Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place w
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe park is open 24 hours a day. Services and facilities have separate hours. Please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 8056585730 · chis_information@nps.gov
While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Channel Islands National Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Channel Islands National Park?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Channel Islands National Park. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Channel Islands National Park?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Arch Point Loop Trail, Bechers Bay Campground, Bechers Bay Coastal Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
The park is open 24 hours a day. Services and facilities have separate hours. Please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Nearby sites
John Wiley User:Jw4nvc - Santa Barbara, California / CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Cachuma Lake
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
NASA / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Lake Casitas
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
