About Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
Number of accommodations: 4
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
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 (142)
What Guests Are Saying
The Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry offers a stunning camping experience with beautiful views, well-maintained trails, and clean facilities, including picnic tables and bear boxes. Hikers appreciate the solitude and the presence of wildlife, such as island foxes, enhancing the overall experience. However, visitors should be prepared for a steep hike, bring ample water, and note that some campsites are close together with limited privacy and shade.
What Guests Are Saying
The Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry offers a stunning camping experience with beautiful views, well-maintained trails, and clean facilities, including picnic tables and bear boxes. Hikers appreciate the solitude and the presence of wildlife, such as island foxes, enhancing the overall experience. However, visitors should be prepared for a steep hike, bring ample water, and note that some campsites are close together with limited privacy and shade.
Review Summary
Erynn W
VerifiedNovember 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
This was a great spot for a 1 or 2 night stay. But be warned, it is very primitive! There is no water source and there is 1 pit toilet for the 4 campsites. We stayed in campsite number 4 which was under two oak trees. This would be the perfect site for summer as it provided full shade! But if you want the view and can manage the sun exposure during the day, sites 1 and 2 have the most beautiful view of the bluff and ocean! The sunrise was incredible! We would definitely stay here again!
Brad N
VerifiedOctober 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Just bring the water you need, and the rest takes care of itself.
James C
VerifiedOctober 20, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
The campsite was the most protected, though it's probably the smallest of the sites and does not have good views. The campground bathroom looks newer.
Sarah B
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Site 001 is worth it. It's magical. The view of mountains, cliffs, and the ocean just sprawls out in front of you. Best sunsets you'll ever see. BUT: Bring something to shade yourself, because there is NO shade at site 001. We brought a small rain tarp (the ones built for hammocks) and propped it up with hiking sticks.
Jacqueline R
VerifiedAugust 31, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Site #3 was a great shaded site at this trailcamp with a lovely view. So many quail at sunset, and spectacular views at sites #1 and #2 - but no shade there. Everything about the trip to Santa Cruz was amazing, the ferry ride (dolphins) the beach (gorgeous swimming and shells - we took only pictures) and the phenominal hike to Scorpion the next morning at dawn was breathtaking. Cannot wait to return!
Ryan M
VerifiedAugust 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
We had an epic time on our trip to Santa Cruz Island. There are just a few things to be aware of going to this campsite. - It's a pretty long hike at 3.5 miles. The trail is very slim and goes up and downhill several times. Because of this, it seems longer than it really is. It is also easy to miss the turn off to the small trail after the drivable road. Make sure to keep your eyes up around the 1.5 mile mark to make the sharp left onto the single-track trail. The campsite was nice with a beautiful place to watch the sunset. We were even very happy to see an emergency gallon of water was in the food box. Thanks to the National Parks service for that. We ended up using it as there is NO water at the site and the weather was very hot in the summer. The campground is small, only 4 spaces, so it is quaint and very quiet. Don't be shy, make friends with your neighbors and they might be able to help you in emergency. The only entertainment is more hiking to some of the different coves and beaches. but these are long 10 mile round trip hikes so be careful - there is No one out there and No water. If you aren't going hiking you would get very bored here and the bugs would make you miserable. Thats right, Annoying Gnats during the day and mosquitos at night. Bug spray is as essential. The other hard part is, you are so far away from the fun shore... We only stayed one night which I thought was enough time to hike, see the view, sleep and head back to the cool water and other hikes.
David S
VerifiedJuly 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
What an incredible place! My wife and I stayed at camping site #4 (the only one with copious shade, which I definitely recommend during the summer) for three nights. Our tent door faced the ocean, and it was comfortable all day with the rain fly open. I also highly recommend the China Harbor trail down to the coast - so worth it!
Jennifer G
VerifiedJuly 8, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
I absolutely loved this campground. I highly recommend taking advantage of the Pelican Bay hike through the nature Conservancy and then having lunch at the dock before making the trek up to the campsite. A really fun hike! The trail is very well marked and the campground is easy to find. The vault toilet is actually very clean and kind of big. Definitely bring water. I stayed at site three which has shade. Site one has the best view followed by site two. Site four has the most shade and feels the most private. I would definitely stay here again!
Lindsey L
VerifiedJune 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Overall, this was an incredible experience! Beautiful views at every turn, great campsite, cool wildlife, and challenging hike. I highly recommend bringing gaiters and some form of bug repellent as the trail is a tad overgrown. Our group carried ~7L of water each and it was the perfect amount. Definitely worth the trip out if you can!
Mark F
VerifiedMay 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: BACKCOUNTRY AREA
Amazing experience. Best camping location in CA- aside from Yosemite Valley.
Location Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry
Address:
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA, 93001
United States
Latitude & Longitude: 34.0108 / -119.66
Elevation: 217 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility. |
| General |
One party or group may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit. There are 4 individual campsites. Max 4 people per site. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 pm. Check-in and check-out times are at 11:00 a.m. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage. |
| General |
No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed. |
| General |
Smoking is only allowed on beach areas at Scorpion, Smugglers, and Prisoners Harbors. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
No fishing in marine reserves. California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker required to fish outside marine reserves. |
| General |
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. |
