Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
33.8853, -120.1149 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Backcountry 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
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
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/.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
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
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- 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.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
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.
Drive to Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
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