Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates31 total sites
Tent Sites
31 sites
About Santa Cruz Scorpion
Number of accommodations: 31
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Hiking
Kayaking
Year-round
Birding
Hiking
Spring
Kayaking
Summer
Kayaking
Fall
Kayaking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
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 (622)
What Guests Are Saying
Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful setting with excellent opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors praised the well-maintained campsites, stunning views, and friendly ranger staff, highlighting the unique wildlife and serene atmosphere. However, some noted issues with restroom cleanliness and accessibility from the ferry, but overall, the experience was highly positive, encouraging repeat visits.
What Guests Are Saying
Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful setting with excellent opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors praised the well-maintained campsites, stunning views, and friendly ranger staff, highlighting the unique wildlife and serene atmosphere. However, some noted issues with restroom cleanliness and accessibility from the ferry, but overall, the experience was highly positive, encouraging repeat visits.
Review Summary
Michael A
VerifiedNovember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: Upper Loop
Beautiful location teaming with wildlife. Over two days I was able to see and photograph bald eagles, island foxes, dolphins, and countless other birds. The park ranger there was also extremely helpful and made the experience memorable.
JING-AN T
VerifiedNovember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: B, Loop: Upper Loop
The potato harbor overlook is good and close to the campsite
Rodney W
VerifiedNovember 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: Lower Loop
The ranger and island packer crew was so helpful.
Lori A
VerifiedNovember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: Lower Loop
Such an amazing get away! Clean campground, amazing kayaking, and stunning hikes. We had no idea it was going to be so awesome!!
Grafton H
VerifiedNovember 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: Upper Loop
North campsite nice and secluded. Montañon Loop very dramatic.
Roel v
VerifiedNovember 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: Lower Loop
Camp site is well protected against wind. Restrooms are kept clean. Great base for hiking trips, snorkling and kayaking.
Han N
VerifiedNovember 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: Upper Loop
We stayed there overnight. It's a very nice campground, cleaned and spacey. We were nervous about the ferry there and back but everything was smoothly and on time. The weather was perfect and staffs were nice and helpful.
Ken R
VerifiedNovember 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: Lower Loop
We took our son here for his 10th birthday! We spent the night at Scorpion Campground. The facilities were clean and well taken care of. The Island Foxes are crafty. Be sure to lock up your food, even if you're only gone for a moment. One of those foxes grabbed my son's sandwich. Oh well. We also did the hike to Smugglers Cove. Very strenuous hike. Round trip took us about 3 1/2 hours, including a short break at the Cove. I would highly recommend spending time on Santa Cruz Island, even for a day trip.
Lars L
VerifiedNovember 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: Lower Loop
Nestled in the valley among eucalyptus trees, the serenity of this place is almost magical. Campers are there, they are all just so quiet you barely know others are around. Great hikes and views within easy reach.
Renda G
VerifiedNovember 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: Lower Loop
My husband and I camped at Santa Cruz Scorpion campground for two nights November 2-4. We had a great time! Loved the hiking trails and our sea cave kayaking adventure. The Island fox was exciting to see as was the island scrub jay. I highly recommend!
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.
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: September 10, 2026
