Santa Cruz Scorpion Canyon Campground Channel Islands National Park California

Santa Cruz Scorpion Canyon Overview

Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz Island has 31 primitive (tent-only) campsites on the eastern part of the island in a protected valley. Six of the campsites (A to F) are for groups (up to 15 people). Most campsites have good shade from trees and shrubs.

All campsites must be reserved in advance (no first-come, first-serve). Campsites 1-22 are in the Lower Loop and campsites 23-25 and group sites A to F are in the Upper Loop. The hike from the campsites to the beach ranges from about 1,600 feet (Lower Loop) to 3,800 feet (Upper Loop).

The individual campsites can have up to 6 people and 3 tents per site. Group sites can have up to 15 people and 8 tents per site. Each site also has a table and food storage locker. No fires are allowed.  The campground has water (spigots) and vault toilets). There is also a ranger station and dock. Cell service is poor at best.

Getting to the Island / Campground

Visitors need 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. 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. The hike from the dock to the campsites ranges from 1/2 mile to a mile. You must carry all gear/trash in and out.

The only other camping option on Santa Cruz Island is the Del Norte Backcountry campground (about 12 miles from Scorpion Anchorage).

Santa Cruz Island Recreation & Information

Outdoor recreation includes boating, kayaking (bring your own – check with Island Packers), fishing, swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing and wildlife viewing. You can also rent kayaks, mask/snorkels, fins and wet suits on the island. Kayak and snorkel tours are available during the summer season.

Hiking options are also unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the 2 mile round-trip Cavern Point Loop hike for views of the island’s mountain peaks, and the southern California coastline. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and historic buildings for a taste of island ranch history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 7.5-mile round-trip hike from the campground to Smugglers Cove.

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.

Make a Reservation for Santa Cruz Scorpion Canyon

Amenities

• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service Poor
• Dock
• Drinking Water
• Food Storage Locker
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Picnic Tables
• Ranger Station
• Visitor Center

Activities

• Archeological Sites
• Backpacking
• Beach
• Beach Access
• Beach Combing
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Kayaking
• Museum
• Nature Trails
• Ocean
• Paddle boarding (SUP)
• Paddle Boating
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Sailing
• Scuba Diving
• Skin Diving
• Snorkeling
• Stargazing
• Swim Beach
• Swimming
• Visitor Center
• Walking Trails
• Water Sports
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife Viewing