San Miguel Island

4.8·23 reviews
·Channel Islands National Park

Overview

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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Food Storage Locker

    (All campsites have Food Storage Locker)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 1.0mi)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 4)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 0)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Tents and 5-foot tall windbreaks perches on an ocean bluff overlooking an islet covered in fog. - Credits: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
White sand beach covered with seals and seal lions. - Credits: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Yellow flowered plant on coastal bluff overlooking harbor with white sand and islet at the entrance. - Credits: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
CamperEdge Unavailable Image - Credits: CamperEdge
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.

Recreation

Yellow flowered plant on coastal bluff overlooking harbor with white sand and islet at the entrance. - Credits: Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com

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. 

Permitted Equipment

  • tent-N/A

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.

Additional Information

Campsites