RV Rentals near Anacapa Island Campground Ventura, California

Venturing along East Anacapa's two-mile trail system unveils the island's native vegetation, wildlife, and cultural history. Thanks to ongoing restoration efforts by the National Park Service, the island's native flora is slowly recovering, fostering the return of nesting land birds and seabirds. Anacapa stands as a vital seabird nesting site within the Channel Islands, with West Anacapa's steep cliffs hosting the largest breeding colony of endangered California brown pelicans. Across all islets, Anacapa boasts the world's largest breeding colony of western gulls. The rocky shores provide resting and breeding grounds for California sea lions and harbor seals, while the rich kelp forests invite exploration through kayaking, snorkeling, and diving, offering encounters with the resident ocean wildlife up close. Primitive camping options include seven sites, each requiring a $15 per night fee with reservations being mandatory. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, food storage box, and a pit toilet for the convenience of campers.

Why You’ll Love Anacapa Island Campground

Anacapa Island, the closest Channel Island to California's mainland, comprises three islets—East, Middle, and West Anacapa Islands. The volcanic island has weathered the forces of waves, resulting in towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and natural formations like the iconic Arch Rock, standing at forty feet high and symbolizing the essence of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. Beyond its natural wonders, Anacapa Island preserves a rich human history, evidenced by Chumash people's shell-midden sites from thousands of years ago. Visitors can also explore the 1932 light station, where the original lead-crystal Fresnel lens, a beacon until 1990, is on exhibit at the East Anacapa Visitor Center. Anacapa Island unfolds as a tapestry of natural and cultural marvels, beckoning adventurers to immerse themselves in its diverse and captivating landscapes.