California Est. 1980

Channel Islands National Park

Ocean Island

249,561 Acres

263,000/year Annual Visitors

Free Entry Fee

September through November Best Time to Visit

Park Closure: Closure of Santa Rosa Island Due to Wildfire +1 more Details

National Park Service National Park

Channel Islands became a national park on March 5, 1980, protecting five islands off the California coast near Ventura. Called the "Galapagos of North America," the islands are home to more than 2,000 plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, including the island fox.

Things to Do Fun Facts

Our Channel Islands Articles

Educational Resources

13 Surprising Channel Islands National Park Facts

14 min read

National Parks

15 Best Channel Islands NP Things to Do

22 min read

When to Visit Channel Islands

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Live Webcams

Live

Channel Islands Live Broadcasts

Live

San Miguel Island Ranger Station Webcam

Live

Peregrine Falcon Webcam

Month-by-Month Conditions

Tap any month for details

Month

High

Low

Crowds

Roads

Jan

100°

75°

Low

Open

Feb

97°

72°

Low

Open

Mar

90°

64°

Low

Open

Apr

80°

53°

Low

Open

May

70°

41°

Low

Open

Jun

63°

33°

Low

Open

Jul

60°

30°

Low

Open

Aug

63°

33°

Light

Open

Sep Best

70°

41°

Heavy

Open

Oct Best

80°

53°

Peak

Open

Nov Best

90°

64°

Peak

Open

Dec

97°

72°

Light

Open

Best months to visit Crowd level (low to peak)

Campgrounds in Channel Islands

Anacapa Island Campground

$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 water...

7 sites Reservable Anacapa Island campground is open year round.

Reserve a Site

San Miguel Island Campground

$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 provided....

9 sites Reservable San Miguel Island campground is open year round.

Reserve a Site

Santa Barbara Island Campground

$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 water...

10 sites Reservable Santa Barbara Island campground is open year round.

Reserve a Site

Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground

$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...

4 sites Reservable Santa Cruz Island Del Norte Backcountry Campground is open year round.

Reserve a Site

Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground

$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,...

31 sites Reservable Santa Cruz Island campground is open year round.

Reserve a Site

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

$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,...

30 sites Reservable January 1 - August 14 Backcountry beach camping is closed to protect...

Reserve a Site

Santa Rosa Island Campground

$15/night

Primitive camping is available (15 sites; $15 per night per site; reservations required). Wind shelter, picnic table, food storage box, toilet, and potable water are...

15 sites Reservable Santa Rosa Island campground is open year round.

Reserve a Site