Del Norte Backcountry Campground
Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- $15.00
- Type
- Campground
- Sites
- 4 total · 4 reservable · 0 first come
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Coordinates
- 34.0111, -119.6603
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
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).
From the managing agency.Official page
Is Del Norte Backcountry Campground free?
No. Del Norte Backcountry Campground charges $15.00. 4 of its sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
Can I bring an RV to Del Norte Backcountry Campground?
Del Norte Backcountry Campground has 4 sites on record. 4 sites are reservable and 0 are first come.
How do I get to Del Norte Backcountry Campground?
Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is only accessible by boat. Visit our island transportation webpage for more information: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/island-transportation.htm The hike to the campground is 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor and 12 miles from Scorpion Anchorage.
What is the weather like at Del Norte Backcountry Campground?
Campers should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Sturdy, low-profile tents, stakes, and line for securing tents to ground or table. Fog can occur on the islands during any season producing cool, damp conditions. Overexposure to the wind and sun can be a serious problem. Visitors are advised to bring supplies for an extra day in case boats are unable to pick up campers due to sea conditions. Current weather: http://channelislands.noaa.gov/news/kiosk.h
What are the rules at Del Norte Backcountry Campground?
The protection and preservation of your park's biological and cultural resources is the mission of the National Park Service. By following the regulations and guidelines listed below, you can help protect these rare and unique treasures for future generations to enjoy. For a more complete description please visit Laws and Policies and Leave No Trace. Regulations: -Backcountry camping is allowed only at the Del Norte site. -Store all food in animal- and bird-proof containers. -Pack out all trash. -No fires are allowed Guidelines: -Strain or separate food particles from cooking water and pack them out. Scatter the gray water 200 ft. from water sources and camps. -Minimize soap use to keep the backcountry free of chemicals. If washing with soap, rinse 200 ft. from water sources. -Do not damage live trees, plants, and other living things. It is not permitted to chop or nail trees, harvest or trample plants.
Nearby
- SANTA CRUZ ISLAND DEL NORTE BACKCOUNTRY0.0 mi
- SANTA CRUZ ISLAND SCORPION6.2 mi
- Scorpion Canyon Campground6.2 mi
- ANACAPA ISLAND16.8 mi
- Anacapa Island Campground16.8 mi
- Water Canyon Campground22.3 mi
- SANTA ROSA ISLAND22.3 mi
- SANTA ROSA ISLAND BACKCOUNTRY BEACH CAMPING24.8 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
