Ventura, CA
Channel Islands National Park
Five islands with developed campgrounds and backcountry wilderness off the Southern California coast.
Channel Islands National Park protects five islands off the coast of Southern California, each offering distinct coastal ecosystems and island wilderness experiences. The park preserves unique wildlife, plant communities, and archeological sites shaped by thousands of years of geographic isolation.
Visitors can choose from three developed campgrounds—Anacapa Island Campground, Sant Cruz Island Scorpion Campground, and Santa Rosa Island Campground—or venture into backcountry camping and exploration across Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry and Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Campground.
Located near Ventura, the islands are accessible by boat and offer a chance to experience Southern California's coastal landscape in a largely undeveloped state. No permit is required to visit, though individual locations may have their own reservation or access policies.
Experiences
Camping
Explore 3 camping locations in Channel Islands National Park.
Experiences
Wilderness Areas
Explore 2 wilderness areas locations in Channel Islands National Park.
Common Questions
What visitors most often want to know about Channel Islands National Park.
Do I need a permit to visit Channel Islands National Park?
No permit is required to visit Channel Islands National Park. However, you will need transportation to the islands, as they are only accessible by boat or chartered ferry service.
Where can I camp in Channel Islands National Park?
The park has three developed campsites: Anacapa Island Campground, Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Campground, and Santa Rosa Island Campground. Additionally, there are two wilderness areas with backcountry camping: Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry and Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Campground.
How do I get to the islands to camp or visit?
The Channel Islands are only accessible by water; you must arrange private boat transportation or use a concessionaire ferry service. Check with the park for current ferry operators and schedules serving the islands.
What makes Channel Islands National Park unique?
The park's five islands have been isolated for thousands of years, creating unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth. The islands preserve coastal southern California's natural environment as it existed historically.