Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry

Wonderful boat ride over. Gorgeous views. Invigorating hikes. Unique and plentiful wildlife. Secluded beaches.

Excellent backcountry campground! Amazing views, sunrise and sunset. It gets a little windy and chilly at night but as long as you’re prepared, you should have good sleep.

My three night stay was wonderful. There was very little sun and it rained on and off. My pack was just over 60 pounds with 3 gallons of water so go nice a slow on your way to the campsite. I rushed it and didn’t take any breaks until the last quarter mile because I was dead tired. So take breaks. There is no rush.

Santa Cruz is absolutely spectacular. We didn't make it up to Del Norte because of the hurricane but we did get to spend the afternoon/overnight at the Scorpion Cove campground. Everything was well maintained and the park staff was friendly and knowledgeable. We are already planning our next trip!

Beautiful view. Clean, seemingly well maintained campground. Make sure you bring some kind of bug/mosquito repellent; I was bitten 67 times the one night I stayed!

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 miles, 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.