Santa Cruz Scorpion

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, California, United States
Check Availability
Santa Cruz Scorpion Harbor
Harbor with boats, kayaks, and visitors on the beach. Steep island cliffs and other islands in the distance.
View of canyon nestled in low rolling, grass covered hills.
Coastal bluff overlooking rugged, steep cliffs with ocean below.
Tents in forested area. 

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
View all amenities

About Santa Cruz Scorpion

Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm .

Available sites

31 total sites
Tent Sites 31 sites Check Availability

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Kayaking

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

31 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 001, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 002, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 003, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 004, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 005, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 006, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 007, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 008, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 009, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 010, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 011, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 012, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 013, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 014, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 015, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 016, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 017, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 018, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 019, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 020, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 021, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 022, Loop: Lower Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 023, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 024, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ 025, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ A, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ B, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ C, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ D, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ E, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade
⛺ F, Loop: Upper Loop Tent
Yes shade

Reviews

654 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.8

Overall rating

Based on 654 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 85.6% (560)
4 stars 9.3% (61)
3 stars 2.9% (19)
2 stars 1.2% (8)
1 star 0.9% (6)

Showing 654 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Evan G

Verified

February 11, 2026 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Lower Loop

A delightfully protected and beautiful campground. Being in this valley, the sounds from nearby sites travel easily, but all campers were, by and large, respectful of quiet hours.
Potable water is, indeed, potable!
Lots of great access to multiple hiking trails, and a short walk to the ferry dock.
Plenty of island fox sightings, but they are generally pretty shy, but still a great idea to keep all your food/goods in your bear box. Bear boxes can accommodate a padlock for safe-keeping of items, too.

Helpful

Keegan P

Verified

February 10, 2026 Stayed at: 025, Loop: Upper Loop

Santa Cruz is such a special spot. Big thanks to everyone working to preserve Island. To any first-timers: bring your hiking shoes and explore as much as you can. Smugglers’ cove is a great first day outing fresh off the boat. The bluffs off cavern point trail are great for sunset. Oil well trail off scorpion loop is a cool spot to rest and see a rusty remnant of the island’s turn of the century history.

Helpful

Kathy P

Verified

February 10, 2026 Stayed at: 011, Loop: Lower Loop

Primitive camplng, but we loved the quiet beautiful night. We enjoyed the hikes and the kids got another Jr Ranger badge. What a great memory!

Helpful

Penny P

Verified

February 5, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: Lower Loop

Scorpion campground and the campsite was beautiful. Unfortunately I fell returning from a hike to Potato Harbor on a washed out portion of the trail coming down and had to leave the island to go to ER. Be aware you truly are ON YOUR OWN here, regardless of your situation, condition or circumstances. I travel the national parks and this was the first time I have ever been injured, as well as the first time I have ever encountered a park ranger who was less than extraordinarily helpful. A very heartbreaking experience.

Helpful

Laura M

Verified

January 28, 2026 Stayed at: 014, Loop: Lower Loop

Beautiful campsite! Very peaceful and quiet. The island fox are fun to watch, but they are looking for food- definitely use the "Fox boxes."

Helpful

Timothy D

Verified

January 18, 2026 Stayed at: 018, Loop: Lower Loop

Pleasant campground. Great hiking opportunities. Prepared for rain and mud: glad to have both boots and camp shoes as advised and only had light overnight showers. Good to be self-sufficient though ranger support was available and prepared for an extra night if water conditions lead to a boat cancellation. Our experience could not have been better with excellent weather and calm waters. The online information about the islands was very helpful in planning for our trip.

Do be mindful of the foxes. Keep the storage box closed unless you are right there. I briefly turned my back and one dashed into the box to grab our food back. He quickly dropped it when I reacted but it was a good lesson for me. They are wonderful to see, just respect their stealth quickness.

Helpful

Keenu M

Verified

January 9, 2026 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Lower Loop

One of the best campsites I've ever camped at, highly recommend

Helpful

Eric C

Verified

January 6, 2026 Stayed at: 024, Loop: Upper Loop

The park rangers were extremely helpful, ensuring that we enjoyed our stay.

Helpful

Samuel C

Verified

January 5, 2026 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Lower Loop

Rangers were great accommodations were simple to confirm and easier to get and that is all before even mentioning the park.

Helpful

Mitchell G

Verified

January 5, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop

great campsite beautiful trails easy access. the facilities worked out great and made the experience enjoyable.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Santa Cruz Scorpion

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 United States

Elevation: 7 ft

Getting There

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.

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Highway 101, with interchanges at Victoria or Seaward providing access to Ventura Harbor.

Near Channel Islands National Park

The closest entrance is: Scorpion Anchorage Pier (Santa Cruz Island)

Approximate drive: 0.4 mi · 1 min

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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Nearby destinations

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

9 mi away

National park
Explore destination

Port Hueneme

22 mi away

City
Explore destination

Ventura

22 mi away

City

Last updated: October 24, 2026

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Explore Ventura, CA

Nearby city: Oxnard, CA

Approx. 24 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 36 ft

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