kate H
VerifiedApril 29, 2025 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Wish others cleaned up after themselves. Got welcomed by human turds and tampons, among other trash.
Jamin B
VerifiedApril 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
This is an amazing spot to watch the sunset after hiking in. As stated in the description, there is no water but a pit toilet is available ( it had TP and hand sanitizer when we were there) and with only a few campsites it’s very quiet at night. We took the hike in from Prisoners Harbor via the Del Norte trail and there were two steep canyons along the way. We took our time and enjoyed the climb up to the camp area. The spring is beautiful and we saw a few island foxes but also beware of ticks and do a thorough check before bed.
Raymond D
VerifiedApril 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
A bit of a hike to get here, but well worth it! Stunning views!
Lindsay D
VerifiedApril 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Ranger on duty was very attentive and came by with extra water just before sunset.
Rebecca K
VerifiedMarch 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Del Norte Campground is a fantastic spot for those looking for a remote and peaceful backcountry experience on Santa Cruz Island. The 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor is moderately challenging, with some elevation gain, but the views along the way make it absolutely worth it.
I stayed at Campsite #1, which had the best views but was also the most exposed. Despite that, I did fine and would probably choose that site again. The campground itself is small and quiet, offering four campsites with stunning views of the coastline and surrounding hills. Since it's one of the few backcountry campgrounds in Channel Islands National Park, it feels much more secluded than Scorpion Ranch. The sites are well-spaced, and the area is well-maintained, though there’s no water available—so be sure to pack plenty.
Water was something I was nervous about since I had planned on hiking to Scorpion Ranch, so I packed six liters, which turned out to be more than enough for me. The ranger also dropped off two gallons of emergency water in the fox box early in the afternoon, which was a good backup but not something to rely on.
One of the highlights is watching the sunset from the nearby ridge. The island’s natural beauty, combined with the sense of solitude, makes this an incredible experience. That said, be prepared for strong winds at night, and as with any coastal camping, be mindful of the weather conditions.
If you’re looking for a true backcountry camping adventure in the Channel Islands, Del Norte is a perfect choice. Just be ready to carry in all your essentials and enjoy the island’s rugged beauty!
Clark H
VerifiedFebruary 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Great hike w beautiful views. And foxes!
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
