About Santa Cruz Scorpion
Number of accommodations: 31
Campground Amenities
-
Beach Access -
Potable Water
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Sites & Availability
31 Sites Available
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Site Details
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31 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (561)
What Guests Are Saying
The Santa Cruz Scorpion campground is highly praised for its beauty, tranquility, and the abundance of wildlife, particularly island foxes. Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities, easy access to hiking trails, and the support from friendly park rangers. However, visitors noted some challenges with campsite congestion and occasional bathroom cleanliness issues, but overall, the experience is described as unforgettable and worth recommending.
What Guests Are Saying
The Santa Cruz Scorpion campground is highly praised for its beauty, tranquility, and the abundance of wildlife, particularly island foxes. Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities, easy access to hiking trails, and the support from friendly park rangers. However, visitors noted some challenges with campsite congestion and occasional bathroom cleanliness issues, but overall, the experience is described as unforgettable and worth recommending.
Review Summary
Jonathan F
VerifiedDecember 16, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: Lower Loop
I really enjoyed my time camping at Scorpion Cove. I think the park rangers go above and beyond to make the off-grid camp site a great base camp to explore Santa Cruz Island!
Sond A
VerifiedDecember 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: Lower Loop
We spent 2 nights in Scorpion campground. The rangers keep the area clean and safe. We loved the island foxes and ravens that roam the island and look for treats. We will definitely be back!
Paul G
VerifiedDecember 14, 2024 • Stayed at: 022, Loop: Lower Loop
Had the entire campground to myself. Awesome experience.
Campground is in great shape
Kayla C
VerifiedDecember 5, 2024 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: Lower Loop
We had a wonderful weekend! It rained the first day, was a bit windy the second day, and absolutely stunning the last day (of course). Because of the weather forecast, it seemed that many people were deterred from visiting, which suited us just fine. We had the whole island to ourselves. Well, we did have to share with the foxes and ravens, but that was also enjoyable. We especially liked chatting with the various volunteers and rangers, they were so kind, helpful, and informative. Definitely one of my favorite camping experiences. We hiked the north side (to Potato Harbor) the first day and had a bit of rain, but the views were stunning, and who cares if you get a little wet? The second day we hiked to Smugglers Bay, which was gorgeous. The only thing is that there is no shade along the hikes. Like, at all. So, bring adequate sun protection. I wish I'd spent all day at Smugglers Bay because, again, no one was there, and it was positively divine. We snorkeled the last day (brought our own gear), and the water was clear, if a bit chilly, but no complaints on that. Overall an incredible experience. We saw loads of dolphins on the way there and back, and the boat ride was nice.
Peter S
VerifiedNovember 27, 2024 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: Upper Loop
Starting the chainsaws for the campground tree-trimming at 7am is simply unconscionable.
Jennifer E
VerifiedNovember 26, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: Lower Loop
Loved this site! Right next to the bathrooms. There are little foxes there so make sure to store your food away.
Amazing views!
10/10
Lauren S
VerifiedNovember 20, 2024 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: Lower Loop
Clean, good tasting water was the best surprise! Plenty of ravens and foxes, but the rangers give you plenty of guidelines to keep your belongings safe and the animals wild. I was so grateful for the fox boxes by the dock to leave our packs while hiking after checking out from the site and before our evening ferry.
Definitely recommend checking out El Montanon Loop if looking for a longer hike. Even though it is technically unmaintained, it was super easy to follow the trail and we never got lost. As an intermediate hiker who burned out toward the end, I would definitely try this hike again going clockwise instead of counterclockwise so that there were more outlooks at the end to keep me motivated! If you've got bad knees, counterclockwise is probably your best bet so that you're going uphill on the steepest incline. Absolute favorite view point was the Scorpion Cove Overlook off of Smugglers Road!
Amy M
VerifiedNovember 18, 2024 • Stayed at: C, Loop: Upper Loop
We lucked out with beautiful weather--not too windy. Enjoyed kayaking and hiking and relaxing at our camp site. Magical place.
Claire A
VerifiedNovember 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop
Spacious campground under beautiful eucalyptus trees. We backpacked in from Del Norte/Prisoners Harbor. Drop toilets have toilet paper. There are many trails nearby to enjoy exploring the island. We opted for a kayaking excursion, which was a blast!
Benjamin S
VerifiedOctober 30, 2024 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: Upper Loop
Lovely site! Upper Scorpion gives a bit more privacy and views, assuming no large groups at group sites. 23-25 are the best.
Make sure not to miss out on kayaking tour from Channel Island Adventures. They’re pricey but worth every penny.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 34.0482 / -119.562
Elevation: 7 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| General |
Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
1/2 mile to 1 mile hike to campground. Visitors must carry all their own gear. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 pm. Check-in and check-out times are at 11:00 a.m. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
No fishing in marine reserves. California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker required to fish outside marine reserves. |
| General |
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. |
