Tent Sites
Gary C
VerifiedNovember 2, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: Lower Loop
Great experiences! I was able to kayak, snorkel, hike and fish and loved it all so much that I almost missed the ferry!
Helpful
About Santa Cruz Scorpion
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds.
The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world.
For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm .
Available sites
31 total sitesActivities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Kayaking
Spring
Summer
Fall
Year-round
Birding
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Spring
Kayaking
Nearby
Summer
Kayaking
Nearby
Fall
Kayaking
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
Water Access
- Beach Access
Missing information?
Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
31 Sites Available
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001, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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002, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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003, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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004, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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005, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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006, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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007, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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008, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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009, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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010, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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011, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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012, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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013, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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014, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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015, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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016, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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017, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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018, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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019, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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020, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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021, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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022, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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023, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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024, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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025, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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A, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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B, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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C, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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D, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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E, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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F, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
31 Sites Available
Site
Price
⛺
001, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
002, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
003, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
004, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
005, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
006, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
007, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
008, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
009, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
010, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
011, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
012, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
013, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
014, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
015, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
016, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
017, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
018, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
019, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
020, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
021, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
022, Loop: Lower Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
023, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
024, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
025, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
A, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
B, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
C, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
D, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
E, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
⛺
F, Loop: Upper Loop
Tent
Yes shade
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
654 reviews
Summary
Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful setting with excellent opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors praised the well-maintained campsites, stunning views, and friendly ranger staff, highlighting the unique wildlife and serene atmosphere. However, some noted issues with restroom cleanliness and accessibility from the ferry, but overall, the experience was highly positive, encouraging repeat visits.
Based on guest feedback
4.8
Overall rating
Based on 654 reviews
5 stars
85.6% (560)
4 stars
9.3% (61)
3 stars
2.9% (19)
2 stars
1.2% (8)
1 star
0.9% (6)
Showing 654 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Neil M
VerifiedOctober 28, 2021 Stayed at: 023, Loop: Upper Loop
Great hiking, fantastic trails, beautiful views, and a fun boat ride over. My only complaint was - the Scorpion Upper Campground was VERY loud. I had selected the Upper Sites area because there were far fewer sites up there and it was furthest from the boat dock / harbor area. But unfortunately for me, the entire Upper Campground was filled with 5th graders enjoying a week on the island. The kids didn't do anything bad, but they were very loud. It was not pleasant to be in this beautiful setting, only to have it be so loud that the serenity was totally destroyed. Personally, I think the website should do a better job of warning folks that 5th grade school trips happen during the month of October and be aware that it will be loud.
Helpful
Eileen A
VerifiedOctober 28, 2021 Stayed at: 011, Loop: Lower Loop
Na
Helpful
David L
VerifiedOctober 28, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Lower Loop
Great place. Given that snorkeling and kayaking are two of the main activities, it would benefit tremendously by having showers available, though.
Helpful
Thai T
VerifiedOctober 26, 2021 Stayed at: 023, Loop: Upper Loop
we visited Santa Cruz scorpion and prisoner in mid October.site 23 It was super windy. Love that the site is clean with water and bathroom close by. The trees were too big to hang our hammock. Would return again.
Helpful
Josie M
VerifiedOctober 24, 2021 Stayed at: 025, Loop: Upper Loop
This campground is unbelievably gorgeous. We stayed in the upper loop which is by the group sites. We stayed for 2 nights and there was also a group of middle school students next door but it wasn’t a problem because they were very well behaved. Loved this location. It’s in a Eucalyptus grove and smells incredible. Sites 23,24,25 would all be great choices with nice views and close to the scorpion canyon trail and potato harbor trail.
Helpful
Sian H
VerifiedOctober 22, 2021 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Lower Loop
campsite was great. island is full of invasive (plant) species, sadly, but hopefully the park will put some focus on that issue.
Helpful
Aaron P
VerifiedOctober 22, 2021 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Lower Loop
NA
Helpful
Ryan S
VerifiedOctober 21, 2021 Stayed at: 019, Loop: Lower Loop
Really a beautiful island. You can't go wrong with any of the hikes. The camping spaces were large.
Helpful
Jason M
VerifiedOctober 13, 2021 Stayed at: 021, Loop: Lower Loop
Very unique location and worth staying a day or two :D
Helpful
Location & Directions for Santa Cruz Scorpion
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 United States
Elevation: 7 ft
Getting There
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.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via Highway 101, with interchanges at Victoria or Seaward providing access to Ventura Harbor.
Near Channel Islands National Park
The closest entrance is: Scorpion Anchorage Pier (Santa Cruz Island)
Approximate drive: 0.4 mi · 1 min
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: October 24, 2026
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Explore Ventura, CA
Nearby city: Oxnard, CA
Approx. 24 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 36 ft
Ventura, CA
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