Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
33.8853, -120.1149 · Park boundary: National Park Service
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Reservation detailsBackcountry camping on Santa Rosa Island is currently limited to certain beaches between August 15th and December 31st. Hiking is along the beach and rugged, unsigned (and sometimes unmaintained) dirt roads. The closest beach for camping is 8 miles from the boat/plane drop-off location. Reservations are required ($10 per night-per site). No services are provided.This is primitive, dispersed, backcountry camping. Visitors must backpack to all locations and carry all of their own gear, food and water.
- Every day
- All Day
January 1 - August 14 Backcountry beach camping is closed to protect pupping seals/sea lions and nesting seabirds. August 15 - September 15 Only East Point to South Point Beaches (Southeast Quadrant) are open to backcountry camping for boaters, kayakers, and backpackers. September 16 - December 31 Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest Quadrant beaches are open to backcountry camping. Beaches around Sandy Point, at Lobo Canyon, and Northeast Quadrant beaches (between Carrington
- Closed dates for Backcountry Beach Camping on Santa Rosa Island · Jan 1, 2026 – Aug 14, 2026 · Closed
Advanced camping reservations are required for all camping in the park. There are no entrance fees to visit the park. However, a reservation fee of $10.00 per site-per night is charged for backcounrty beach camping on Santa Rosa Island. This fee covers up to four people. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or through http://www.recreation.gov/.
Advanced camping reservations are required for all camping in the park. There are no entrance fees to visit the park. However, a reservation fee of $10.00 per site-per night is charged for backcounrty beach camping on Santa Rosa Island. This fee covers up to four people. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or through http://www.recreation.gov/.
- Drinking water
- Water · but not potable
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Food storage lockers
- No
- Host on site
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
- Toilets
- No Toilets
- Trash & recycling
- No
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- No Roads
- Classification
- Primitive Camping Areas
Due to the rugged hike, Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Camping is not accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Due to the rugged hike, Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Camping is not accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
No fires are permitted. Use only enclosed, gas camp stoves.
Santa Rosa Island backcountry beach camping is only accessible by boat or plane. Visit our island transportation webpage for more information: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/island-transportation.htm The closest beach for camping is 8 miles from the boat/plane drop-off location.
Weather conditions are generally best from August through October, with relatively calm wind and sea conditions and virtually no rain. Backpackers and kayakers should be prepared for strong northwest winds throughout the year, with the possibility of strong east or Santa Ana winds from October through January. The average wind speed is 15 knots, although speeds of 40 to 50 knots are not uncommon. Dense fog is common making chart and compass navigation mandatory.
Dispersed backcountry camping in the parks wilderness along beaches.
Location, hours, and facility details confirmed against the National Park Service registry.
National Park Service registryChecked 2026-08-04
Can you reserve a campsite at Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping?
Yes. Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in Channel Islands National Park has 30 sites that can be reserved in advance.
How many campsites does Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping have?
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in Channel Islands National Park has 30 campsites.
What is the maximum RV length at Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping?
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping does not take RVs.
How much does it cost to camp at Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping?
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in Channel Islands National Park charges $10 per night.
Are there showers at Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping?
No. Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in Channel Islands National Park does not list showers.
Is there drinking water at Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping?
Yes. Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in Channel Islands National Park lists drinking water: Water · but not potable.
Is there cell service at Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping?
No. Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in Channel Islands National Park does not list cell reception.
Is there a dump station at Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping?
No. Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in Channel Islands National Park does not list dump station.
Is Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping wheelchair accessible?
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping in Channel Islands National Park: Due to the rugged hike, Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Camping is not accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
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