Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
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- Right now
- Taking bookingsSites offered on 30 of the next 30 nights read 17:03 UTC
- A night
- $10From, per site
- Sites
- 333 on recreation.gov
The place
the agency’s own description · what’s there · 18 notices
In the agency’s own words
Backcountry beach camping is available mid-August through December along Santa Rosa Island's extensive, beautiful, and undeveloped 55-mile coastline. This coastline is reminiscent of California in days gone by. The rocky coast and sandy beaches are much the same as the ones the Chumash Indians, Spanish explorers, and early ranchers may have known. This remote, fragile environment is critical for sea and shorebirds, marine mammals, and plant communities. In 1992, the National Park Service opened the island to backcountry beach camping in recognition of its rare wilderness values. Keep reading
As you explore these wild areas by kayak or on foot, please take responsibility to help us protect and preserve these delicate natural resources for future generations. The following information will help you enjoy your visit while leaving the smallest impact on the island. Warning : While backcountry camping is an incredible experience, it is not for the inexperienced backpacker or kayaker. Due to difficult weather, rugged terrain, and off-trail hiking, backcountry camping is an arduous endeavor and should be undertaken only by experienced, well-conditioned backpackers and kayakers. Less experienced visitors to the island should consider frontcountry camping at Santa Rosa Island Campground in Water Canyon, which also offers advance reservations with some amenities (e.g., pit toilet, picnic table, water). WAG Bags Required: Visitors are required to pack out human waste and toilet paper in the backcountry using "WAG" (human waste collection) bags. Visitors must bring there own bags which are available from outdoor suppliers. Backcountry Beach Camping Dates 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 Point and East Point) remain closed to camping.
Recreation
Boat and Airplane Drop Off Points. The park boat concessionaire, Island Packers, drops off and picks up kayakers and backpackers at the Bechers Bay pier. Campers should coordinate purchasing boat tickets in conjunction with making campground reservations. There is currently no park airline concessionaire, private landings on the airstrip near Water Canyon, or anywhere else on the island, is prohibited. Trail Conditions. Hiking to beach camping areas requires travel along rugged exposed mountainous roads, trails, and unmaintained routes often created by island animals. Expect high winds and sunny conditions with no shade or cover. Navigating beaches and bluffs may be possible depending on ocean conditions and commonly require hiking across drainages and badlands. It is recommended to carry tide charts when navigating the beaches, coasts and bluffs. Some road/trail intersections have signs, some do not. Most trails and routes do not get you directly to a beach camping area, but instead end above a marine terrace/bluff or on top of a canyon and you must find the safest way down to the beach. Maps. Please refer to topographical maps for more accurate mileage and to help with the following descriptions. It is recommended that all backcountry campers have both digital and physical maps. Backpackers should carry topographic maps (USGS 7.5 minute maps or the Trails Illustrated map of all the islands) and kayakers carry nautical charts before departing on their journey. Hiking and Kayaking Distances to Beach Camping Areas. Backcountry campers should be prepared to hike 10+ miles (16 km+) on their first and last days in the backcountry regardless of itinerary. While some beaches are less than 10 miles away, you may arrive to find your destination beach unavailable (occupied by other campers, covered in pinnipeds, under water from high tides, etc.) and need to hike to the next available beach. Southeast Quadrant (August 15-December 31) East Point from Pier: 7 mi (11 km) hiking; 8 mi (13 km) kayaking* East Point to Ford Point: 8 mi (13 km) hiking; 5 mi (8 km) kayaking** Ford Point via South (Wreck) Road from Pier: 9 mi (14.5 km) hiking+ Ford Point to Johnsons Lee: 4 mi (6.5 km) hiking; 3.5 (6 km) kayaking+ Johnsons Lee (via East Point) from Pier: 18 mi (29 km) hiking; 16 mi (26 km) kayaking** Johnsons Lee via Main (Soledad) Road from Pier: 14 mi (22.5 km) hiking+ Johnsons Lee via South (Wreck) Road from Pier: 13.5 mi (22 km) hiking+ La Jolla Vieja via South (Wreck) Road from Pier: 11.2 mi (18 km) hiking+ * Camping Just South of East Point is NOT Recommended. While no camping is allowed at East Point, there is a small pocket beach just to the south in the Southeast Quadrant. However, it is not recommended for camping as this beach is very, small and may be washed out at higher tides. In addition, pounding surf and strong winds constantly reshape this beach. ** Hiking Beyond East Point. If hiking beyond East Point to Ford Point, it is recommended that you follow the ridge line or road until you reach the northeast ridge of San Augustine Canyon. Follow this ridge down to the mouth of the canyon. Hiking along the beach from East Point to Ford Point is impossible due to section of vertical cliffs that drop directly into the ocean. However, kayakers can access beaches throughout this area. Once hikers reach Ford Point, they may follow the low terrace or higher ridge (both eventually run into a coastal road) down to the Johnsons Lee area. Refer to topographical maps for more information. + Direct access to beaches between Johnsons Lee and Ford Point (including La Jolla Vieja) is also possible via the Main (Soledad) or South (Wreck) roads. Both of these routes are long hikes and with a considerable amount of climbing and, once again, like all hiking or kayaking on the island, is recommended only for the experienced, well-conditioned traveler. Southwest Quadrant (September 16-December 31) Backcountry camping in the Southwest quadrant is extremely difficult and only recommended for experienced backpackers due to long distances, frequent high winds, and lack of reliable water sources. Be aware of closures and requirements to stay on routes in this area. There is no camping or beach access between China Camp and Cluster point OR around Sandy Point. Trancion Canyon: 14 mi (22.5 km) hiking; 20 mi (32 km) kayaking++ Northwest Quadrant (September 16-December 31) Backcountry camping in the Northwest quadrant is extremely difficult and only recommended for experienced backpackers due to long distances, frequent high winds, washed-out beaches at high tides, and lack of reliable water sources. Be aware of closures and requirements to stay on routes in this area. There is no camping between Carrington Point and Lobo Canyon. Dry Canyon: 10 mi (16 km) hiking; 11 mi (17.7 km) kayaking++ Arlington Canyon: 12 mi (19.3 km) hiking; 12.5 mi (20 km) kayaking++ ++Beginning September 16, the closest beach camping is Cow Canyon. However, this beach can wash out at high tide and/or large swell and is NOT recommended . Nearby Lobo Canyon beach is closed to beach camping and only available for day use. Therefore, Dry Canyon is the closest beach in the Northwest Quadrant that is recommended for camping.
Facilities
No facilities This is primitive, dispersed, backcountry camping in tents with no established campsites nor electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups. Visitors must backpack to all locations and carry all of their own gear, food and water (see water information below). Pack Out What You Pack In Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage and human waste. It is prohibited by law and regulation to leave human solid waste in the backcountry or in the wet intertidal sand. Human waste and toilet paper must be packed out for proper disposal using commercially available "waste bags". Camp Only On Beaches Visitors are required to camp on beaches. Camping is prohibited in any other areas, including coastal bluffs. Utilize sandy areas that are free of dune vegetation when hiking, landing water craft, and camping. Keep tents, kitchen areas, and traffic in "hardened" areas that are already bare from previous use. Do not damage live trees, plants, and other living things. It is not permitted to chop or nail trees, harvest or trample plants. Water & Water Treatment One gallon of water per person per day is recommended. Water weighs approximately 8 pounds per gallon. Potable water is available in the Water Canyon campground. During the backcountry camping season (mid-August through December), the only location outside the Water Canyon campground with an accessible, reliable water source is the Clapp Spring trough, approximately 7 miles from the pier [.6 miles south-southeast on Sierra Pablo Road from the intersection with South (Wreck) Road; 33°56’50” North, 120°03’19” West]. The water at Clapp Spring is safe to drink when boiled, filtered, or treated with iodine. Although ten canyons may carry some degree of water intermittently throughout the year (except during dry years), water is not always available. Water found at the mouth of the canyons near beaches is likely to be brackish or dirty, walking up canyon for 5-10 minutes generally improves water quality. These ten canyons include: Water, Trancion, Bee, San Augustine, Wreck, Jolla Vieja, Arlington, Soledad, Cow, and Lobo. Water may be found in streams or stagnant pools, it can be thick with sediment and/or contaminated with coliform bacteria and giardia. Using a physical filter is recommended in addition to treating by boiling and/or using purification methods such as iodine. Important Closures: Year-round. Backcountry beach camping is prohibited between Lobo Canyon and East Point, between China Camp and Cluster Point, and all beaches around Sandy Point. January 1 - August 14. All beaches are closed to backcountry beach camping to protect pupping seals/sealions and nesting seabirds. August 15 - September 15. Northwest and northeast beaches are closed to camping. Only the Southeast Quadrant (East Point to South Point Beaches) is open to backcountry camping. From September 16 through December 31, all Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest Quadrant beaches are open to backcountry camping. March 1 to September 15. Back beaches and sand dunes between and including Skunk Point to just north of East Point are closed to hiking to protect the nesting area for the snowy plover, a federally listed, threatened shorebird. Please remain on the wet sand (below mean high tide) or the throughout this area. Additional Information Please visit Backcountry Beach Camping: Santa Rosa Island on the Channel Islands National Park website for more information.
Natural Features
Weather 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. Occasionally, the south side of the island (South Point to East Point) offers protection from these strong winds. Dense fog is common making chart and compass navigation mandatory. For the most current weather forecast, please visit Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary's Internet Weather Kiosk . Ocean Conditions Kayakers may encounter strong ocean currents around the islands. Intense wave and surf conditions exist around the Carrington Point area. Sheer cliffs rise out of the ocean, reflecting incoming waves back out to sea, creating a washing machine effect. In this turbulent area there are no places to land, even in an emergency. The first landable beach is Lobo Canyon, five miles west of the ranch area pier. Rounding Skunk Point may be tricky as well because of merging currents. The wind often increases in the afternoon, and the prevailing northwesterlies can make paddling back to Water Canyon difficult. During the summer months, large swells often pound the south side of the island, making landing and launching from the beaches extremely challenging, requiring advanced skills. Ocean water temperatures range from the lower 50s (F) in the winter to the upper 60s (F) in the fall.
What the agency tells you
Reservations Required. Advance reservations are mandatory. There are no walk-ups.
Camping Maximum. Ten groups per night, per quadrant. Max 4 campers per group. One party or group may reserve a maximum of 2 sites per visit.
Transportation to the Island. You must arrange transportation to Santa Rosa Island before making a campsite reservation. Please read 'Getting There.'
Everything else this campground posts · 15
Bring Extra Supplies. Bring supplies and food for an extra day in case the boats are unable to pick up campers due to weather conditions.
Backpack to Beach Camping Areas. Visitors must backpack to and from their dispersed campsites and must carry their own gear, food and water. The minimum hiking distance from the Bechers Bay Pier to an approved beach camping area is 7 miles (5.5 miles when all quadrants are open and with good conditions). Campers should be prepared to hike 10+ miles on their first and last day in the backcountry.
Check-in. Check-in with a ranger on arrival for an on-site orientation. Bring your confirmation email with you. Check-in and check-out times are at 11:00 a.m. Quiet time is enforced at 10:00 p.m.
Water & Water Treatment. The park recommends carrying one gallon of water per person per day. Potable water is available in the Water Canyon (frontcountry) campground. Outside the Water Canyon campground, water sources may be unreliable or contaminated. Please read the water and water treatment information under 'Facilities.'
Camp Only on Beaches. Camping is prohibited in any other areas, including dunes and coastal bluffs. Beach camping areas can fill (dry/usable space is limited and may be occupied by wildlife), many beaches are not accessible from land (cliffs), or do not have established/obvious trails to or from. Please read the additional details under 'Facilities,' above.
Proper food and trash storage is required. Recommend hard-sided container (i.e., bear canister) to further protect food/garbage from animals.
Pack In, Pack Out. Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage and human waste in the backcountry. 'Waste bags' are available from outdoor suppliers. Strain or separate food particles from cooking water and pack them out. Scatter the gray water 200 ft. from water sources and camps.
No Campfires. No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves. Stoves only in authorized beach camping areas.
Smoking. Smoking is only allowed on beach areas far from ignition sources.
Hantavirus. Avoid contact with deer mice. Hantavirius has been found in island deer mice.
Biosecurity. To help prevent the introduction of nonnative species the following items may not be brought to the park: pets; live or potted plants; soil; cut flowers; firewood or any untreated, unfinished wood (including hiking sticks); corrugated boxes; tools or equipment with attached soil; motorized vehicles; bicycles; and single-use plastic grocery bags. Prior to departure, visitors are required to use pest-proof packing materials, inspect and clean their gear and shoes of all soil, seeds, and insects. Learn more about biosecurity and watch the required video at Protect Your Park Through Biosecurity.
Fishing. No fishing in marine reserves. A California fishing license and ocean enhancement required to fish within Channel Islands National Park.
Watersports. Due to the strong, persistent wind, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are limited and recommended for the experienced visitor only. Ocean conditions can rapidly change, requiring expert abilities. Ocean kayaking is an inherently dangerous activity. Always check weather and do not kayak beyond your experience level.
Important Closures. Avoid closed areas to protect island resources. Island closures include but are not limited to: - Sandy Point - No camping or beach access. - Skunk Point - Travel on wet sand only. No camping. - China Camp and Cluster Point - No camping or beach access. Areas around China Camp and Cluster point are restricted to on trail travel only. Follow route and closure signs in area. - Lobo Canyon - No camping. Area is restricted to on trail travel only. Follow route and closure signs in area.
Everything is Protected As in all national parks, it is illegal to feed, collect, disturb, or harm park wildlife, plant life, or other natural, historical, and archeological features. Taking from or disturbing archeological sites or artifacts is a violation of state and federal law. The archeological sites around the Channel Islands are a testament to the importance of the Chumash and other American Indians. Archeological sites are sacred to Chumash peoples today, are protected by federal law, and are a vital nonrenewable scientific resource. Please help us in protecting and preserving this rich part of California’s heritage. Additional Information. Please visit Backcountry Beach Camping: Santa Rosa Island on the Channel Islands National Park website for more information.
Tents and rigs
- Sites
- 33 · 33 tent-only
- Hookups
- None
- Accessible sites
- None listed
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Campfires
- Not allowed
Facilities
- Toilets
- None. Pack out what you bring in
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Store
- Nearby
Around the campground
- On the water
- Creek, Beach, Coast
- Beach Camping
- Beachcombing
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Water access
- Water sports
- Wilderness access
- Wildlife viewing
4 of 4 site-nights open this Friday and Saturdayread 17:03 UTC
recreation.gov lists 3 of the 33 campsites the agency files here. The rest aren’t on its booking system, so a reservation won’t get you one.
OpenBooked
Watch for a cancellation
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We read recreation.gov once an hour, at 40 minutes past, and write the first time a site in your window is free for the nights you asked for.
Scanners that check every few minutes exist, and most of them charge. This one is free, it reads the same calendar, and it won’t always be first.
We make nothing when you book. The link goes straight to the government.
Every line of the receipt · 12
What you actually pay
Derived by CAMPANAC: the agency’s published rate for this season, $10 a night, plus one $8 recreation.gov reservation fee for the booking. A weekend here means Friday and Saturday night, booked once. Optional charges (an extra vehicle, a second tent, a dump-station fee) are listed separately and aren’t in this total.
Who keeps the booking fee
The agency’s own policy text says the reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee are “retained by the reservation service contractor”, and that a campground concessionaire will decline to refund them because “they did not receive these fees”. Recreation.gov is run under contract by Booz Allen Hamilton. What share of your booking fee the contractor keeps isn’t published in any federal dataset we can read, so we print no number for it. Our reporting on the contract →
How we know this receipt · 5
recreation.gov availability, read 17:03 UTC · rules read Sep 9, 2026 · rates Sep 10, 2026 · How we know all this
The sites
33 sites · which ones have room · the site map
The sites, ranked
from 6 mapped sites6 sites share one published coordinate and are left out of the rankings.
All 33 sites
The price is derived by CAMPANAC, not published per site: the per-night rate this campground publishes for each site’s own site type. 33 of the 33 sites listed carry one, and a site whose type has no published rate sits out of the price rather than being called free.
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | tent only nonelectric | 10.6 mi | $10 |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW01 | tent only nonelectric | 10.6 mi | $10 |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW02 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW03 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW04 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW05 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW06 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW07 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW08 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW09 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | NW10 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE01 | tent only nonelectric | 4.5 mi | $10 |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE02 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE03 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE04 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE05 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE06 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE07 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE08 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE09 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SE10 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping | tent only nonelectric | 4.5 mi | $10 |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | tent only nonelectric | 11.7 mi | $10 |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW01 | tent only nonelectric | 11.7 mi | $10 |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW02 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW03 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW04 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW05 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW06 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW07 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW08 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW09 | tent only nonelectric | $10 | |
| Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping | SW10 | tent only nonelectric | $10 |
25 of 33 listed
Getting there
the map and the coordinate · the agency’s directions · the phone number
Where it is
Santa Rosa IslandChannel Islands National Park · 2.6 mi
Water Canyon CampgroundChannel Islands National Park · 2.6 mi
San Miguel Island16 mi
Santa Cruz Island Prisoners HarborChannel Islands National Park · 24 miPrisoners Harbor CampgroundChannel Islands National Park · 24 mi
Santa Cruz Island Del Norte BackcountryChannel Islands National Park · 25 miBackcountry campers must first secure transportation to Santa Rosa Island by their own private boat or through Island Packers or Channel Islands Aviation the park's authorized concessioners.
The weather
the next four days · the thirty-year normal
Next four days, and the thirty-year normal
Forecast
NWS forecast for University of California-Santa Barbara, CA
Typical weather
Typical October night 51°F, day 73°F.
Coldest month of the year: typical December night 40°F. Bring the bag rated for it.
Daily high and lowDays with 0.10 in or more
A normal is the 1991-2020 average for the month, not a forecast: about half of all Augusts are colder than the August line. The seven-day forecast above answers the other question.
The land, and who answers for it
who answers for it
Who answers for this land
Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping is in California’s 24th congressional district. Its representative, Salud Carbajal (D), votes on the laws that decide what happens to this land. Public-lands grade so far: A+. See every public-lands vote →