San Miguel Island Campground Permit
Channel Islands National Park · California
Remote camping on San Miguel Island.
Get an alert when San Miguel opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on San Miguel were gone within 10 minutes.
San Miguel reservation dates
- max group size
- 4people
How to get a San Miguel permit
As of September 2026, San Miguel in Channel Islands National Park, California requires a permit issued via reservation. San Miguel rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled San Miguel permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
Step 1: Create a National Park Service account
Sign up at National Park Service 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 San Miguel: Live availability activityWhen San Miguel permits open up
When to hike San Miguel
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
73°
59°
Wed
75°
58°
Thu
67°
57°
Fri
65°
63°
Sat
67°
64°
Sun
66°
65°
Mon
67°
65°
San Miguel rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for San Miguel.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for San Miguel · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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San Miguel FAQ
How do I get a San Miguel permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a San Miguel cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. San Miguel permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit San Miguel?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the San Miguel permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a San Miguel 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.
San Miguel trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a San Miguel permit
Where to stay near San Miguel
- San Miguel Island campgroundChannel Islands National Park
- Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach CampingChannel Islands National Park
- Santa Rosa Island campgroundChannel Islands National Park
- All California campgrounds
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