Parks / Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park
National Park · CA
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (2)
Parts of Santa Rosa Island Closed During Wildfire Recovery
Santa Rosa Island reopens to limited day use on July 1. No overnight visits are allowed. Burned areas, including Water Canyon Campground, remain closed through at least September 15. Click the more link for additional information.
Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky Ledge
Santa Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (7)
Anacapa Island Campground
Primitive camping is available (seven sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. No water is available. Distance from landing to campground is one-half mile and includes a 157-stair climb. WARNING: Western gulls nest 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.
Details →Del Norte Backcountry Campground
The Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is currently the only backcountry campground on Santa Cruz Island. The hike to the campground is 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor and 12 miles from Scorpion Anchorage. It has four primitive campsites (four persons per site) and users must camp within these designated sites.Reservations are required ($15 per night-per site). A picnic table, food storage box, and pit-style toilet are provided (campers must bring their own toilet paper).
Details →San Miguel Island Campground
Primitive camping is available (nine sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Wind shelter, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. No water is available. Distance from landing to campground is one mile up a steep canyon (400 ft. climb).
Details →Santa Barbara Island Campground
Primitive camping is available (seven sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. No water is available. Distance from landing to campground is one-quarter mile and includes a steep climb.
Details →Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
Backcountry camping on Santa Rosa Island is currently limited to certain beaches between August 15th and December 31st. Hiking is along the beach and rugged, unsigned (and sometimes unmaintained) dirt roads. The closest beach for camping is 8 miles from the boat/plane drop-off location. Reservations are required ($10 per night-per site). No services are provided.This is primitive, dispersed, backcountry camping. Visitors must backpack to all locations and carry all of their own gear, food and water.
Details →Scorpion Canyon Campground
Primitive camping is available (25 individual sites at $15 per night-per site and 6 group sites at $40 per night-per site; reservations required). Picnic table, food storage box, potable water, and pit toilet are provided. Distance from landing to campground is one-half mile.
Details →Water Canyon Campground
Primitive camping is available (15 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Wind shelter, picnic table, food storage box, toilet, and potable water are provided. Distance from landing to campground is 1.5 miles from the pier and .25 miles from the airstrip.
Details →Upcoming Events
California Coastal Cleanup Day
Sep 19, 2026
Visitor Centers
- Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
- Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center
- San Miguel Island Ranger and Visitor Contact Station
- Santa Barbara Island Visitor Center
- Santa Rosa Island Visitor Contact Station
- Scorpion Ranch Visitor Center on Santa Cruz Island
- Visitor Center Anacapa Island
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.