Santa Cruz Island Scorpion
Campground · California · 31 bookable sites ·
Managed by the National Park Service
Channel Islands National Park (National Park) · Open Access
- 31
- Bookable sites
- up to 15
- People per site
- 21 ft
- Elevation
Overview
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 .Recreation
With its easy beach access and generally good weather, this area offers the most recreational activities in the park, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.Facilities
Primitive camping is available at Scorpion Canyon Campground with 25 individual sites which accommodate up to six persons per site; and six group sites with up to 15 persons per site. Picnic table, food storage box, pit toilet, and water are provided. The campground is a flat 1/2 mile to 1 mile hike from the pier. Access to the island is by Island Packers Cruises or by private boat.Natural Features
The beach near the campground is a mix of sand and rocks, and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The campground is located in a valley with a mixture of trees and shrubs. Rugged mountain peaks rise above the campground to 1,808 feet.Nearby Attractions
Hiking options are 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.The facts
- 31 bookable sites
- Up to 15 people per site
- Loops: Lower Loop, Upper Loop
Site types
- 25 Tent Only Nonelectric
- 6 Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Campfires allowed — not available
- Pets allowed — not available
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, grills.
31 campsites at Santa Cruz Island Scorpion
Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Access | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island | — | 6 | |
| 002 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 003 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 004 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 005 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 006 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 007 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 008 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 009 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 010 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 011 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 012 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 013 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 014 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 015 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 016 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 017 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 018 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 019 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 020 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 021 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 022 | Lower Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 023 | Upper Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 024 | Upper Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| 025 | Upper Loop | Tent Only Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island, | — | 6 | |
| A | Upper Loop | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island | — | 15 | |
| B | Upper Loop | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island | — | 15 | |
| C | Upper Loop | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island | — | 15 | |
| D | Upper Loop | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island | — | 15 | |
| E | Upper Loop | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island | — | 15 | |
| F | Upper Loop | Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric | — | — | Hike In | Island | — | 15 |
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.
34.04824, -119.56160 · 34°2'53.7"N 119°33'41.7"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.6 | 3.8 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 2.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 22.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Santa Cruz Island Scorpion
- Can you reserve a site at Santa Cruz Island Scorpion?
- Yes, Santa Cruz Island Scorpion is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Santa Cruz Island Scorpion have?
- 31 sites.
- Are pets allowed at Santa Cruz Island Scorpion?
- No, pets are not allowed at Santa Cruz Island Scorpion.
- Are campfires allowed at Santa Cruz Island Scorpion?
- Campfires are not allowed at Santa Cruz Island Scorpion.
Camping near Santa Cruz Island Scorpion
- Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry 6.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Anacapa Island 11.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Santa Rosa Island 28.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping 30.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Prisoners Harbor Campground 7.2 mi · Campground
- Visitor Center Anacapa Island 11.6 mi · Visitor Center
- Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center 21.8 mi · Facility
- Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center 25.7 mi · Facility
- Divide Peak OHV Trailhead 30 mi · Facility
- La Cumbre Peak Day Use 32 mi · Facility
- Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center 35.1 mi · Facility
- Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center 35.9 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 805-658-5730
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-09.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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