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
Eva Roger C
VerifiedApril 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Lower Loop
Campsite (18) was clean and located close to water and toilets. Ground was flat and firm, but not overly hard providing an excellent surface for setting up and staking tents.
Susannah B
VerifiedMarch 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop
Awesome island, awesome campsite.
Elizabeth L
VerifiedMarch 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: Lower Loop
Absolutely breathtaking! Wonderful campsites and rangers
Stephen C
VerifiedMarch 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: Lower Loop
We had a wonderful trip. Winter can be a little tricky due to wind and swell. We had a bit of a bumpy ride over and the first and second day the swell was a bit tough for kayaking. The caves were definitely tricky on the first two days but the third day was glassy and kayaking was amazing. The first and second days were perfect for hiking up Scorpion Canyon to beautiful vistas.
We camped for two nights in Scorpion Lower Loop Site 13. It was a great site except that we had a very strong smell from the toilets near the end of the campground when the afternoon winds picked up. I know this was due to the reduced park staff due to DOGE cuts which infuriates me. There was only one ranger on site and there was just too much maintenance for one staff member.
Todd M
VerifiedMarch 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: Lower Loop
Campground excellent at Scorpion and Del Norte (#4 site sits under a majestic oak). The hike was difficult due to carrying extra load of water.
I don’t recommend attempting to fish. Access to water is very difficult or impossible except where it is illegal due to sanctuary status.
Island Scrub-Jay is everywhere. Northern Saw-whet Owl calls all night long in Eucalyptus grove covering lower Scorpion campground.
Smugglers’ Bay is splendid.
Rebecca K
VerifiedMarch 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: Upper Loop
Scorpion Upper Campground on Santa Cruz Island is a great choice for campers looking for a more secluded experience. Unlike the lower campground, where sites are packed closely together, the upper sites offer more space and privacy, making for a quieter stay. There are a few non-group sites, along with some larger group sites, so it’s a good mix depending on what kind of camping experience you're looking for.
One big plus is that there is potable water available, which makes planning a lot easier compared to backcountry sites like Del Norte. The campground also has picnic tables, food storage boxes, and nearby restrooms, making for a more comfortable experience.
However, the tradeoff for more seclusion is that the upper sites are more exposed to wind and the elements. It’s something to be aware of when setting up camp, as conditions can change quickly. In contrast, the lower campground is much less exposed, but the sites are closer together and nearer to the pier.
One of the best parts of staying here is the easy access to great hiking trails, including the hikes to Smugglers Cove and Cavern Point. Watching the sunset from Cavern Point is a must! The wildlife is also a highlight—foxes are everywhere, so securing your food and gear is crucial.
Cell service: I had no cell coverage at this campsite (T-Mobile), whereas I did have service at Del Norte.
Overall, Scorpion Upper is a fantastic spot if you want more privacy and don’t mind a little extra exposure to the elements. It’s a great option for those who want a structured camping experience on Santa Cruz Island while still feeling immersed in nature.
Katherine E
VerifiedMarch 3, 2025 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop
I liked this spot! The campground is a 5min walk from the harbor. It backs up to a big hill and is not on the main trail path. It's convenient to the water spigot and around the corner from the bathrooms, and you can't smell them. The sites are pretty close together though. The trees made the campground smell SO GOOD! There are a couple foxes that live behind the campsite so you will likely see them!
Please be kind to the ranger(s), when I was there, there was only 1 ranger for the whole island. He was also responsible for cleaning the bathrooms, checking on campers, and checking the trails.
Lucas C
VerifiedMarch 2, 2025 • Stayed at: B, Loop: Upper Loop
Such a beautiful place to visit!! Everyone saying to visit during winter time is correct, coming here in February was already good weather/ kinda hot so I can't even imagine summer. Be ready for lots of hills, make sure to see potato harbor @ sunset and either Scorpion Cove dock or I'd imagine cavern loop outlook would be beautiful for sunrise. So amazing!
Andy D
VerifiedFebruary 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop
Awesome experience staying at this campsite, easy access from the boat dock, all the trails are nearby, the sites are good size and are equipped with fox boxes and tables.
David C
VerifiedFebruary 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: Upper Loop
All time gorgeous campground. Ranger Alex was friendly and very helpful with weather/boat logistics. A+ experience.
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
