Covering five awesome islands just off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands aims to preserve and protect many natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years, similar to the Galapagos Islands in South America, has created unique animals, plants, and archaeological resources that can't be found anywhere else on this planet. Here, you'll be able to experience Southern California as it once was.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The park is open 24 hours a day. Services and facilities have separate hours. Please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Weather
In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. However, there are seasonal differences that visitors should take into consideration when visiting the park. In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/weather.htm
Getting There
Address: 1901 Spinnaker Drive Ventura CA 93001
While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Anacapa Island Campground
7 sites · $15/night
Primitive camping is available (seven sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. No wa…
San Miguel Island Campground
9 sites · $15/night
Primitive camping is available (nine sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Wind shelter, picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are pr…
Santa Barbara Island Campground
10 sites · $15/night
Primitive camping is available (seven sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. No wa…
Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground
4 sites · $15/night
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 mil…
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground
31 sites · $15/night
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…
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
30 sites · $10/night
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, u…
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Channel Islands National Park open?
The park is open 24 hours a day. Services and facilities have separate hours. Please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Are there campgrounds in Channel Islands National Park?
Yes — Channel Islands National Park has 7 campgrounds, including Anacapa Island Campground, San Miguel Island Campground, Santa Barbara Island Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.