Channel Islands National Park - Camping

Channel Islands National Park by National Parks Service

Camping is available year-round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park in National Park Service-managed campgrounds. There is currently one established campground on each island:

a) Above the landing cove on Santa Barbara Island

b) On the east islet of Anacapa Island

c) At Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island

d) At Water Canyon on Santa Rosa Island

e) Above Cuyler Harbor on San Miguel

No camping is allowed on The Nature Conservancys western 76% of Santa Cruz Island. Limited backcountry camping is available on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands.

Campgrounds you can reserve online

Carpinteria Sb Campground

Mileage:29 mi

Description: Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" there. The tribe had chosen the location because of naturally-occurring surface tar which was used to seal the boats. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchin. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: 8:30am-6pm Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterpirse, or "carpentry" shop there. The tribe had chosen the location because of naturally-occuring surface tar which was used to seal the boats. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins. For those with RVs the tow vehicle or second vehicle may have to park in another location. Fees include entry for one vehicle and one legally towed vehicle or trailer, any extra vehicles shall be charged per night at the park. Due to congestion on park roads, free passes for deliveries or passenger drop off are not permitted. Campsite occupancy is limited to 8 people, except group sites. Camping is not permitted on the beach. Call ahead for a beach wheelchair. Generator hours are 10 am to 8 pm. DOGS ARE PROHIBITED ON THE BEACH! During peak season this park has a maximum stay limit of 7 consecutive nights. Once the consecutive night limit has been reached, the person(s), equipment, and/or vehicles(s) must vacate the campground for a period of 48 hours before returning for another stay. Park Hours: High Season/March 1-November 30: 8 am to 10 pm Low Season/December 1-February 28/29: 8:30 am to 6 pm
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Emma Wood Sb Campground

Mileage:30 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 05/15 to 09/15 Moderate ocean temperature at Emma Wood State Beach makes the area a great place for swimming, surfing and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. A freshwater marsh at the southwest end of the beach attract raccoons, songbirds and red-tailed hawks. The beach also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. There is a grassy area for groups and a campground for hikers and bikers. The beach offers a view of Anacapa Island - and occasional dolphins. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: Varies FRI/SAT
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Mcgrath Sb Campground

Mileage:31 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 McGrath State Beach is one of the best bird-watching areas in California, with the lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and sand dunes along the shore. More than 200,000 species of birds can be found in the area. A nature trail leads to the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve. Two miles of beach provide surfing and fishing opportunities, however, swimmers are urged to use caution because of strong currents and riptides. The park offers campsites by the beach. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: Varies Park Gate Hours: 8am-10pm YEAR Round - No access after closure.
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El Capitan Canyon Campground

Mileage:36 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 El Capitan State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitan Creek. It's a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: 8am-3:30pm
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El Capitan Sb Campground

Mileage:36 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 El Capitan State Beach offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitan Creek. It's a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A stairway provides access from the bluffs to the beach area. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: 8am-3:30pm
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Refugio Sb Campground

Mileage:37 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 Refugio State Beach offers excellent coastal fishing as well as trails and picnic sites. Palm trees planted near Refugio Creek give a distinctive look to the beach and camping area. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: 8am-3:30pm
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Sage Hill Campground

Mileage:37 mi

Description: Oak trees provide shade throughout the area. Sites contain flush toilets, water hydrants, picnic tables and BBQ grills. Horse Corrals are available in the Caballo loop. Santa Ynez river access.
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Fremont Campground

Mileage:38 mi

Description: Pets must be leashed. Quiet hours 10pm - 6am. Campground phone # 805-967-8766
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Los Prietos Campground

Mileage:38 mi

Description: This campground is nestled on the side of the mountain. There are beautiful old oak trees and lots of vegetation. The sites are roomy and allow for some separation. There is a creek bed that runs along the side of the campground. Restrooms and water are available and close to each site. 19 miles to Santa Barbara 5 miles to nearest grocery store 19 miles to Pacific Ocean 18 miles to Chumash Casino 20 miles to the Danish town of Solvang
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Oso Group Campground

Mileage:38 mi

Description: Firewood is available for $5 a bundle at San Gorginio campground, located next to the camp.
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Note: All mileage numbers are "as the crow flies"