Island Packers recommends San Miguel Island camping passengers utilize the Channel Islands National Park App
for a more complete island experience.
Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! The app is free and available on the App Store and on Google Play.
Ticket Type | Age | Round Trip |
Adult | 13-54 Years | $ 168.00 |
Senior | 55 Years + | $ 156.00 |
Child | 3-12 Years | $ 136.00 |
Infant( Must Reserve) | Under 3 Years | $ 00.00 |
San Miguel Island Camping
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.
Visitors to San Miguel Island must complete an:
Acknowledgement of Danger: Release and Hold Harmless Agreement San Miguel Island (SMI),
Channel Islands National Park.
While Island Packers does have these forms at our office, completing the form prior to your arrival at our office will speed up your check in procedure. Guest will be asked to step out of line to complete the form prior to receiving your boarding pass. Island Packers would greatly appreciate your completing this form prior to your arrival if possible.
Landing at San Miguel is via a shore boat through the surf. Landings can be wet. Campers should pack items in dry bags inside of their backpack.
Reserve Your Seats
or View Availability
San Miguel Island has no pier. Landings can be wet. Landings are through the surf (sometime large) onto the beach.
Campers should pack their gear so that important items are protected inside of their backpack.
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.)
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.
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 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.
