Scorpion Ranch Campground
Ventura, California
Details
Distance
0.72 miles
Elevation Gain
43 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jon Adler
Channel Islands is the best National Park no one has ever heard of...solitude, beauty, and sunsets for days.
Accessible only by Ferry, this little-known national park is a backpacker's dream. You can catch the ferry out of Ventura or Santa Barbara, only a short distance from LA. The ride to the island is around 1 hour.
We chose to take Island Packers Ferry out of Ventura to Santa Cruz Island. The ferry leaves for the island once or twice in the morning, and picks people back up in the afternoon, heading back to the mainland. We, however, decided to stay the night on the island and take the afternoon ferry back the following day.
The Scorpion Ranch Campground is a rustic area, very flat, with 31 various campsites spread throughout. It is a short 0.36-mile stroll from where the ferry drops you off. We went in the Winter and got a bit cold at night, so bring warm sleeping gear.
Staying on the island overnight is quite an experience. After the last ferry leaves for the night, it's just you, any other overnight campers, and some very cute island foxes (there are park rangers on the island in case of an emergency...don't worry).
There are a few various bathrooms around the campground, but no showers. No trashcans on the island, so everything you bring on the island must come back with you when you leave.
From the campsite, there are miles and miles of various hikes ranging from easy to strenuous. Pick a hike, set up your hammock, start roasting some marshmallows, and enjoy the pure bliss of the Channel Islands.
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Scorpion Ranch Campground Reviews
This was such a nice little get away, easy walking distance from the ferry dock but still quiet and feels remote. The campgrounds have a ton of the cutest foxes who will get pretty close to you but also will try to swipe your food, which is also adorable. Beautiful views from the cliff hikes and the best snorkeling I’ve seen in California. Went during the dry season so the hike to the other side of the island was pretty barren and hot but still nice.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Potato Harbor via North Bluff Trail
Potato Harbor Trail
Smuggler's Cove
Cavern Point & Potato Harbor Loop
Kayak Santa Cruz Island
Prisoner's Cove to Scorpion Anchorage
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