San Miguel Island
Wind and weather constantly sweep across the North Pacific to batter the shores of this westernmost of all the islands. This extreme weather creates a harsh but profoundly beautiful environment. Although it can be challenging to reach the San Miguel Island Campground, it's always worth the effort. Perched on a plateau, the campground offers incredible island views and access to a variety of recreational activities and unique natural and cultural resources. Although a century's worth of sheep ranching and overgrazing caused scientists in 1875 to describe the island as "a barren lump of sand," with the grazing animals removed, vegetative recovery is in progress.
More like this: reservable in California · tent only in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Tent-only | 18 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
9 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
| 002 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
| 003 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
| 004 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
| 005 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
| 006 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
| 007 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
| 008 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
| 009 | Island | 4 / – | No | No |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
A one mile, steep uphill hike from the boat landing in Cuyler Harbor to the 9-site campground is required. If you fly in, then its a short, flat 1/4 mile hike. Camping is primitive and campers must bring their own food, equipment and water. Picnic table, five-foot tall windbreak, food storage box and pit toilet are provided.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor. Air transportation can be arranged with Channel Islands Aviation from Camarillo airport. To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
| Nearest town | Ventura, California |
| Coordinates | 34.0406° N, 120.3491° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 33.6 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Surf Connection ↗ | 43.2 mi |
| RV sales & service | Harder RV Storage ↗ | 43.3 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
We Spent 5 Days on a Remote Island | Channel Islands Backpacking Trip to San Miguel Island
Worth a stop
Despite the wind, Cuyler Harbor (one-mile from the campground) is one of the most scenic beaches in the park. Beach access is only allowed at Cuyler Harbor. The guided, 16-mile roundtrip hike to Point Bennett requires some stamina, but visitors are rewarded with the chance to see one of the largest congregations of wildlife in the world-over 30,000 animals and up to five different species. All hikers must stay on the trails for visitor safety and to protect fragile vegetation and nesting seabirds. No off-trail hiking is allowed.
- 0.2 miSan Miguel Island Ranger And Visitor Contact Station ↗Visitor center
Other campgrounds nearby
Natural features
The 9,500-acre island is a plateau at 500 feet in elevation, with two 800-ft. rounded hills and 27 miles of coastline.
Recreation
A permit (including liability waiver) is required to visit the island. If you are traveling to San Miguel Island with Island Packers, Channel Islands Aviation, or Truth Aquatics, they will provide the forms to you upon your reservation. Private boaters can obtain the forms at a self-registration station at the Nidever Canyon trailhead entry on San Miguel Island. Several trails traverse San Miguel Island providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities. While many parts of the island are closed to protect wildlife, fragile plants, and geological features, several areas are open for you to explore. Visitors may explore the two-mile-long Cuyler Harbor beach and one-mile-long trail to the ranger station on their own. To see other parts of the island, such as Point Bennett or the caliche forest, you must go with a ranger or volunteer. If arriving with a concessionaire, park staff are usually available to offer guided hikes. However, there is no guarantee that hikes will be offered to all locations. Visitors must coordinate with island staff upon arrival. All hikers must stay on the trails to protect fragile vegetation and for visitor safety. No off-trail hiking is allowed.
Guidebooks for Channel Islands National Park and California
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at San Miguel Island?
Sites at San Miguel Island are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at San Miguel Island?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does San Miguel Island have?
19 sites, including 18 tent-only sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to San Miguel Island?
San Miguel Island is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at San Miguel Island?
A permit (including liability waiver) is required to visit the island. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to San Miguel Island?
Ventura, California. Despite the wind, Cuyler Harbor (one-mile from the campground) is one of the most scenic beaches in the park.
Source: Getting there
What if San Miguel Island is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping (15.5 mi), Santa Rosa Island (17.6 mi), and Santa Cruz Island Prisoners Harbor (38.2 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby
Which national park is San Miguel Island in?
San Miguel Island is a Channel Islands National Park campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.
Source: Channel Islands National Park