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
Kirill S
VerifiedApril 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Lower Loop
I would like to rate my experience as excellent but it rained pretty during both nights we were there. Nothing against the campsite, just my bad luck.
Hanna S
VerifiedApril 5, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: Lower Loop
Such a beautiful trip! Can’t wait to come back! The campsite was way closer than expected and very easy to get to!
michelle l
VerifiedApril 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: Lower Loop
The island is absolutely gorgeous! Our campsite was comfortable, with easy access to water and bathrooms. We loved having the Santa Barbara Adventure Company on the island to provide snorkel and kayaking gear...they were wonderful to work with, and provided an excellent kayak tour of the sea caves.
Anna I
VerifiedApril 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: Upper Loop
Really fabulous campsite on a cool island! Fox/bear box effective, campsite well maintained, and there’s a great communal feel without being too close to other campers.
Margie S
VerifiedApril 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop
A few large groups in the lower loop did not abide to the quiet hours. I felt like I was camping with them as out tents were so close together.
Jacqueline G
VerifiedApril 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: Lower Loop
The weather was incredibly beautiful. Not too much wind and cool temps. Santa Cruz Island was beautiful with lots of wildflowers. Foxes and ravens are aways entertaining. Lots of hiking and pho ops. Had a great trip and can't wait to go back! Jackie G.
Sing W
VerifiedMarch 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: Upper Loop
awesome, the wave is a bit strong. The island has a very unique view and is great for hiking.
Sarah J
VerifiedMarch 26, 2022 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: Lower Loop
What an incredible few days on such a fascinating island. We did 34 miles for my partner’s 34th birthday, and this place did not disappoint. Potato Harbor, Smuggler’s Cove, and Montagnon Peak are a must see. Expect some moderate to challenging hikes once you start heading through the middle of the island towards Prisoner’s. The biggest challenge is knowing how much water to bring - there is no more potable water outside of Scorpion. The campground was nestled in a little valley with tall shade trees and tons of foxes everywhere. Every bathroom I went in was in such great condition. I recommend bringing binoculars, lots of sunscreen, and a windbreaker. Can’t wait to come back!
Clarice O
VerifiedMarch 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Lower Loop
This was a great trip. The campgrounds were nice, quiet and clean. The bathrooms were also clean and there is water on site. The campground is a short walk from the ferry and trailhead. We did several short hikes, caught sunset and the sunrise and did the longer kayak trip. Everything was great. We would love to come back and explore more.
Michael H
VerifiedMarch 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: Lower Loop
Campsite facilities were very well kept and clean. Spacious camp areas, largely level, and decent shade/light mix
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 13, 2026
