Prisoners Harbor Campground Permit
Channel Islands National Park · California
Six-site campground on Santa Cruz Island, reached from the Prisoners Harbor landing. Vault toilets and no drinking water.
Get an alert when Prisoners Harbor opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Prisoners Harbor were gone within 10 minutes.
Prisoners Harbor reservation dates
- max group size
- 4people
How to get a Prisoners Harbor permit
As of September 2026, Prisoners Harbor in Channel Islands National Park, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Prisoners Harbor rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Prisoners Harbor permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Prisoners Harbor: Live availability activityWhen Prisoners Harbor permits open up
Prisoners Harbor rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Prisoners Harbor.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Prisoners Harbor · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Prisoners Harbor FAQ
How do I get a Prisoners Harbor permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Prisoners Harbor cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Prisoners Harbor permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Prisoners Harbor?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Prisoners Harbor permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Prisoners Harbor permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Prisoners Harbor trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(1)
Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Prisoners Harbor permit
Where to stay near Prisoners Harbor
- Santa Cruz Island Prisoners Harbor campgroundChannel Islands National Park
- Santa Cruz Island del Norte Backcountry campgroundChannel Islands National Park
- Santa Cruz Island Scorpion campgroundChannel Islands National Park
- All California campgrounds
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