Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground
34.0111, -119.6603 · Park boundary: National Park Service
The Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is currently the only backcountry campground on Santa Cruz Island. The hike to the campground is 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor and 12 miles from Scorpion Anchorage. It has four primitive campsites (four persons per site) and users must camp within these designated sites.Reservations are required ($15 per night-per site). A picnic table, food storage box, and pit-style toilet are provided (campers must bring their own toilet paper).
- Every day
- All Day
Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is open year round.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Advanced camping reservations are required for all of the park's campgrounds. There are no entrance fees to visit the park. However, a reservation fee of $15.00 per site-per night is charged for camping on the islands. For the Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground, this fee covers up to four people. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or through http://www.recreation.gov/.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Advanced camping reservations are required for all of the park's campgrounds. There are no entrance fees to visit the park. However, a reservation fee of $15.00 per site-per night is charged for camping on the islands. For the Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground, this fee covers up to four people. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or through http://www.recreation.gov/.
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - year round
- Host on site
- Yes - year round
- Toilets
- Vault Toilets - year round
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Drinking water
- No water
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
- Trash & recycling
- No
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- No Roads
- Classification
- Designated Primitive Campsites
Due to the rugged hike, the Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is not accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Due to the rugged hike, the Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is not accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
No fires are permitted. Use only enclosed, gas camp stoves.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is only accessible by boat. Visit our island transportation webpage for more information: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/island-transportation.htm The hike to the campground is 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor and 12 miles from Scorpion Anchorage.
Campers should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Sturdy, low-profile tents, stakes, and line for securing tents to ground or table. Fog can occur on the islands during any season producing cool, damp conditions. Overexposure to the wind and sun can be a serious problem. Visitors are advised to bring supplies for an extra day in case boats are unable to pick up campers due to sea conditions. Current weather: http://channelislands.noaa.gov/news/kiosk.h
The protection and preservation of your park's biological and cultural resources is the mission of the National Park Service. By following the regulations and guidelines listed below, you can help protect these rare and unique treasures for future generations to enjoy. For a more complete description please visit Laws and Policies and Leave No Trace. Regulations: -Backcountry camping is allowed only at the Del Norte site. -Store all food in animal- and bird-proof containers. -Pack out all trash. -No fires are allowed Guidelines: -Strain or separate food particles from cooking water and pack them out. Scatter the gray water 200 ft. from water sources and camps. -Minimize soap use to keep the backcountry free of chemicals. If washing with soap, rinse 200 ft. from water sources. -Do not damage live trees, plants, and other living things. It is not permitted to chop or nail trees, harvest or trample plants.
This small campground contains 4 sites that are nestled within oak trees and grasslands. They sit up on a ridge that provides sweeping coastal views of the island and ocean.
Drive to Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground
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