NPS Alert:
San Miguel Island’s campground is closed to reservations on Recreation.gov through end of 2024. There will be no transportation for campers this season.
CAMPING IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK - SAN MIGUEL ISLAND
To camp in the Channel Islands National Park you must have both a boat reservation and a campground reservation. By clicking the two buttons below you will be able to view both the reservation system for the boat and for the campground in two separate windows. You can use these programs to check availability.
Please review both links below to help in the ease & speed of the loading of all camping gear:
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San Miguel Island Camper Transport Fares |
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Ticket Type |
Age Range |
Round Trip |
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Adult |
13-54 Years |
$ 182 |
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Senior |
55 Years + |
$ 170 |
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Child |
3-12 Years |
$ 150 |
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Infant (Must Reserve) |
Under 3 Years |
$ 00.00 |
Acknowledgement of Danger Form
Visitors to San Miguel Island must complete an Acknowledgement of Danger: Release and Hold Harmless Agreement for San Miguel Island (SMI), Channel Islands National Park.
While Island Packers has these forms at our office, please complete the form prior to your arrival to speed up the check-in process. Guests will be asked to step out of line to complete the form prior to receiving boarding passes.
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This Release and Hold Harmless form must be completed before you may receive your boarding passes. This is a requirement of the Channel Islands National Park. You only need to print and complete page two. Page one is an explanation of the reason for this form and you should read this page thoroughly so that you have a complete understanding of what you are signing. If you are not able to print this form before you arrive at our office, Island Packers will provide the form for you at our check-in counter. You will be asked to step out of line to complete the form and then return to the line at the counter for check-in.
Landing Information
Landing at San Miguel is via a shore boat through the surf (sometimes large) onto the beach.
PLEASE NOTE: San Miguel Island has no pier. Landings can be wet.
Campers should pack items in dry bags and pack their gear so important items are protected inside of their backpack.
About the Campground
San Miguel Island has nine camp sites, each campsite may have a maximum of four people. The campground is located approximately 1.25 rugged, uphill miles from the landing on the beach. San Miguel Island camping is primitive. All campsites are individual sites.
The island has little shade and NO Fresh/Potable water. You must carry/hike in all supplies up Nidever Canyon, including all your water for your time on the island. You must hike out all trash. (The weight of your water is not included in your overall 60 lbs weight limit.)
About the Island
San Miguel is home to one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in California. It has scenic vistas and overlooks. Many miles to hike and a sense of isolation that will make you appreciate the people who have called this island home.
Read Elizabeth Sherman Lester’s account of her time spent growing up here in The Legendary King of San Miguel to set the scene for your own island experience.
NPS Alert - 2023
The access trail for San Miguel Island was damaged during the rainy winter of 2022 – 2023.
The National Park Service has closed the island until repairs can be made and hope to have the repair completed for the Summer of 2024.
CAMPING PREPARATION | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW & BRING
- Please arrive at your harbor of departure a full hour before your departure time. Late arriving gear may not be loaded onto the boat.
- A campsite reservation.
- An Island Packers reservation.
- Food for your time on the island.
- Fresh /Drinking Water (suggested 1 gallon per day per person). San Miguel Island has NO POTABLE WATER available. Water weight is not included in your 60 lbs of gear
- Kitchen utensils and camp stove (No campfires are permitted)
- Tent(s) and sleeping bag(s). Due to the wind it is suggested campers bring extra tent guys.
- Flashlight or lantern
- Sturdy shoes and warm clothes for the cool evenings that can occur year-round.
- Gear that meets the Island Packers Restrictions/Guidelines.
- Hat, Sunscreen and long-sleeved shirt for UV protection. UV is present even on overcast days.
- NO Single Item weighing more than 45 LBS (required)
ATTENTION CAMPERS:
San Miguel is exposed to rapid weather change resulting in large swells and strong winds. These weather conditions may prevent Island Packers from their scheduled pick up. Campers should be prepared for the possibility of early pick up or additional night(s) on the island by bringing extra food and water.
Island Packers schedule changes are communicated with the National Park in the morning and this information should be available on the bulletin board of from the ranger. Please check for schedule changes before you depart the campground area on the day of your scheduled pick up.
Important Links to Additional Information:
Get the National Park Service App!
Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience. 420 + Parks all in one App. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more. Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! The app is free and available online.