Anacapa Island Campground

Camping requires a "boat-load" of preparation, especially if it is a 3 night trip to an island with no potable water. * Had a wagon to help us with luggage movement. If you have a wagon go through the visitor center, so as to ensure you have the least number of steps to lift the wagon with. * Had some kid help to move the luggage over 2x rounds up the staircase. * Had hiking shoes, but perhaps given misty muddy conditions might have worked better with rain boots. Then again we had 3 weather conditions on 3 days in November. Pros: * The place is human-quiet, a place near but far to seek solitude from the human species. Arguably we were with kids but still a valid point. * The campgrounds are clean, with marked boundaries. * The pit toilets (in fall-Nov) time didn't emanate too much of smell although we were right next to it on site 2. * It is kid friendly, in a sense there are no dangerous animals per say that could cause worry (not even a channel island fox); see con later. * The island is very small in comparison to the other islands, so come prepared for more relaxation or alternate ways to enjoy the island life. * Although Nov. Is not the peak season for gulls. This would make a literal experience for the book "Jonathon Livingston seagull". * The campsite on a clear sky can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. * Views are spectacular. * Experienced, clear, foggy and rain across 3 days. Different weather on each day. * You can enjoy a quick snorkel during the day, and the Milky way and Andromeda at night. * Lotsa gulls, brown pelicans and occasional cormorants (the gulls are noisy but the kids liked em) Cons: * There is no potable water, i.e., with kids it means you have to carry water; for e.g., we managed with 10 gallons/ (2 adults+2 kids) for 3 nights, where we conserved a bit and managed it. * There are mice near the campsite. Rodents tend to carry more viruses and thereby diseases. This makes it a bit complicated to process. Arguably we are in the wild and it should be expected but.... * A muddy road to the campsite can be gnarly with a lot of luggage. * Winds can reach up to 17mph-19mph. If you have a larger family size tent be prepared to stake it well. A wind breaker would be nice addition to the campground.

The biggest downside is there is lots of bird and mouse poop in campground - pretty gross honestly, which is why my review is so low. The food storage box smells like guano, which is gross, since you are storing your food in it. Every morning, the picnic table and anything we left on it would be covered in fresh mouse poop. When I got home, I felt the need to do a deep clean of all my gear because I was so grossed out (and I'm an experienced backpacker). There is no shade, nor is there any shelter from wind, so plan accordingly. The entire island is full of seagulls and camp is no exception. There are hundreds of seagulls all around camp - bring earplugs, they are loud, especially in the early morning. There are good views from camp, and inspiration point is a quick hike away for spectacular sunset views. I had decent service with T-Mobile, though it would drop out occasionally.

Campground is around 0.6 miles from the landing cove, stayed during bird nesting seasons in mid June. There are a couple of things to notice if you plan to come. The campground has storage cabinet, desk and chair, but full of bird poops. There are 2 bathrooms but no water, electricity, and no toilet papers when I visit, but it has internet and mobile signals. Birds will live right next to you, so make sure you bring earplugs or it’s too loud at night. The campground is fully exposed, no shade, it gets really hot during the daytime. Bring lots of water. Since it’s fully exposed, the wind can get really strong to blow away your tent, make sure your tent is strong enough. The wind will start blowing in the afternoon till sunrise, don’t underestimate it if there is no wind in the morning Although there are bird poops everywhere, you won’t smell it very often because of the wind, also no mosquitoes or flies because of that. There are small mice living on the island, but will only show up at night, I haven’t see them around the campground. This is truly a wonderland for bird lovers, camping is much better than day visit, you will enjoy the sunset, moon rise, the sky full of stars, the feeling of only you in the wilderness but surrounded by thousands of birds, come and visit, but get fully prepared!

It’s a very unique area and campsite. There are gulls everywhere which brings a lot of noise and bird poop. The island is very small and easily explored in a few hours. The pit toilets are clean and there are food storage boxes and tables at each site. I would recommend bringing games/books or snorkeling gear to spend the time. Wouldn’t come back but really enjoyed the experience. Also you have to pack in all water and pack out all trash so be prepared.

Stayed overnight maybe a decade ago, but definitely a fun experience! Pack in everything and pack out everything.