Channel Islands National Park California

Channel Islands National Park Overview

Channel Islands National Park is located off the central California coastline and includes 5 beautiful islands and their ocean environment.  Each island has a primitive campground accessed by concession boats and then by hiking. The islands have unique wildlife and archeological resources found nowhere else on the planet.

The Islands

San Miguel Island is the westernmost island and has a 28-mile coastline. It generally has strong north-westerly winds, fog and severe weather from the open ocean. The rough seas, submerged rocks and risky landings make it challenging for mariners. Ranches raised sheep her from 1850 to 1948 and the Navy used the island for a bombing range.

Santa Rosa Island is the 2nd largest at 15 miles long and 10 miles wide (53,051 acres). It has beautiful rolling hills, deep canyons, a coastal lagoon and beaches.

Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the islands  (61,972 acres)at about 22 miles long and 2 to 6 miles wide. It also has pristine beaches, rugged mountains, canyons and grass-covered hills.  The National Conservancy and the National Park Service preserve and protect the island.

Anacapa Island is just 12 miles from the mainland and includes a 5-mile spine of rock broken into 3 islets. The Coast Guard built a light beacon in 1912 and a light station in 1932. Accessing the island interior and campground starts at a dock on the south/western edge.

Santa Barbara Island is the smallest (644 acres) and includes a rocky shoreline, grassy mesa and hills.  It also has a small campground.

Channel Island National Park Camping

Camping is available year round on all 5 islands in Channel Islands National Park. Camping is primitive and campers must pack in/out all gear, food and trash. On-island transportation is not provided. Each campsite also has a table and vault toilets are provided. Water is not available except at Water Canyon campground on Santa Rosa Island and the Scorpion Canyon campground on Santa Cruz Island.

Each island has an established campground including: above the Landing Cove on Santa Barbara, on the east islet of Anacapa, at Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz, at Water Canyon on Santa Rosa, and above Cuyler Harbor on San Miguel. Backcountry Camping  is available on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands.

Because concession boats fill to capacity much faster than campground limits are met, campers must first secure transportation for an overnight trip to Channel Islands National Park. Visit Island Packers for boat schedules and more information.

Amenities

• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Cell Service Poor
• Dock
• Drinking Water
• Food Storage Locker
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Picnic Tables
• Ranger Station

Activities

• Archeological Sites
• Backpacking
• Beach
• Beach Access
• Beach Combing
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Creek
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Interpretive Programs
• Kayaking
• Lagoon
• Lighthouse
• Museum
• Nature Programs
• Nature Trails
• Ocean
• Paddle Boating
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Sailing
• Scuba Diving
• Skin Diving
• Snorkeling
• Stargazing
• Surf Fish
• Swimming
• Tide Pools
• Visitor Center
• Walking Trails
• Water Sports
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife Viewing