Anacapa Island
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.
Anacapa Island, the closest Channel Island to the mainland of California, is comprised of three islets (appropriately named East, Middle, and West Anacapa Islands). Waves have eroded the volcanic island, creating towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and natural bridges, such as forty-foot-high Arch Rock -- a symbol of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park.
Exploring East Anacapa's two-mile trail system allows visitors to experience the island's native vegetation, wildlife, and cultural history. The islands' native vegetation is recovering slowly with the help of the National Park Service's restoration efforts. This recovery, along with the removal of nonnative predators, has aided in the reestablishment of nesting land birds and seabirds. The island is one of the most important seabird nesting sites within the Channel Islands. While the steep cliffs of West Anacapa are home to the largest breeding colony of endangered California brown pelicans, all the islets of Anacapa host the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world.
The rocky shores of Anacapa are perfect resting and breeding areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. Anacapa's rich kelp forests (ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving) and tidepool areas provide visitors with the opportunity to meet some of the resident ocean animals up close.
Anacapa Island has a rich human history as well. Shell midden sites indicate where Chumash people camped on the islands thousands of years ago. In addition, visitors can view the 1932 light station. The original lead-crystal Fresnel lens, which served as a beacon to ships until an automated light replaced it in 1990, is on exhibit in the East Anacapa Visitor Center.
A half mile hike, including 154 steps, is needed to get from the Landing Cove to the seven-site (4-6 persons per site) campground. Camping is primitive and campers must bring their own food, equipment and water. Picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided.
Need to Know
- Anacapa Island may only be reached by boat. Visitors are required to arrange boat transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Contact the park's authorized concessioner Island Packers or use your own private boat.
- Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility.
One party or group may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit. There are 7 individual campsites. Max 4-6 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.
- Hike-in Distance to Site: 1/4 mile to 1/2 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. Picnic table, food storage box, vault toilet provided. Must bring your own water. No stores or services.
Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 p.m. 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 concrete area by the crane at the top of the stairs.
- 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.
- No fishing in marine reserves. California fishing license and ocean enhancement sticker required to fish outside marine reserves.
- Kayakers: 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.
- Since Anacapa Island is a cliff island, access to the water is only at the Landing Cove via a dock. There are no other accessible beaches unless you have a watercraft.
- No off- trail hiking is allowed. Portions of trails are subject to closure when Western gulls are nesting from April through August.
Natural Features
Waves have eroded the 5-mile volcanic island, creating steep, towering sea cliffs, sea caves and natural bridges. Much of the year, the island vegetation looks brown, but the winter rain brings brightly-colored terrain. The altitude is low and ranges from sea level to 250 feet.
Nearby Attractions
The Landing Cove near the campground is an ideal place for swimming, diving, snorkeling and kayaking, but there are no lifeguards on the island. The island is also home to just over two miles of trails that meander to dramatic overlooks and magnificent coastal views. 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
With two miles of hiking trails, ocean access nearby the campground, and generally good weather, Anacapa Island offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. In summer, rangers lead an underwater video program. The program includes live video footage of sea life which is projected for visitors to see. It's a great way to stay dry while viewing colorful sea creatures.
Since Anacapa Island is a cliff island, access to the water is only at the Landing Cove via a dock. There are no other accessible beaches unless you have a watercraft. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. 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 or Channel Islands (Oxnard) Harbors.
To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
Available Campsites
- Site 003 old, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002 old, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005 old, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001 old, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 007 old, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 004 old, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006 old, Loop ANACAPA ISLAND AREA, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
