King of the Channel Islands National Park
(c) ABR 2016
Santa Cruz is the largest of the Channel Islands, and it is one of the most accessible islands, with both day-trips and overnight trip options. There are miles and miles of trails open to visitors, making this bit of California the perfect destination for hikers looking for some quiet places to explore. The island is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful sea caves, which can be viewed by kayakers, and some lucky people will also get to check out the Painted Cave from an Island Packers boat (they sometimes stop there on the way back from Santa Rosa or San Miguel). In any case, Santa Cruz Island camping is the best way to enjoy the many things that the island has to offer.
Scorpion Anchorage
(c) ABR 2011
Scorpion Anchorage is going to be your primary landing for Santa Cruz Island camping, kayaking, and hiking. This has the best access to the parts of the island that is open to National Park users, and thus it is the perfect spot for explorers that are looking to freely wander the trails of Santa Cruz.
When you land here, you will come upon a pebbly beach, and campers will need to lug their gear up the trail from the landing, past the beautiful, green roofed ranch homes that the NPS currently uses for its personnel. The campground is past here, tucked away in a calm canyon that is still lined by the massive eucalyptus trees that were brought to the island by ranchers. Unlike Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz is a much less windy place to camp, making this verdant camping place a serene location to relax and pitch your tent.
(c) ABR 2011
From here, if you rent a kayak or bring your own, you can walk back out to the beach and explore the coast of the island. There are beautiful sea caves on Santa Cruz and some of them are accessible to sea kayakers. You should check with local rangers for details about this, and follow all safety precautions. Remember, your safety is your responsibility.
Santa Cruz Island camping will also allow visitors to spend more time on the trails and explore deeper into the interior of the island. Since Santa Cruz is so large, there are some varied landscapes that you are sure to find if you hike for long enough, but expect rolling hills and rounded mountains covered in grasslands similar to those found on the mainland nearby.
(c) ABR 2011
Prisoner’s Harbor
(c) ABR 2016
Prisoner’s Harbor is a small landing where you can access part of the Nature Conservancy’s claim to Santa Cruz when accompanied by a guide. This is one of the most special places for Santa Cruz Island hiking, and worth the trip for any fan of the Channel Islands.
There is a small wetland here that is close to the landing, and which is a great place for island fox and bird watching. From here, the trail into TNC’s land curls up a steep hill to the west and then starts a tiring but enchanting hiking in and out of several washes that run out from the island to the sea. Larger trees fill the areas where water funnels to the ocean, and the more dry-adapted giant coreopsis crown many of the hills. So, while you are huffing and puffing, you get a great sample of the island’s flora.
(c) ABR 2011
The end of the trail leads out to a beautiful beach, where you can relax for a while, and gather your strength back for the trek back to Prisoner’s Harbor.
Tips for Visiting
(c) ABR 2011
You will need to book a boat ride with Island Packers.
To learn about camping permits, be sure to read through the National Park Service’s info page.
And if you are curious about the other Channel Islands, look through our guide!
Lauren
THIS LOOKS EPIC!!!! Camping and hiking are honestly two of my favourite pastimes haha. I hadn’t actually heard of Channel Islands National Park, and certainly had no idea it was in CA, but this looks epic. That photo with the kayak tucked into that pristine cove is so awesome – I’d love to make it here one day soon!
waitingforrain28
I’m glad I could spread the good news about this national park. Hopefully you can visit soon!
nicole wall
Beautiful!! I love all the photos. This looks like an amazing place to camp, you gave some really great details here.
waitingforrain28
It is! And thank you!
Carly | Fearless Female Travels
The beach on Santa Cruz is beautiful! It almost looks more like the Mediterranean coastline than (what I think of when I think of) California! Did you do any swimming?
waitingforrain28
I can totally see what you are saying! That’s so true. I did do a little swimming there and it was way too cold for me. hahaha.
Katelyn Murwin
I love breaking my hikes up over multiple days with camping in between. I feel like you get so much deeper than you would if you had to turn around same day.
waitingforrain28
Very true!
Dani
I want to find the island foxes!!! So adorable.I love any good camping spot, so thanks for sharing!
waitingforrain28
If you go to Santa Cruz you will see them for sure!
Sara
It looks so beautiful! With such a clear sky and super blue sea, it seems like an ideal destination to go camping.
waitingforrain28
It definitely is. 😀
Rachel Silverwood
How have I never heard of this place!!! It looks amazingly peaceful, your photos are amazing and make me want to hop on a plane with a tent and camping gear as soon as possible 🙂
waitingforrain28
It is amazing how few people know about it! I guess sometimes that is a good thing. It is an amazing place and it would be sad to have crowds there.
Chirasree Banerjee
This is such a happy coincidence. I am planning a trip during Thanksgiving to visit Santa Barbara and make the trip to the Channel Islands. Wonderful pics!
waitingforrain28
Oh cool! I hope that you love it!
Jean
Looks like an amazing place to explore. Well worth the effort to get here.
waitingforrain28
Absolutely!
Melissa Douglas
Ah such a beautiful place! I used to live in California (Santa Barbara) but unfortunately never made it over to the Channel Islands. Some day!
waitingforrain28
Aw! I hate that! I’ve done that before too. Missed out on something great nearby.
NieNie
I’ve never heard of Santa Cruz Island. What an interesting place to visit and it looks super secluded. Thanks for sharing!
waitingforrain28
It is definitely secluded; I think that’s what I love most about it. 😉
Michelle
WOW! I live in CA and had never heard of Channel Islands. They are on the list to visit now, for sure! Thank you so much for such a wonderful post!
waitingforrain28
Yeah! If you live in CA anyway, it is definitely a great national park to visit.
Emily Terrell
It is so beautiful! If I could convince my husband that time outdoors is good for us, I would love to visit just such a destination.
waitingforrain28
You might just need to go on a solo adventure if he isn’t interested in nature!
Mary Burris
This reminds me quite a bit of the Oregon coast. I’m glad that you mentioned the wind factor, as so many people don’t even think about that when planning their trips.
candy
We enjoy trips like this but we hadn’t heard of this island before. Like how detailed you were in promoting this island. Something to look into.
waitingforrain28
Thanks! I am working on providing a guide for each of them.
andrea
Looks like an incredible place to hike. I have yet to do any hiking in CA but I really would like to do travel there soon.
waitingforrain28
California is an amazingly varied place. You will absolutely love it.
elizabeth o
What a beautiful place to visit and commune with nature. I am adding this to my list.
waitingforrain28
I hope you make it out there someday!
Sheena Moncatar
Your photos would make me want to visit this place right now. They are gorgeous. I just love National parks, hiking and camping. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
waitingforrain28
Sounds like this place is right up your alley!