San Miguel Island
Channel Islands National Park
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. Giant coreopsis, dudleya, locoweed, lupine, buckwheat, coastal sagebrush, and poppies are all recolonizing the island to their former extent, returning San Miguel to its more natural state.
Also making a comeback, after years of hunting, are the thousands of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) that breed, pup, and haul out on the island's 27 miles of isolated coastline. Other wildlife include a variety of landbirds, 13 nesting seabird species, and unique animals like the island fox and deer mouse. Both of these little creatures are endemics -- they are found only on the Channel Islands.
In addition to the variety of natural resources, San Miguel hosts an array of cultural resources as well. The Chumash and their ancestors lived on San Miguel almost continuously for nearly 12,000 years. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his men laid eyes on San Miguel Island in 1542 which is commemorated by a monument on the island.
Other outstanding island resources that visitors may experience on San Miguel include the caliche forest (sand-castings of ancient vegetation), fossil bones of the Pleistocene pygmy mammoths that stood four to six feet at the shoulders, 150 years of ranching history and numerous shipwrecks.
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.
Need to Know
San Miguel Island may only be reached by boat or aircraft. Visitors are required to arrange transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Contact Island Packers the park's authorized concessioner or bring your own private boat.
- Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility
- Since the island is still owned by the US Navy, was a former bombing range, and may contain unexploded ordnance, 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 trail head entry on San Miguel Island.
One party or group may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit. There are 9 individual campsites. Max 4 people per site.
Upon arrival, meet ranger at beach, landing dock or campground. However, park staff is not always available on the island. Please have confirmation letter, receipt, or campsite number with you.
- 1 mile steep, uphill hike to the campground if arriving by boat. Hike In Distance to Site: 1/4 mile to 1 mile. Visitors must carry all their own gear.
Primitive camping. Tent camping only, no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground. Bring low profile tents and extra food for weather delays. No shelter or shade. Five-foot windbreak provided along with picnic table, food storage box, and vault toilet. Must bring your own water. No stores or services. Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 pm. Check-in and check-out times are at 11:00 a.m.
- Proper food and trash storage is required. Food/Trash storage lockers are provided at each site. Recommend hard-sided container (i.e. action packer) to further protect food/garbage from animals.
- Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage.
- No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed.
- Smoking is only allowed on the beach area at Cuyler Harbor.
- Avoid contact with deer mice. Hantavirus has been found in island deer mice. For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/hantavirus.htm.
To help prevent the introduction of nonnative species the following items may not be brought to the park: pets; live or potted plants; soil; cut flowers; firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (including hiking sticks); corrugated boxes; tools or equipment with attached soil; motorized vehicles; bicycles; and single-use plastic grocery bags. Prior to departure, visitors are required to use pest-proof packing materials, inspect and clean their gear and shoes of all soil, seeds, and insects. Learn more about biosecurity and watch the required video at Protect Your Park Through Biosecurity.
- No fishing in marine reserves. California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker required to fish outside marine reserves.
Watersports: Due to the strong, persistent wind, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are limited and recommended for the experienced visitor only Ocean conditions can rapidly change, requiring expert abilities. Ocean kayaking is an inherently dangerous activity. Always check weather and do not kayak beyond your experience level.
- Landing and beach access is only allowed at Cuyler Harbor.
No off-trail hiking is allowed. The island was a former bombing range and there are possible unexploded ordnance. 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. 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.
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. As the westernmost island in the park, the weather can be windy anytime of the year -- 30 knots of wind is not uncommon.
Nearby Attractions
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.
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.
Due to the strong, persistent wind, swimming, snorkeling, diving and kayaking are limited and recommended for the experienced visitor only. In addition, landing and beach access is only allowed at Cuyler Harbor. No fishing is allowed within the marine reserves located around the island. Fishing is allowed outside of these areas.
For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.
Contact Information
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1901 Spinnaker Drive Ventura CA 93001
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 805-658-5730
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
- Site 007, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 004 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 007 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003 old, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
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