Great Outdoors Santa Barbara / Ventura County presents…
A Santa Cruz Island Campout
October 9th - 12th, 2025
Escape to Santa Cruz Island, the largest of California's Channel Islands, and immerse yourself in breathtaking ocean views and relaxing beach time. Join us at Scorpion Canyon Campground, sheltered from harsh ocean winds and located a short hike from the pier, for a classic getaway experience.
Discover the island's rich cultural history, shaped by over 10,000 years of Native American inhabitation and 150 years of European exploration and ranching. Marvel at the magnificent landscapes and unique biodiversity, home to over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals, and various amphibians and reptiles. Keep an eye out for the island fox and island scrub-jay, found nowhere else in the world!
The trip will begin on Thursday, October 9th (9:00 AM departure from the dock at Ventura harbor - arrive at 7:30 AM), with an option to boat in on Friday, October 10th, and will conclude on Sunday, October 12th in the early evening (12 PM return to Ventura harbor). We have arranged two group campsites and boat transportation over to the island, all covered by your trip fee.
No services are provided on the island (such as a general store), so bring all provisions that you will need during your stay such as meals and a dish for our group potluck (don’t forget your 10 essentials).
Potable water is available at the campsite, however. Toilets, too!
Bring your own reusables! To keep our impact on nature as small as possible, no disposables plates or utensils will be provided.
Prep for a schlep. The campsites are about a quarter of a mile hike from the pier, so pack accordingly. Consider bringing a Magna-style cart as suggested by Island Packers. If you're taking a cooler, make sure it has wheels, is 60 quarts or less and don’t forget the ice!
Kayaks are available through Channel Islands Adventure Company for individuals to use to explore the incredible coastline and caves, though if you have your own kayak that you would like to take or would like to rent one, you can do so by contacting Island Packers (805) 642-1393 to arrange for rental and/or transportation. There are special regulations for kayaking around the island: you must have life vests and helmets (for falling rocks). Island Packers can advise you on all the details.
Snorkeling is a favored island pastime. Bring your own wetsuit and gear or secure a rental and check out a guided tour. October has some of the warmest water temperatures of the year at Santa Cruz Island.
Don't own any camping gear? There are low-cost rentals such as Lower Gear and no-cost checkout options at UCSB or perhaps your local library.
ITINERARY
Thursday, October 9th
8:00AM Check-in at Ventura Harbor
There will be an opportunity for breakfast while we wait for boarding. Check out the Honey Cup Coffeehouse or the Harbor Cove Cafe. Grab a lunch-to-go to have a nice meal once we arrive on the island and settle into camp. Bring some binoculars to scope the marine wildlife on the ride to the island... it's prime season for spotting dolphins and whales.
10:15AM Arrival at Scorpion Anchorage
We'll spend some time hiking our things to camp and setting up, with the rest of the day to relax and take in the surroundings or hit the water. Dinner is on your own this night while we expect potential others to arrive the next day.
Friday, October 10th
7:30AM Check-in at Ventura Harbor for Friday goers (see tips above)
10:15AM Arrival at Scorpion Anchorage for Friday goers
Welcome any Friday arrivals to the campsite and help them set up so we can get on with the activities!
11:00AM Group Hike
Download or purchase your island trail maps in advance. We'll decide on a couple different options between a 2- or 4-mile hike.
6:00PM Friday Night Potluck
Everyone brings a dish, app or dessert to share, pre-prepared or perhaps something you can prepare at camp. Jet boils and small camp stoves can help!
Saturday, October 11th
10:00AM Group Hike
It's likely we'll go on a hike that we didn't do the day before.
2:00PM Kayaking
Kayak the world-famous island caves! Make sure you have your kayak rental secured via Channel Islands Adventure Company or personal one transported via Island Packers and don't forget your life vest and helmet!
5:30PM Happy Hour Mixer
Social time for anyone who wants to hang out with good company and brag about all the fish that got away...
Sunday, October 12th
10:30AM Prepare for Departure
We'll be departing at noon-sharp, so take at minimum an hour to get things packed up and taken down to the anchorage to load on the boat. Close out the weekend with a meal in the harbor once we land, if you aren't beat from the weekend or have a longer drive home.
This jewel off our coast offers some of the most beautiful ocean and landscape views to be had in Southern California, we hope to see you there!
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel for a full refund on or before Thursday, September 18th. Cancellations after September 18 will not be eligible for a refund.
Resources
National Park Service - Santa Cruz Island
Channel Island Adventure Company
Island Packers - Santa Cruz Island
