Best campground (Anacapa or Santa Barbara)

Question

Unfortunately all of the campsites at Scorpion Cove are booked up and we are just passing through and have a specific timeframe we can go camp on the Channel Islands. We want to snorkel and hike. The only two available for camping when we’ll be there are Anacapa and Santa Barbara . Which option is best? I’m planning this as a bday trip for my partner and really want them to get the best!

Answer

For a special birthday camping trip focused on hiking and snorkeling in Channel Islands National Park, the choice between Anacapa and Santa Barbara Island depends on what kind of experience you want. Both are beautiful, but they offer very different landscapes and activities.

Anacapa Island: This is a small, rugged island just off the coast near Ventura. It’s famous for its iconic lighthouse, dramatic sea cliffs, and seabird colonies. Camping here is on a small plateau with limited space, so it feels intimate and unique.

Hiking: Trails are short but steep, offering incredible panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. You can hike up to Inspiration Point for breathtaking vistas.
Snorkeling: Snorkeling opportunities are limited due to rocky shores and surf conditions, but you may see interesting marine life close to shore.
Experience: Anacapa is more about scenic cliffs, seabirds, and a dramatic island feel. The camping experience is cozy and isolated, perfect if you want a short, special adventure.
Logistics: Most visitors get there via a day boat trip; overnight campers bring all supplies since there are no facilities beyond basic camping amenities.

Santa Barbara Island: This is smaller and more remote, but it offers great snorkeling and hiking options. The island is more marine-focused, with clear waters and easy shore access for snorkeling.

Hiking: Short trails with cliffs and views, but less dramatic than Anacapa. Still beautiful and rewarding for photography and wildlife spotting.
Snorkeling: Excellent, with more protected coves and diverse marine life including colorful fish and kelp forests. This is ideal if water activities are a priority.
Experience: More intimate and quieter, with fewer visitors. Perfect for a couple seeking a peaceful, marine-focused experience.
Logistics: Access is by boat only, and camping is primitive. Bring all food, water, and gear, as there are no services.

Recommendation: If your goal is to combine both hiking and snorkeling, Santa Barbara Island is likely the better choice because it offers excellent snorkeling right near camp and still some scenic hikes. If your priority is dramatic landscapes and iconic island vistas, Anacapa is ideal. Either way, both options provide a unique, memorable birthday camping experience away from crowds.

Best campground (Anacapa or Santa Barbara)

More Channel Islands National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions