Camping at California’s Most Underrated National Park

📌 Channel Islands National Park – Anacapa Island Out of the five islands where camping is permitted, Anacapa Island (often called “A Island”) is the second smallest. It features just one main trail spanning 1.5 miles. If you're only interested in exploring the island’s scenery, booking a Day Visitor boat ticket for a same-day round trip from the harbor is sufficient. However, to experience the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, you’ll need to book a camper ticket and spend a night on the island. 🚢 Departure from Oxnard or Ventura Boat tickets can be reserved through the Island Packers website. There are three ticket options: a scenic cruise around the island without landing, a Day Visitor ticket that allows you to explore the island and return the same day, and a Camper ticket for overnight stays. Prices increase accordingly. ❗Heads up: Even after departing for Anacapa Island, landing isn’t guaranteed due to low tide conditions that may prevent the boat from safely docking (see the landing point in the final image). On my trip, several day visitors were denied landing—only campers were permitted to disembark. I even overheard someone lamenting it was his third failed attempt! 😅 ⚠️ Helpful Tips Anacapa Island may be small—the trail can be completed in about an hour and a half—but camping here is absolutely worth it. The island chain offers spectacular sunset views 🌅, and if you visit during a full moon, you can witness the moon rising over the ocean 🌕. During a new moon, the clear dark skies reveal a stunning Milky Way 🌌. If you have kayaking experience, you can paddle around the island and observe diverse marine wildlife 🛶. Snorkeling enthusiasts can also explore the magnificent kelp forests beneath the waves 🤿. There are only seven campsites available on the island, and Saturday nights are especially competitive—be sure to book well in advance! Additionally, from April to November, seagull breeding season takes over the island. The birds are noisy 💩 and, well, messy everywhere 😂. Don’t forget earplugs if you value a good night’s sleep—I barely slept a wink! #USA #California #HikingCamping #Camping #CaliforniaTravel #Island #Camping #ChannelIslandsNationalPark #Underrated #HiddenGems #BeachCamping #Guide