Santa Cruz Scorpion

Everything was well maintained. Trails were clearly marked. Campsite bathrooms were remarkably clean.

Cavern Point to Potato Harbor overlook is definitely worth hiking the views were stunning. Scorpion Canyon Loop trail was a bit more challenging worth hiking. The visitor center is very small and cute but shares some important history of the island. The campsites where well shaded, all staff on island were very friendly.

The campground was great. The island foxes are adorable. Make sure to bring carabiners for your tent to clip zippers together. The foxes and raven can and will unzip the tents and backpacks and go through them! There are pit toilets and potable water, making it as close as you can get to car camping on an island. If volunteer Doug is working he's a treat! Sing-a-longs, documentary screenings and star gazing are all worth doing.

One of my favorite national park trips yet for many reasons, and March was a perfect time to visit. Before even getting to the island, we were already blown away. We were fortunate enough to see two grey whales on our Island Packers ferry ride along with plenty of friendly dolphins. When you pull up to the island, it feels like another world. The lush green landscape, flowers blooming, and crashing waves takes your breath away.

We camped at site #16 in the lower campground which was clean, well-maintained, and a short walk from the ferry dock and hiking trails. We hiked the Potato Harbor trail which wasn’t too strenuous and offered some gorgeous cliff side views.

Once the sun went down, volunteer ranger Doug put on a star gazing info session in which a group of us laid on the pier while Doug talked about the constellations and the close Native American historical ties of the island. This was my favorite part of the trip - Doug has a special way of making you perfectly connected to this beautiful national park, and provided a chance to reflect on how lucky we are to experience something like this. If anyone has a chance to attend one of Doug’s talks, this is your sign to do it! You will not be disappointed. Thank you Doug and thank you Channel Islands!

One of the best campsites in California! Unfortunately, you must put everything (including *empty* packs) in the bear boxes. The crows know how to open zippers and inspect. Monitor items closely when on the beach for the same reason.

My recent stay at Santa Cruz, Channel Islands National Park, was a journey into pure tranquility and natural wonder. From the moment I stepped foot on the ferry and witnessed dolphins playing in the waves and majestic whales breaching in the distance, I knew I was in for a special experience. The ferry ride offered a breathtaking view of the open ocean, setting the tone for the adventure that awaited me on the island. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the park rangers, whose warmth and knowledge enhanced my stay immensely. They were not only extremely friendly but also went above and beyond to accommodate my preferences, even arranging a campground swap to ensure I could enjoy a more secluded spot away from the crowds. The campground itself was well kept, with clean restrooms and some of the freshest drinking water I've ever tasted. It was the perfect base for exploring the island's hiking trails and the endemic wildlife.
On my first day, I took the park rangers' advice and spent time settling in and embarking on a leisurely hike, soaking in the solitude and beauty of the island. The guided kayaking tour on the second day was the perfect way to immerse myself in the island's coastal splendor, paddling alongside sea caves, rocky cliffs, and even exploring the giant kelp forests.\
Overall, my stay at Santa Cruz, Channel Islands National Park, was an unforgettable adventure. The sense of isolation and connection with nature rejuvenated my spirit, while the park rangers' hospitality and expertise added an extra layer of warmth to the experience. I highly recommend Santa Cruz, Channel Islands National Park, to anyone seeking an escape from the ordinary and a chance to reconnect with the nature. I'm already counting down the days until my next visit to this hidden gem off the California coast!

Staff were super friendly, would suggest booking early for the snorkel or kayak sessions

With all the rain, the island was beyond beautiful. The facilities were fantastic. I attended the Ranger movie night and really appreciated the two island films. The orientation on the first day was wel-done. I was traveling alone and my second night was at Del Norte. I appreciated that the ranger kept me informed and knew where I was scheduled to be. The overall experience was fantastic.

Upper campground is fantastic - one of the best campgrounds I’ve ever stayed in!

While Del Norte is a nice campground, getting there is quite a beast, particularly on Navy Rd. Since you need to bring your own water--which I recommend tailoring to the weather conditions--pack as lightly as possible to help with the climb up. Another thing to note: if you are going to walk on Navy Road instead of the Del Norte trail, it may be muddy, depending on recent weather and maintenance activities. I hiked back from Del Norte to Prisoners Harbor along Navy Rd and much of it was a muddy mess.