Adventuring the Channel IslandsThe Channel Islands National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the Nation. It is made up of 4 islands that sit about 20+ miles off the coast of Ventura California. The only way to get to these Islands is by boat which makes it the least visited national park in the Nation. Authorsfinnblacker
DestinationsChannel Islands National ParkItinerary

Transportation

Ventura Harbor
The Ventura Harbor is the launching point for getting to the islands. It is where the Island Packers is located and has lots of overnight parking for those headed to the Channel Islands as well as shops and restaurants.
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Island Packers Cruises
The Island Packers Cruises are one of the companies that take you out to the Channel Islands. They are located in the Ventura Harbor and have three boats that go out almost every day. These boats are fast stable catamarans with skilled captains. These boats were built for running people to and from the Islands. They are very safe but on big swell days, the ride can be a little bumpy. The boat has a small galley with snacks and drinks during the crossing. As you motor out to the islands you will see dolphins and seals and hopefully whales in the channel. If you get seasick I recommend bringing earplugs and putting one in one of your ears. This will throw your equilibrium off and help for sea sickness. Drinking 7up or Canadian Dry and looking at the horizon can help as well or use anything that may help you.
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Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island is the smallest island in the Channel Islands National Park. It has high bluffs and a lighthouse. It offers great fishing and scenic views of the surrounding ocean.
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Anacapa Island Campground
Anacapa Island Campground is the closest island to the mainland but also the smallest island. The campground is less than 0.5 miles from the dock at East Anacapa Island. It is small and intimate, with 7 sites offering picnic tables and pit toilets. Scenic views of the ocean and nearby islets are ideal for short visits and exploring the island’s unique features.
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East Anacapa Island - Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point is a great hike on Anacapa Island. It gives stunning views of the Island and the surrounding ocean. It is a favorite for visitors of the island and has great viewing of seabirds and sealife. Definitely worth the hike if you visit this island.
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Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is the largest island in the Channel Islands. It features rugged coastlines, expansive beaches, and rolling hills, offering a variety of hiking trails and scenic vistas. The history of the island dates back to the turn of the century. It is home to significant archaeological sites, including remnants of Chumash villages. As well as historic ranch buildings used for cattle ranching that date back to 1680 when the Spanish Explorers used the islands for raising livestock. The island is also home to the Island fox which is a cute red fox that roams the island.
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Scorpion Ranch
Scorpion Ranch is my personal favorite. It is the closest beach to the mainland and has a great pier. There are fantastic kelp forests right off the beach, coves to either side, and great hiking trails to more secluded beaches or great cliff views. The campground is a short half-mile walk back from the beach and has lots of historical artifacts from the days of cattle on the island. Be careful of your bags as the Ravens on the islands have gotten particularly good at opening zippers.
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Prisoners Harbor
Prisoners Harbor is a great beach for day users. it is located on the South side of Santa Cruz and has great sandy beaches. It is usually sheltered from the wind more than other areas on the island because of where it is located, depending on wind direction of course. It has a pier and offers great snorkeling and hiking from the beach.
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Painted Cave (Santa Cruz Island) State Marine Conservation Area
The Painted Cave on Santa Cruz is one of the world's largest sea caves, featuring colorful rock formations and rich marine life. It is home to kelp forests, sea lions, seals, and various fish species. It is popular for kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, with opportunities to explore the cave. Protected status restricts activities like fishing to preserve marine ecosystems. Definitely is a fun activity while staying on Santa Cruz Island.
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Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail
This trail loop is a great hike for those looking for a longer hike on the island. It is a 4.5-mile loop with moderate difficulty. You will be able to see wildlife and sealife while on this hike and you will get to see more beaches and cliff views while hiking this trail. It is accessible from Scorpion Ranch which is where the boat will drop you off.
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Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground
The Del Norte Campground is one of the other campgrounds in Santa Cruz. It is 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor, meaning it is about an hour hike depending on your pace. It is remote and primitive, located on a ridge with stunning island views. Offers a more rugged camping experience with no potable water.
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Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay is one of many great beaches on Santa Cruz Island. It also has a campground which is the third campground on the island. The camp is accessible by a strenuous 5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor, with a permit required. It is secluded and peaceful, situated near Pelican Bay. Features pit toilets and no potable water, ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude. If hiking 5 miles isn't for you relaxing on the beach for the day is just as peaceful.
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Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground
Scorpion Canyon Campground is the most friendly campground on the five islands. It is about half a mile up from the beach, which means a short walk in. Bringing a wagon could be smart if you don't want to carry backpacks. It is accessible and family-friendly, offering flat, grassy campsites with picnic tables and pit toilets. Close to the beach and hiking trails.
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Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is the second largest island. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including endemic plant species and the island fox, as well as extensive marine life. The island also has stunning sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, and panoramic views, ideal for hiking, and wildlife watching. If you want to be more remote without going to San Miguel or Santa Barbara this island is worth the 2 to 3-hour boat ride out there.
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Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Campground
The Santa Rosa Island Campground is one of two campgrounds on Santa Rosa Island. The camp is about 1.5 miles from the pier at Bechers Bay. It is located near Water Canyon and offers spacious sites with picnic tables and pit toilets. It is also close to beach access and hiking trails. Santa Rosa is less visited than Santa Cruz but is also more remote then Santa Cruz.
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Water Canyon Campground
Water Canyon Campground is the second campground in Santa Rosa. It is located near the Santa Rosa island campground and is about 1.5 miles from the pier. It offers similar amenities with a picturesque setting near Water Canyon Beach, providing easy access to trails and scenic views. This campground is just as remote as the other one on the island but it will give you a very peaceful camping experience.
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San Miguel Island

San Miguel Island
San Miguel Island is the most remote island. It is known for its remote wilderness. Its rugged terrain and isolation, provide a true wilderness experience. It is home to large colonies of seals and sea lions, as well as unique plant species and abundant birdlife. If you want to truly feel alone and explore untouched California this is the island for you, but be ready as the boat ride there will be long ranging between 4 to 5 hours.
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San Miguel Island Campsite
The San Miguel Island Campground is just about as remote as Santa Barbara island but a little bit bigger. The campground is about half a mile from the boat landing at Cuyler Harbor. There is no pier meaning you will take small boats to shore. The camp is remote and windy, with 9 primitive sites. Features picnic tables and pit toilets, and no potable water. Known for its rugged beauty and wildlife viewing.
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Santa Barbara Island

Santa Barbara Island
The Santa Barbara island is the smallest of the Channel Islands. It has a concentrated experience with dramatic sea cliffs, tide pools, and diverse marine life. It is known for its Seabird Sanctuary which has a large population of nesting seabirds, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and marine mammal sightings. It is located south of the other 4 islands and will give an experience different then that of the other 4 islands. It does take about 3 hours to get there but for those looking for a secluded camping or hiking experience, this is a fantastic island.
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Landing Cove Campground
Landing Cove Campground is a remote camp on the Island of Santa Barbara. It is about a 1 mile hike from the landing cove. It has 10 sites with picnic tables and pit toilets. Provides breathtaking ocean views, opportunities for hiking, and excellent wildlife viewing, especially sea birds and marine life.
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