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
Sandra P
VerifiedOctober 7, 2025 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: Lower Loop
Stellar, truly off the grid experience
Joanne F
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: Lower Loop
Beautiful island and campground. So much to explore and see and the kayak trip was amazing
Susanne F
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: Lower Loop
Make sure to cross check if there is room on the boat and space at the campground for the times you need. When I booked, I know the campground was booked full, but 1/4 of the sites empty. I assume they didn't realize the boat fills up with day trip folks.
There is water at this campground. (Prisoners is the one you have to byo)
Fox, crows and blue jays will get into your stuff if you don't put it ALL in the animal proof boxes at each site. I saw socks and dental floss picks scattered around the site from someone that didn't put them away.
Todd C
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: Lower Loop
Lower Scorpion Camp was about what I expected. …. sites were mostly occupied. Most campers were respectful of quiet hours. Always a bit of wind, which I don’t mind on a warm summer afternoon; unfortunately there are restrooms on either side of camp. There is always that smell, wafting through camp. Now on the upside…. Solitude, beautiful vistas,wildlife is all a few minutes out of camp. Favorite hike and destination was smugglers cove. It’s a nice seven or eight mile hike round trip, depending on which route you take….. take a lunch and spend the afternoon over there..
Anna G
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Lower Loop
Great primitive camping with clean pit toilets and convenient water spigots. There’s no lighting in the area, so be sure to bring flashlights, fairy lights, or headlamps. The campground is in a eucalyptus grove, and we didn't see any mosquitoes or other biting insects (camped in September). Group sites are set a bit apart, and even with a group of teenagers nearby, we heard no noise. Be aware of birds and foxes. When the ranger tells you to keep food within arm's reach, please take it seriously. Foxes are not aggressive, just persistent; one even lingered after I pointed a flashlight at it.
Luis C
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2025 • Stayed at: D, Loop: Upper Loop
Nice location shaded, water and toilets close by your camping spot. Plenty room for your tent(s). Watch for island foxes! the will chase your food!
Irina K
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: Lower Loop
Great place to visit. The kayaking tour to the caves was our highlight.
Michael H
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Lower Loop
Lovely campground in the eucalyptus trees. Boxes provided to store food away from the cute but mischievous foxes. Bathrooms clean, drop toilets. We had a great time.
Jennifer J
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: Lower Loop
We didn't love the camping here. There was no enforcement of rules. There is a group site right next to this campsite, though not shown on map, where the kayak outfitter folks live. I would not camp here again if you're looking for peace in nature. Island is amazing though! Visit for the day!
Becky J
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: Lower Loop
Wonderful campground with tasty water and simple pit toilets. There are some trees for a bit of shade. Lots of great hiking options.
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
