The campground proper is in Scorpion Valley. Don''t worry, the name is far more forboding than the very pretty valley. There aren''t even scorpions here, though you might be able to see chorus frogs, black bellied salamanders or yellow belly racer lizards! The park service told us that the island is evolutionarily phenomenal as some birds and insects have gigantism and some mammals have dwarfism... so the bugs and scales and feathers get bigger while the firries get smaller over time!

The best thing to do on the island is to check out some of the sea caves. They''re all over the coast of the island, but the best known and most spectacular is Painted Cave. It gets its name because of colorful rock types, lichens, and algae, and the entrance ceiling goes up 160 feet, a quarter mile long and 100 feet wide, with a waterfall over its entrance in the spring. I''ve never seen anything like it. Take care in visiting Sea Caves though, because the tide can be unpredictable. Make sure to protect your food and other supplies from rodents, as there has been news of late of a strain of the Hanta virus and it''s better to be safe than sorry.

Reservations are required; camping is free, but there is reservation charge of $2.50. Permit required, but free of charge (call the number). Camp sites hold 4-6 people and are well sheltered. Half mile hike uphill to campground. Bring in all provisions including water, but firewood is not permitted. Charcoal and firelogs only.