Everything you need to camp on Santa Cruz Island National Park

Hey there, how’s it going?! I’m excited to help you out with everything you need to know about camping on Santa Cruz Island!

Seriously, you gotta check out this amazing place located just off the coast of Ventura Harbor, California. It’s an uninhabited island that’s part of the Channel Island National Park, and let me tell you, it’s one of the coolest places you’ll ever go!

If you’re thinking of camping on Santa Cruz Island, it’s important to know that it’s almost entirely a backcountry camping experience. They do have toilets and a few water spigots, but you won’t find any convenience stores on this island! So, you’ll definitely want to pack everything you need before you go.

And remember, the island is all “carry in, carry out,” so be prepared to take all your trash with you when you leave.

My boyfriend and I spent a night on SCI last June and had an absolute blast! We did all sorts of activities, like snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking. Oh, and don’t worry about bringing your own snorkel gear or kayak gear – they’ll provide it for you!

In this post, I’m going to give you an ultimate packing list of everything you need to spend the night on SCI, from food and camping gear to clothing and adventure gear. So, let’s dive in and get you ready for your Santa Cruz Island adventure!

Everything You Need to Camp on Santa Cruz Island

Everything you need: Clothes

Athletic leggings
Athletic shorts
T-shirts
Long-sleeve shirts
Waterproof windbreaker
Waterproof shorts
Flannel
Tanktops
Layers for hiking
Bathing suits (2 at least)
Sweatpants
Sweatshirt
Sports bra
Socks

Everything you need: shoes

Sneakers
Tevas
Birks or Rainbows
Hiking boots

Miscellaneous

Backpack (big one to pack everything in)
Backpack (regular size one for hikes & etc.)
Towel
GoPro
DSLR camera
Film camera
Dry bag
Hat
Headband
Portable charger
Water bottle
Map of island
Trash bags
Cash (for guided tour tips)
Wallet
Waterproof watch
Backpack
Fanny pack

Everything you need: camping gear

Small lightweight tent
Sleeping pads
Camping pillows
Blankets/sleeping bags
Headlamp
Flashlight
Jet Boil
Propane for Jet Boil
Utensils

Toiletries

Sunscreen
Bug spray
Wipes
Makeup
Lotion
Moisturizer
Med-kit
Medicine

Food

Jet Boil meals (ready to cook packages) enough for how long you are there
Fruit: apples, oranges, bananas
Oatmeal
Dry fruit
Granola bars
Beef jerky
Pretzels
Nuts
Chocolate
PB&J supplies
Big jug of water

Everything you need- Dinner on the beach on Santa Cruz Island

So, when it comes to camping on Santa Cruz Island, you might be thinking, “whoa, that’s a lot of stuff to pack for just one night!” But trust me, from our experience on the island, you’ll probably end up using most of it!

One thing that really gave us peace of mind while we were out there was feeling well prepared. It’s definitely a different experience when you can’t just run to the store if you forget something! Make sure you grab a map before you go – it’ll be a lifesaver when you’re out hiking.

Now, the weather on the island is known to change pretty frequently. One minute it can be overcast and cloudy, and the next it’s sunny with blue skies. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can expect hot days and cooler nights. So, make sure you pack accordingly to be ready for any weather that comes your way!

In conclusion, I really hope this packing list helps you prepare for your trip to SCI! And hey, why not follow along and subscribe to my newsletter to always stay in the loop on my latest posts?!

Don’t forget to check out my next post, Santa Cruz Island: How to Spend 24 Hours which is a 24 hour adventure and camping guide on Santa Cruz Island in the summer!

Everything You Need to Camp on Santa Cruz Island