About Santa Cruz Scorpion
Number of accommodations: 31
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Birding
Hiking
Kayaking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- Beach Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
31 Sites Available
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Site Details
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31 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (566)
What Guests Are Saying
The Santa Cruz Scorpion campground is highly praised for its stunning views, well-organized facilities, and excellent hiking opportunities. Campers appreciate the tranquility, plentiful shade, and friendly park rangers, making it a perfect base for exploring the island. While some concerns were noted about wildlife interactions and limited wind coverage, the overall experience is described as unforgettable, with many looking forward to returning.
What Guests Are Saying
The Santa Cruz Scorpion campground is highly praised for its stunning views, well-organized facilities, and excellent hiking opportunities. Campers appreciate the tranquility, plentiful shade, and friendly park rangers, making it a perfect base for exploring the island. While some concerns were noted about wildlife interactions and limited wind coverage, the overall experience is described as unforgettable, with many looking forward to returning.
Review Summary
Sean M
VerifiedApril 30, 2026 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: Lower Loop
Everyone I interacted with was very helpful and friendly. It was such a beautiful time that I experienced on the island and everything was very well organized and easy to make my way around. It was very well thought out and the people that are involved are very well trained, organized and informational. I’m very glad I had this experience. I would recommend it to everyone and I would do it again.
Emily A
VerifiedApril 24, 2026 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: Lower Loop
Its a beautiful campground and really well organized.
Matthew B
VerifiedApril 24, 2026 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Lower Loop
Awesome camp ground. Great base camp for multiple days of exploring the trails and sea. Stunning views and a number of great hikes and places to visit. Snorkeling and kayak tours were awesome if looking to do more than hike and beach. Great shade in the camp and short walks to sunset views. A great intro trip (and worth repeating) to the Channel Islands NP!
Jeffrey H
VerifiedApril 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: Lower Loop
I would recommend.
Lauren J
VerifiedApril 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: Upper Loop
Absolutely excellent spot, right off the trailhead. Incredible views of the valley. Good space between camping spaces. I like the upper loop way more than the lower. We were neighbors to the group camping sites that hosted a school Science camp for the week but even with a bunch of kids nearby, we still had a really tranquil experience.
Just a heads up that there's very little wind coverage so keep that in mind for meal time!
Eric V
VerifiedApril 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: Lower Loop
One of the most beautiful campgrounds I've ever stayed in.
Susan D
VerifiedApril 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: Lower Loop
Campground provided all I needed - was quiet, safe, and great NPS staff. Primitive and no cell service - I loved that.
Sharon L
VerifiedApril 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop
Spent 2 nights in the Scorpion campground - one in the lower loop and one in the upper. The upper loop is more secluded and more "wild." Heard foxes yapping and fighting during the night, and it was a lot windier since it was exposed.
Jordan M
VerifiedApril 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: Lower Loop
I GOT PHENOMENAL PHOTOS OF THE ISLAND FOX AND IT WAS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE. YES I AM YELLING BECAUSE IT WAS AT LIKE 6AM ON A HIKE AND IT WAS PERFECT
JESS B
VerifiedApril 6, 2026 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: Lower Loop
The rangers were so wonderful and informative. The place is just breathtaking - you’ll never want to leave. And anyone traveling here is always amazing. Clean. Peaceful. Beautiful
Location Santa Cruz Scorpion
Address:
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA, 93001
United States
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor.
To park headquarters in Ventura, Ca: exit Highway 101, at Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
The campground is accessible via Highway 101, with interchanges at Victoria or Seaward providing access to Ventura Harbor.
Latitude & Longitude: 34.0482 / -119.562
Elevation: 7 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.
- Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility.
- There are 25 individual campsites. Max 6 people per site. Max 3 tents per site. A party or group of 12 or less may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit.
- A party or group of 13 or more are not allowed in individual sites and must use the group sites (A-F) in the upper campground.
- There are 6 group sites. Minimum 13 people per site. Max 15 people per site. No more than 3 group sites per party or group.
- A party or group of 46 or more may not reserve any sites through recreation.gov and must contact the park to obtain a special use permit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm.
- 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.
- 1/2 mile to 1 mile hike to campground. Visitors must carry all their own gear.
- 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 drinking water provided. No stores or services.
- 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.
- Visitors who have known allergies to yellow jacket venom should consider going to an alternate location other than Scorpion Ranch campground during the summer and early fall. Since yellow jackets are attracted to the water at the Scorpion Ranch campground water spigots, visitors that are allergic to yellow jacket stings may want to consider bringing their own water to the island.
- 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
