Channel Islands National Park

Visitor Centers:
There are no visitor centers located within the park, though there are two locations that operate on the mainland. Both locations are closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25.

• Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center (Ventura): Open 8:30 am to 5 pm daily.
• Outdoors Visitor Center (Santa Barbara): Open 11 am to 5 pm daily.

Channel Islands National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and December 25. While the park is located in a typically moderate Mediterranean climate, visitors should be prepared for rapid changes in weather. High winds, sea spray, rough seas, and fog are all common in the park. Fall is the most popular time to plan a visit, as the likelihood of calm water, warm weather and slow winds occurs between August and September.

Fees & Passes:
There is no entrance fee to visit Channel Islands National Park.

• Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Camping:
Year-round camping is available on each of the five islands of Channel Islands National Park. Each island boasts a Park Service managed campground, where amenities include picnic tables and pit toilets. Potable water is only available at the Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Island campgrounds. Be aware that transportation to the islands often fills before campgrounds. Camping reservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov.

There are limited backcountry sites available on Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz islands and a backcountry permit is required.

Lodging:
Lodging is unavailable within the park and there are a variety of lodging options available in the nearby towns of Ventura, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara, California.

There are no restaurants or stores in Channel Islands National Park. Visitors will need to bring all of their own food with them, and most will need to bring their own water as well. Potable water is only available at Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Campgrounds.

Shuttles:
While the mainland visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are readily accessible by car or public transportation, due to the remote location of Channel Islands National Park, it is necessary to find private transportation to and from the islands. There are a variety of options available to visitors, including private and public boat transportation as well as public airplane transportation. For more information about transportation to the islands, click here.

There are two park concessionaires, Island Packers and Channel Islands Aviation who can provide specific information about public transportation. Regulations and guidelines for private boats can be found here.

There are a variety of ways to enjoy the pristine islands that make up Channel Islands National Park. Visitors enjoy various types of aquatic activities such as diving, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking. In addition, there are many terrestrial activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, picnicking, and wildflower viewing. If you're looking to blend both the ocean and land, tide pooling, fishing, and aquatic wildlife viewing are also accessible. No matter what you choose, a visit to Channel Islands National Park will help you leave the clamor of everyday life behind. Visit Channel Island's website for more information on the park's variety of activities.

To download a variety of free brochures to help plan your visit, click here.