Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry (npsrecgovdata)

Ventura, California

About

Santa Cruz Del Norte Backcountry is a remote backcountry campground located on Santa Cruz Island, the largest of California's Channel Islands within Channel Islands National Park. This primitive camping destination offers a truly wild getaway for experienced backpackers, featuring four designated campsites nestled in a shaded oak grove with scenic views of the island's pristine coastline. Visitors must hike 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor via a moderate to strenuous trail that winds through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub, gaining approximately 600 feet in elevation. The island is rich in cultural history and natural diversity, home to over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, and unique endemic species like the island fox and island scrub-jay found nowhere else in the world. Access to the island requires boat transportation arranged through Island Packers or private boat, and all camping reservations must be made in advance with no walk-ups permitted.

Amenities

Available Site Types

• Primitive Tent Sites

Local Attractions

• Channel Islands National Park
• Santa Cruz Island
• Prisoners Harbor
• Scorpion Anchorage
• Hiking trails
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Kayaking
• Wildlife viewing
• Wildflower viewing
• Birding