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
Mary T
VerifiedDecember 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: Lower Loop
As a mobility disabled older adult, I found the experience fantastic. The rangers were very helpful, the campsites were clean and roomy. The pit toilet facilities cleaned every day. I was able, with frequent stops, to walk at least 2 miles every day, which is exceptional for a very mobility limited person. After having my service dog get multiple vaccinations and lab tests, she was able to accompany me, as I could not have taken this trip without her. I am very grateful the NPS gave me an avenue to be able to bring her. Overall a wonderful experience for me. I look forward to returning soon and attempt to see more of the island.
Kevin M
VerifiedDecember 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: Lower Loop
Great camp until the rain, sleet & snow started.
Travis M
VerifiedDecember 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: Lower Loop
Santa Cruz Island was an amazing trip the park ranger Mirtha was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the entire island and which where the best hikes and difficultie ratings. A day hike doesn’t quite give you enough time to hike the island recommend an overnight stay. The foxes love your food make sure it’s in your hands at all times or in the locker because they’ll steal it off the picnic table right in front of you.
ZONDRA K
VerifiedDecember 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: Lower Loop
This experience was top knot. We had a very pleasant boat ride over to the island with Island Packers. The ranger explained everything when we got to the island and it was a very well laid out campground. Water was near and the pit toilets were well maintained by Ranger Sam. He was very informative about the islands, the island foxes - who act more like a cat than a fox and they are very cute. But you have to keep an eye on your food if you leave it out, because they show up to help you eat it. The birds here are amazing. It was a great 2 night stay and we look forward to seeing one of the other islands on a return trip. The hiking trails were excellent as well. Beautiful sights even though there was some cloudiness. Loved it - well worth the money and the time.
William W
VerifiedDecember 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Lower Loop
Great!
Paul V
VerifiedDecember 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop
This is a cool spot situated under a grove of Eucalyptus trees - just watch your food/etc. because you'll have many fox visitors during your stay! Despite being pit toilets, the bathrooms were pretty clean and had a light at night, which made it feel like glamping:) The lower campground might be .25 miles from the historic ranch, which is right after you get off the boat, so it's not far at all.
Jim V
VerifiedDecember 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: Lower Loop
With only a small number of campsites, and with few exceptions, everyone comes on the Island Packers ferry, a lot of whom are just there for the day...made for a great, relaxing, not over-crowded campout. Kayaking in the morning, hiking in the afternoons, sunrise and sunset photography. Our Park Ranger was fantastic, always upbeat, positive, and available for questions.
Aiden F
VerifiedDecember 6, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: Lower Loop
Pit toilets. There’s potable drinking water, unlike some of the other islands. Lovely island, but can get very cold at night, so bring lots of layers and a warm sleeping bag.
Jessica T
VerifiedDecember 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Lower Loop
Beautiful location, excellent interpretive rangers, cute wildlife (island foxes)- great experience at the park!
Bartholomew R
VerifiedDecember 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: Lower Loop
Excellent trip. The bathrooms were renovated and clean, and the campsite was clear. Other campers around us were friendly and well-spaced.
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
