Del Norte Campground sits 700 feet above the Pacific on Santa Cruz Island's north side, accessible only by a 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor. This is Channel Islands' sole backcountry campground — four sites tucked into an oak grove with coastal views and zero amenities. It's backpacking stripped to logistics: carry everything, including water, and plan around the ferry schedule.
Trail Details
- 🏃Activities
- Hiking
- 📊Difficulty
- Hard
- 🔁Trail Type
- out and back
- 📏Distance
- 7 miles
- 📍Location
- CA
- 🐕Dogs Allowed
- No
- 💵Fee
- Free
Overview
The Del Norte route cuts through the interior canyon country that defines Santa Cruz Island's character. Unlike mainland California trails that follow ridgelines or creek beds, this path winds through a series of canyons — Cañada del Agua and Cañada del Muro — before depositing you at a campground that feels more like an advanced base camp than a destination. The payoff isn't a summit view or a waterfall; it's the isolation of camping on an island where the nearest grocery store is across 25 miles of ocean.
You have two route options to reach Del Norte. The shorter Del Norte Trail covers 3.5 miles with 1,509 feet of elevation gain, following Navy Road for the first 1.5 miles before branching onto single track. The longer Navy Road route stretches 5 miles and climbs 1,200 feet over 4 miles, offering views of the island's south side. Most backpackers take the shorter route in and consider the loop option for the return — an 8.5-mile circuit that showcases more of the island's terrain.
What to Expect
The trek starts at Prisoners Harbor with an immediate reality check during winter and spring: Canada del Puerto creek crossing. When it's running, you'll wade through fast-moving water up to 2 feet deep. There's no bridge, no stepping stones — just commitment and waterproof boots.
From the harbor, Navy Road climbs steadily for 1.5 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain that the Park Service labels "strenuous." The gravel road sees daily vehicle traffic from island operations, so stay alert for maintenance trucks and research vehicles. At the signed Del Norte Trail junction, you leave the road for 1.8 miles of proper trail that threads between canyon walls and over ridges.
The campground itself occupies a shaded oak grove with four individual sites, each accommodating up to four people. The setting is more utilitarian than scenic — this is a place to sleep and stage for exploring the island's backcountry, not a destination for sunset photography. Views of the coastline filter through the trees, but the real attraction is the silence that settles over the island once the last day boat departs.
Tips & Logistics
Water is the limiting factor. There's none at Del Norte or anywhere along the route, so plan for at least a gallon per person per day plus cooking and cleaning needs. Most backpackers carry two days' worth and take the next available boat out — longer stays require serious water management.
Reservations are mandatory and there are no walk-ups. You can reserve a maximum of two sites per group. The campground operates year-round, but weather windows matter more than seasons. Winter storms can cancel boats for days, stranding campers or preventing departures.
Pack for wind and temperature swings. The island's elevation and marine exposure create microclimates that can shift dramatically. No fires are permitted, including charcoal, so bring a reliable stove and extra fuel. Everything you pack in must come back out.
The Park Service warns that backcountry camping here "is an arduous endeavor and should be undertaken only by experienced, well-conditioned backpackers." They're not overselling the difficulty — this isn't technically challenging hiking, but the logistics of island camping separate the prepared from the hopeful. Plan conservatively, especially if weather threatens the ferry schedule.