Camping Channel Islands National Park (Santa Cruz)

Figuring out how to camp, backpack, and hike Channel Islands National Park can be intimidating. Each island has its own deal, and it can be overwhelming between permit regulations, water supplies, and boat schedules. In this guide, I'll show you the easiest way to make your first visit to the Channel Islands National Park and experience all it has to offer.

✅ Bucket List Hikes You Should Try:

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00:00 Why This Guide?
01:03 Which Island?
01:18 Book Camp
02:09 Boat TIckets
03:20 Scorpion Cove
06:01 Smuggler's Cove
10:08 Potato Harbor

Are you planning a thrilling adventure in Channel Islands National Park? This comprehensive beginner's guide is here to help you backpack, camp, and hike like a pro! Discover the untouched beauty of the islands while immersing yourself in the wonders of nature. These expert tips will provide you with all the essential information you need, from packing the perfect gear to navigating the island trails. Explore the breathtaking landscapes, encounter unique wildlife, and awaken your senses to the serenity of the coastal wilderness. Join us on this unforgettable journey and create lifelong memories as you embark on your first backpacking, camping, and hiking experience in Channel Islands National Park. Get ready to embrace the pristine beauty and embark on an adventure that will leave you in awe. Start your journey today and unlock the secrets of Channel Islands National Park!

[elliotmann]

We used to travel out to Santa Cruz on our small sailboat, and hang out there for 4 days at a time. But that was back in the 1970's, before you needed a permit to go there. It was a total wild adventure back then, with a certain amount of risk. But we always came back alive with lots of 8mm movies of the trips.

[honeylea]

I’ve been waiting for this video! As a Ventura resident, I make it a point to visit one of the islands at least once a year. They are SO underrated and I’m glad to see you went during the blooms. February and March are some of my favorite times to visit! ❤

[ThomasLuley]

Great video, it brought back some great memories! During our two nights camping on Santa Cruz we enjoyed the Smugglers Cove and Potato Harbor hikes and the island foxes. But the best thing we did was a guided kayak tour of the sea caves-- it is highly recommended!

[jonhagar]

Use to be a hunting guide in late 70's, so many Foxes back then. Lots of Marino Sheep and Feral pigs, wild turkey, quail and wild peacocks. We stayed a west end of island at Christie Ranch, always finding piles of Abalone shells left From Chumash, piles as big as a house. Dr. Staunton still ran Herford cattle on the island, and had a cattle round up from horse back, they turn the horses loose till next year. He would barge out huge tanker trucks full of propane and diesel that ran large generators for his Ranch. There was still olive tree orchards out dieing grape vines from old days of Santa Cruz wine. Loved that island, still do

[Perch_Master_Nick]

I fished at Santa Cruz Island in the past on the Island Spirit out of Ventura Harbor Sportfishing.

I usually fish at Catalina Island on the Pursuit more frequently. All the Channel Islands are awesome.

[randysvids]

I wish it was sunny when we were there but still got some good video shots….especially the island foxes

[RobinSangston]

Great video of tour. We went last spring and absolutely loved the day hike experience. We also signed up to do the kayaking along the coast and into some of the caverns. That was really wonderful and exciting. Some kayaking experience is recommended as the seas were pretty choppy and you needed to guide your kayak through some fairly narrow cave openings. But it was really cool! We’d do it again!

[shikawgoh]

Really nice and informative video. Super serene and enticing. I plan on going for the first time in late summer this year. This was the perfect introduction to what I can expect and how to navigate the trip. Thanks.

[mikek]

I get out there about every year or two, and I love it. Such a beautiful ecosystem. I also recommend you bring snorkeling gear or rent a kayak, because there is some great snorkeling in Scorpion Cove and you can easily kayak to the caves.

[yanlingtao]

Very detailed and informed introduction. We are going to take the Potato Harbor trail for the breathtaking views. Thanks for video!

[keeldragger]

Great video. I sail to the Channel Islands often. This is a good reminder to do more hiking while I'm there.

[leapheap]

What a wonderful hike. I was born in Ventura but I’ve never done a hike on the island. Well done!

[rudycortez]

This looks so cool! 🔥 I'm definitely going soon 💯💯💯 love your videos man

[steveschwartz]

What a great hike. Definitely adding it to my list. I heard the sea cave kayaking is awesome there too.

[BuffaloInTheClouds]

hi thanks for the video, does anybody know if I can bring my bike on the ferry / is it allowed to bike on the island?

[docberry]

Hi - your videos are amazing. I love how you show maps, and include information about practical things like parking and bathrooms. We are going to Santa Cruz and Joshua Tree and your videos have been very helpful. I have a question about Santa Cruz. We are doing a day trip, planning on hiking to Potato Harbor. Is it possible to link up with an interior trail and still get back to the ferry? Or should we just go straight back to the ferry. We are in our 60's, but move pretty quickly. Answer if you have a chance; no worries if you don't see this or have time to respond.

[dragonlo]

I've gone scuba diving and kayaking there

[kimberlyhodgden]

You let the secret out! 😂 Great video!

[ColemanOutdoors]

What a great video...this looks amazing! I've been meaning to book the vacation at work, but have been so distracted with life in general that I've been putting it off. This is what I need to get back on track. How does Del Norte site compare?

[Addie]

Well done video. Only thing I’d like to have seen is discussing possible activities other than hiking. Snorkeling? Spear fishing? Kayaking? Etc