Channel Islands National Park
The five islands that comprise this offshore national park, which can be reached via a 1.5-hour ferry ride, provide a glimpse of what the California coast looked like hundreds of years ago. There is a campground on each of the Channel Islands. Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island, Water Canyon on Santa Rosa Island, and the East Anacapa Island campground are the most popular. However, this does not mean that the others (Santa Barbara and San Miguel) should be overlooked. The Channel Islands National Park website is a great place to start for information on camping and what to bring.
For an extra touch of wilderness and adventure, campers should choose backcountry camping at Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa Islands. August through December, the pristine beaches of Santa Rosa Island are also available for backcountry camping. With 55 miles of secluded and undeveloped coastline reminiscent of days gone by, campers can experience the sense of discovery that Island Chumash and Spanish explorers may have felt.
Although camping on all of the islands is primitive, all sites have picnic tables, food storage boxes, and outhouses. However, no supplies or equipment are available on the island. Campers should bring all of their supplies, including water and trash containers, since there are no trash services on the islands.
It's also important to know that no fires are permitted on any of the islands, and only enclosed gas camp stoves are permitted. Campers are asked not to feed wildlife and to keep food and drink in animal- and bird-proof containers while on the island. This is especially important at Santa Cruz Island's Scorpion Ranch, where clever island foxes and ravens have mastered the art of zipper opening.
- Area: 1.010 km²
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm
- Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
- Location: Ventura, CA 93001
