Port Hueneme Cbc Base, California · Santa Barbara County · Campground
Overview For a truly remote getaway full of backpacking and breathtaking scenery, take a backcountry trip to Santa Cruz Island's Del Norte Campground. Del Norte is currently the only backcountry campground on Santa Cruz Island. The National Park Service opened this backcountry site in recognition of its rare wilderness…
Overview For a truly remote getaway full of backpacking and breathtaking scenery, take a backcountry trip to Santa Cruz Island's Del Norte Campground. Del Norte is currently the only backcountry campground on Santa Cruz Island. The National Park Service opened this backcountry site in recognition of its rare wilderness values. As you explore these wild areas, please take the responsibility to help us protect and preserve these delicate natural resources for future generations. While backcountry camping is an incredible experience, it is not for the inexperienced backpacker. Due to difficult weather, rugged terrain, and off-trail hiking, backcountry camping is an arduous endeavor and should be undertaken only by experienced, well-conditioned backpackers. To reach this backcountry site, visitors will backpack along a historic ranch road/trail through a series of canyons and ridges, to a vista about 700 feet above sea level. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities. Recreation From Prisoners Harbor, the shortest route to the Del Norte Campground is 3.5 miles via the Del Norte Trail. Follow the Navy Road out of Prisoners Harbor for 1.5 miles (600-foot elevation gain; strenuous). This gravel road is still used daily by vehicles, so please use caution while hiking along it. During winter and spring, visitors need to be prepared for a wet creek crossing at Canada del Puerto in Prisoner's Harbor.At the signed turn-off for Del Norte Trail, leave the gravel road and continue east (left) along the trail for 1.8 miles. The trail winds up and down two canyons (Cañada del Agua and Cañada del Muro)) to the signed junction with the Del Norte Road that leads .2 miles to the campground. The longer route (5 miles), which provides views of the south side of the island, follows the Navy Road as it climbs 1,200 feet over 4 miles and eventually reaches the junction with the Del Norte Road.
Photos
View of harbor with boat and pier from grassy bluff. — Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.comPicnic table next to large tree overlooking ocean. — Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.comPicnic table and food storage box surrounded by low bushes and grass overlooking ocean. — NPSView from a high ridge overlooking the rest of a long, narrow, rugged island with steep cliffs — Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
How to Get There
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor. To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SANTA CRUZ DEL NORTE BACKCOUNTRY
Heading to SANTA CRUZ DEL NORTE BACKCOUNTRY? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SANTA CRUZ DEL NORTE BACKCOUNTRY?
No central reservation system listed for SANTA CRUZ DEL NORTE BACKCOUNTRY. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232499) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SANTA CRUZ DEL NORTE BACKCOUNTRY?
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor. To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
How do I contact SANTA CRUZ DEL NORTE BACKCOUNTRY?
