Coastal camping · California

Channel Islands (Santa Cruz)

Boat-in camping on California’s “Galápagos”

SettingCoastal
StateCalifornia
Best seasonSpring & fall
ReserveReservation + boat required (Recreation.gov + Island Packers)

A boat ride off Ventura lands you on Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands — sea caves, island foxes found nowhere else, and a campground above a cove with no cars, no crowds, and a sky full of stars. The wildest place within reach of Los Angeles.

Why camp here

Don’t miss: Sea caves & cliffs at Scorpion

RVs & rigs: No RVs — boat access only; carry-in

What’s here

  • Sea-cave kayaking
  • Island foxes
  • Potato Harbor overlook
  • Whale watching

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