Channel Islands National Park
9 campgrounds in the park · 77 nearby · 3 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
2 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureParts of Santa Rosa Island Closed During Wildfire RecoverySanta Rosa Island reopens to limited day use on July 1. No overnight visits are allowed. Burned areas, including Water Canyon Campground, remain closed through at least October 12. Click the more link for additional information.
- InformationSanta Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky LedgeSanta Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 9 campgrounds7 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 77 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 3 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 9
- National Park
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion
In the park · Santa Barbara, CA
Reserve on Recreation.gov
- National Park
Santa Cruz Island del Norte Backcountry
In the park · Santa Barbara, CA
Reserve on Recreation.gov
Camping near the park 77
- Aerial viewCampground
Santa Rosa Campground
7.9 mi · Santa Barbara, CA
- Aerial viewCampground
Del Norte
14 mi · Santa Barbara, CA
Free and dispersed nearby 3
See them on the mapServices nearby: 8 dump stations · 2 rest areas
About Channel Islands
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological…
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.
Photos: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Boating
- Motorized Boating
- Sailing
- Boat Tour
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly…
Weather
In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. However, there are seasonal differences that…
Plan your visit
Hours
The park is open 24 hours a day. Services and facilities have separate hours. Please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Getting there
While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.
Weather
In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. However, there are seasonal differences that visitors should take into consideration when visiting the park. In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/weather.htm
Camped at Channel Islands? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Santa Cruz Island Scorpion, Santa Cruz Island del Norte Backcountry and Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping.