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Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
Scorpion Canyon Campground is reached only by boat — there is no vehicle access to Channel Islands National Park. Campers take the Island Packers ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island, then walk roughly a mile uphill from the pier to the campground, carrying in everything they'll need. The payoff is a primitive, quiet canyon campground surrounded by island chaparral, close to sea caves, kayaking, snorkeling, and the endemic island fox found nowhere else on Earth.
31 campsites|California
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Campsite Types
Tent only
25 sites
No hookups · tent only, walk-in from the pierTent OK
Group
6 sites
No hookups · tent-only group sitesTent OK
Prefer a cabin or cottage nearby?
Ventura, where the Island Packers ferry departs, has hotels and vacation rentals if you want a mainland bed before or after the crossing.
See cabins & rentals near Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park →We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Guide to Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
Best Campsites
For Families:Standard tent sites closer to the start of the loop mean a shorter carry from the pier
For Tents:Every site here is tent-only — there's no RV or vehicle camping anywhere on the island
When to Go
Spring through fall, when ferry service is most frequent and seas are calmer for the crossing. Winter brings rougher water and a real chance of canceled ferry crossings.
Tips
- →Book your Island Packers ferry ticket separately from your campsite — you need both, and the boat has limited seats
- →Plan for a roughly mile-long uphill hike from the pier to camp, carrying in all food, water, and gear
- →Pack out everything you pack in — there is no trash service on the island
- →Check the ferry schedule and cancellation policy before committing to dates; winter crossings are the most weather-dependent
Highlights
Reached only by the Island Packers ferry from Ventura — no vehicles, everAbout a mile uphill hike from the pier to the campground, carrying all your gearClose to Scorpion Anchorage's sea caves, kayaking, and snorkelingHome to the endemic island fox, found only on the Channel IslandsPrimitive, quiet canyon setting in island chaparralHistoric Scorpion Ranch buildings near the landing
Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park — Frequently Asked
Is Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park hard to book?+
Yes — Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park is a federal campground booked through recreation.gov, and its sites fill up on weekends and during peak seasons. Spring through fall, when ferry service is most frequent and seas are calmer for the crossing. Winter brings rougher water and a real chance of canceled ferry crossings. Reserve early on recreation.gov, and set a Camp.land alert to catch cancellations the moment they open.
How many campsites does Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park have?+
Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park has 31 campsites, including Tent only, Group.
How far in advance should I book Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park?+
Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park is a federal campground, so sites are booked through recreation.gov — typically up to 6 months in advance — not the Texas state park system. If your dates are already full, set a Camp.land alert and we'll email you the moment a cancellation opens.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park?+
Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park occasionally has same-day or cancellation openings on recreation.gov, especially midweek. Camp.land watches Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park for cancellations and emails you the instant one opens, with a direct booking link.
Don't wait for Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park to open up
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Set Alert for Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National ParkScorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
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