San Miguel Island

About

San Miguel Island is the westernmost and most remote of the Channel Islands, offering a truly isolated wilderness camping experience. The 9-site primitive campground perches on a windswept plateau at 500 feet elevation, requiring a steep 1-mile uphill hike from the boat landing at Cuyler Harbor. Thirty-knot winds are common, and campers must come prepared with sturdy low-profile tents, all food and water, and enclosed gas camp stoves since campfires are prohibited. The island rewards those who make the journey with spectacular natural features: the caliche forest of ancient sand-cast vegetation, over 30,000 pinnipeds at Point Bennett representing five different species, endemic island foxes, and 27 miles of rugged coastline. Ranger-guided hikes explore areas beyond the campground. The island was a former bombing range, and visitors must stay on designated trails. Each campsite includes a 5-foot wind shelter, picnic table, and food storage box. Vault toilets are provided but there is no potable water, no trash service, and no shade. Campers must pack out all waste and bring supplies for an extra day in case rough seas delay boat pickup.

Directions

San Miguel Island is only accessible by boat or aircraft. Boat transportation from Ventura Harbor is available through Island Packers, the park's authorized concessioner. Air transportation is available through Channel Islands Aviation from Camarillo Airport. From the boat landing at Cuyler Harbor, the campground is a 1-mile steep uphill hike with a 400-foot elevation gain.