CHANNEL ISLANDS CAMPING
Managed by the National Park Service Camping sites are available year round on all five islands of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. There is currently one established campground on each island: above the Landing Cove on Santa Barbara, on the East Islet of Anacapa, at Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz (Read more), at Water Canyon on Santa Rosa, and above Cuyler Harbor on San Miguel.
​
Whales & Co. CAMPING TRANSPORTATION
Because concession boats fill to capacity much faster than campground limits are met, campers must first secure transportation for an overnight trip to Channel Islands National Park. This is why Whales & Co. decided to provide a dedicated service for Ornythologists, amateur or professional, with our "Birdwatcher Passage".
Please contact us for further information. We can match your travelling schedule and more to give you a safe ride to Anacapa or Santa Cruz Islands.
Read more about Seasons and Outdoor Activities on Anacapa and Santa Cruz (@ the Unremarkable Climber).
CAMPGROUND FACILITIES, RULES AND TIPS
All campgrounds are located away from the boat landing areas. Visitors must carry all their gear to the campgrounds. No on-island transportation is provided. Here below you can find the Camping site information for the islands drops covered by the RV Tortuga.
Camping conditions are primitive, and users must camp within designated areas. All campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables and pit toilets. Water is not available at campgrounds and must be brought with you except at the Water Canyon campground on Santa Rosa Isalnd and the Scorpion Canyon campground on Santa Cruz Island. No trash containers are provided; campers must pack out their own trash.
NO FIRES ARE PERMITTED! USE ONLY ENCLOSED, GAS CAMP STOVE!
-
Since the mice do carry hantavirus, some basic precautions should be taken: do not feed any wild animals; keep food and drink in rodent-proof containers;and prevent entry of mice into your tent by keeping it zipped up at all times.
-
Due to scavenging animals (including birds), campers are required to store all food and trash in animal- and bird-proof containers. National Park Service food storage boxes are provided at campsites, but coolers, plastic Rubbermaid-type boxes or other types of containers with sealing lids may be used as well.
-
In addition, at the Scorpion Canyon campground on Santa Cruz Island, foxes and ravens are capable of opening zippers.To further secure your food and trash, safety pins, twist ties, paper clips, and small carabiners are suggested to help keep zippers closed.
-
Ticks are present on the islands and can carry bacteria and viruses that can cause disease in humans, including Lyme disease. Learn how to prevent tick-borne illness at Ticks.
WARNING: Western Gulls Nesting on Anacapa Island From April Through Mid-August
During this time, visitors will encounter seabird rookery conditions: guano, strong odor, constant noise, bird carcasses, and birds protecting their territory. If visitors consider these conditions adverse, it is advised that they visit another island.
For more informations, please visit the National Park Service webpage:
https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/camping.htm
and
https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/biosecurity.htm