CAMPING IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK - SANTA ROSA ISLAND
Santa Rosa Island: A Camping Paradise
Escape to one of Southern California’s most spectacular—and exclusive—camping destinations. While Island Packers doesn’t offer daily service to Santa Rosa, the journey rewards visitors with:
World-Class Camping Features:
✔ The Only Channel Islands National Park Island with flushing toilets & running water
✔ Pristine white-sand beaches (don’t miss the famous Water Canyon Beach)
✔ Dramatic coastal views from bluffside campsites
Pro Tips for Campers:
Pack for windy conditions (the payoff is unbeatable solitude)
Pack extra provisions for at least 2 extra nights in case of delayed pickup
Reserve early—limited trips mean fewer visitors = more wilderness for you
Explore Torrey pines, sea caves & canyon trails right from camp
Why It’s Special:
Santa Rosa offers the perfect blend of backcountry adventure and rare comforts—where else can you fall asleep to ocean waves then wake to hike through pristine canyons?
Note: Book your Island Packers transport well in advance for this bucket-list camping experience.Santa Rosa Island Camping in the Channel Islands National Park requires that you must have both a boat reservation and a campground reservation. By clicking the two buttons to the right, you will be able to view both the reservation system for the boat and for the campground in two separate windows. You can use these programs to check availability.
Please review both links below to help in the ease & speed of the loading of all camping gear:
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Santa Rosa Island Camper Transport Fares |
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Ticket Type |
Age Range |
Round Trip |
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Adult |
13-54 Years |
$ 134 |
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Senior |
55 Years + |
$ 122 |
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Child |
3-12 Years |
$ 105 |
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Infant (Must Reserve) |
Under 3 Years |
$ 00.00 |
About the Campground
Santa Rosa Island Camping – Campground sites are 1.5 miles from the pier along the flat Coastal Road trail. A slight incline leads to a view of the campgrounds as you enter the canyon. There are 15 sites, each site may have up to a five people maximum. Campground is site specific.
Facilities
A picnic table, food storage box and wind break are at each site. Fresh water is available in the campground area. Restroom facilities include flushing toilets, a shower and a large sink for washing dishes. (Showers are closed due to drought).
Campsites
Campsites are site specific and must be booked in advance of your mainland departure. Santa Rosa campsites are often full several months before the trip date, so check the campsite availability before booking your boat transportation.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
Santa Rosa Island offers Backcountry camping from August 15th through December 31st. (Island Packers transportation to Santa Rosa usually ends in late November.)
Backcountry camping offers a rugged backpacking / kayaking experience for those who are well-prepared for a wilderness experience. There are no facilities or fresh water in the backcountry.
Backcountry Camping Seasonal Availability:
August 15th – September 15th: Only East Point to South Point Beaches (Southeast Quadrant) are open to backcountry camping for boaters, kayakers, and backpackers.
September 16th – December 31st: Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest Quadrant beaches are open to backcountry camping. Beaches around Sandy Point, at Lobo Canyon, and Northeast Quadrant beaches (between Carrington Point and East Point) remain closed to camping.
Leave No Trace Camping Protocol
Experienced backcountry visitors must adhere to strict “pack in, pack out” practices:
✔ Complete Waste Removal Required
All items brought to the island must depart with you
This includes all human waste – absolutely no burying
✔ Proper Waste Management
Use WAG bags or another approved portable toilet system
Double-bag waste using odor-proof containment
Pack out used toilet paper and hygiene products
✔ Why This Matters
Protects fragile island ecosystems
Prevents contamination of water sources
Maintains wilderness integrity for wildlife
Note: These requirements apply to all campers – failure to properly remove waste violates Channel Islands National Park regulations.
National Park Service Warning: Backcountry Camping on Santa Rosa Island
While offering an unforgettable wilderness experience, Santa Rosa’s backcountry camping demands advanced outdoor skills. The island’s challenging conditions – including strong winds, rough terrain, and cross-country route-finding – make this adventure suitable only for:
✔ Experienced backpackers comfortable with off-trail navigation
✔ Seasoned campers who will pack in and pack out
✔ Well-prepared adventurers in excellent physical condition
This is true wilderness camping with no amenities – perfect for those seeking solitude and challenge, but not ideal for first-time campers.
Know before you go:
Weather can change rapidly
Terrain requires careful footing
Self-sufficiency is mandatory
Rescue services are extremely limited
For your safety, please honestly assess your abilities before attempting backcountry camping on Santa Rosa Island…
CAMPING PREPARATION | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW & BRING
- Please arrive at your harbor of departure a full hour before your departure time. We will not load late arriving gear and hatches close 15 minutes before departure. If you are late , you have to forfeit your ticket.
- An Island Packers reservation.
- A campsite reservation.
- Food for your time on the island.
- A low profile tent that can withstand heavy winds.
- Water Canyon Campground: Fresh/Potable water is available in the campground area. Dish washing should be done at the outside sink on the left side of the restroom facility
- Backcountry Camping: There is no fresh/potable water in the backcountry. You can fill water bottles in the Water Canyon campground area.
- Kitchen utensils and campstove (No campfires are permitted)
- Flashlight or lantern
- Sturdy shoes and warm clothes for the cool evenings that can occur year-round.
- Gear that meets the Island Packers Restrictions/Guidelines
- Hat, Sunscreen and long-sleeved shirt for UV protection. UV is present even on overcast days.
- NO Single Item weighing more than 45 LBS (required)
ATTENTION CAMPERS:
During the rough weather months, November through May, you will need to make sure Island Packers’ schedule has not been changed due to ocean and/or weather conditions before you leave the camping area for the day.
Schedule changes are relayed to the park in the morning and the bulletin board or the ranger will have schedule change information. Campers during these month should come prepared with 2 nights extra food in case weather prevents us from our planned pick up.
Important Links to Additional Information:
Get the National Park Service App!
Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience. 420 + Parks all in one App. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more. Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! The app is free and available online.