Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Channel Islands National Park
Know before you go
Mandatory Boat Transport
There are no bridges to the islands; you must use the official concessionaire or a private vessel. Check the NPS site for pier status, as winter swells frequently cause landing closures.
Zero Island Services
No fuel, food, or water is sold on the islands. You must carry all necessary supplies, including potable water, from the mainland for the duration of your visit.
Mainland Harbor Parking
Free overnight parking is available at the Ventura and Oxnard harbors for ferry passengers. Arrive 45 minutes before departure to secure a spot during busy summer weekends.
Island Isolation
Cellular service is unreliable on the islands and non-existent in the sea caves. Inform a mainland contact of your return time before boarding the ferry.
Whale Migration Windows
Gray whales migrate between December and April, while Blue whales are seen in summer. Adjust your ferry transit expectations to allow for wildlife viewing stops.
Check current conditions:National Park Service
2RVs, campervans & cars near SBA
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to SBA
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SBA
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at SBA
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at SBA
- ✓ Compare suppliers at SBA
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at SBA
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at SBAA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Channel Islands National Park
- 01
Santa Cruz Sea Caves
Suggested: 8 AM from Ventura Harbor
Scorpion Anchorage
Landing point for kayaking the famous basalt sea caves and snorkeling through protected giant kelp forests.
Cavern Point
Hike the cliffside trail for expansive views of the Santa Barbara Channel and potential whale sightings.
Allow 1 hour for ferry crossing; sea conditions vary. No vehicles on the islands.
Marine layer fog is common in spring; bring moisture-wicking layers for the boat ride.
Pick up your vehicle at SBA → - 02
Anacapa Ridges and Lighthouse
Suggested: 9 AM from Oxnard
Inspiration Point
Walk the iconic figure-eight loop to view the dramatic sea stacks and rugged western cliffs of the island.
Anacapa Island Lighthouse
View the historic 1932 beacon, which remains an active aid to navigation in the busy shipping channel.
Allow 1 hour for ferry crossing; local transfers by boat only.
Access to the island requires climbing a steep ladder from the boat to the landing dock.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Wildlife and Endemic Species
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Ventura
Potato Harbor
A scenic overlook on Santa Cruz Island perfect for spotting the endemic Island Fox in the coastal sage scrub.
Santa Cruz Island Visitor Center
Learn about the complex restoration efforts and the history of the Chumash people at the Scorpion Ranch house.
Allow 1.5 hours for ferry return; dolphins are frequently spotted during the transit.
Pack out all trash; there are no waste facilities or water sources on most island landing sites.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Ferry and Camping Reservations Essential
Entry to the park is free, but boat transportation via the official concessionaire, Island Packers, requires advance booking as seats are limited. Primitive camping permits must be secured through Recreation.gov prior to arrival. Systems vary by island; check the official NPS site for current pier closures and landing restrictions.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
SBAChannel Islands National Park
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport · 1 h 8 min drive
Find flights to SBA
Plan your road trip
From Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
1 h 8 min
about 49 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Channel Islands National Park on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Channel Islands National Park on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Channel Islands National Park
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Channel Islands National Park
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Channel Islands National Park
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Channel Islands National Park
Explore guided activities around Channel Islands National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Channel Islands National Park
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
