Loading…
← All Parks
California
Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
Ventura, California · 31 campsites
Illustrative landscape
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.
Campsites
31 campsites
Region
California
Guide rate from
Check booking site
Entrance
Confirm with park
Short answer
Check this campground’s official reservation page for its current release schedule and seasonal openings. We have not verified a booking window for this campground.
Compare your options
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
Check live availability
We check Recreation.gov right now — no stale numbers, just what’s actually open.
Checks your arrival date.
Location & trip guide
Ventura, California
Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park is in California. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗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 found during scheduled checks every 30 minutes.
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?+
Check this campground’s official reservation page for its current release schedule and seasonal openings. We have not verified a booking window for this campground.
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 checks every 30 minutes and emails you when a check finds an opening, with a direct booking link. Availability can change before you book.
Parks Near Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
Don't wait for Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park to open up
Your first alert is free — no card required. We check every 30 minutes and email you when a check finds an opening. Availability can change before you book.
Set Alert for Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park