Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

August 17th, 2024. Last winter's strong storms, heavy rains and huge surf coinciding with high tides have taken a toll on the South-facing beach which is designated for camping. The large dune and elevated portion of the beach sand along with the beach verbena and ice plant have been swept away leaving a nearly vertical sandy entrance at the back of the beach. It would be nearly impossible to exit the beach this way due to the steepness of the sand grade. However, at low and medium tides (2.5 feet and below) it is possible to enter and exit the beach via the solid rock surface on the East side of the beach. The white rock path down to the beach is steep and sharp with embedded conglomerate stones. The entire lower beach was flooded by a high 6-foot tide, so bring a tide chart. That said, there are still some beach sand spots available for camping on the elevated stone at the back of the beach, but the sand has a slope and it is exposed to strong winds. Anchor tent firmly with sandbags and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

August 17th, 2024. Last winter's strong storms, heavy rains and huge surf coinciding with high tides have taken a toll on the South-facing beach which is designated for camping. The large dune and elevated portion of the beach sand along with the beach verbena and ice plant have been swept away leaving a nearly vertical sandy entrance at the back of the beach. It would be nearly impossible to exit the beach this way due to the steepness of the sand grade. However, at low and medium tides (2.5 feet and below) it is possible to enter and exit the beach via the solid rock surface on the East side of the beach. The white rock path down to the beach is steep and sharp with embedded conglomerate stones. The entire lower beach was flooded by a high 6-foot tide, so bring a tide chart. That said, there are still some beach sand spots available for camping on the elevated stone at the back of the beach, but the sand has a slope and it is exposed to strong winds. Anchor tent firmly with sandbags and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Excellent beaches. Pay attention for the natural tar seeping through rocks (can stick to anything) and plan your water. Bring a filter! There are usually some sources in canyon runouts but dont absolutely count on them. Give the Sea Lions plenty of room and enjoy the sunsets on the ocean.

Excellent beaches. Pay attention for the natural tar seeping through rocks (can stick to anything) and plan your water. Bring a filter! There are usually some sources in canyon runouts but dont absolutely count on them. Give the Sea Lions plenty of room and enjoy the sunsets on the ocean.

Good times were had by all. Note that the boat ride to Santa Rosa can be up to 3 hours, plus 1-1.5 hours to unload gear and check in. This may limit how far you can hike in daylight on the first day.

We got to the island at around 11:30am and were given an orientation for both front country and back country camping by a park ranger. After the orientation, we filled up our waters at the ranger station and used the bathrooms. We all had 4-5L each for the hike out to southwest quadrant and back the next day. It took about 6 hours to hike the 12 mi across the island. There were some steep hills and mostly rolling hills all the way to the beach. We stuck to the main roads for ease and convenience. We got to the beach just after sunset. China camp was full of sea lions everywhere. We found a small area far enough away from the sea lions to set up our camps. It was windy and about 60F overnight.
The next day we had breakfast and hiked to water canyon campground. We took almost the same path back. It was a windier at the campgrounds. We saw foxes roaming around looking for food. They were trying to get into other people's packs. Very sneaky.
The last day we explored the beach and airstrip by the pier. The ferry picked us up at 3pm.
Overall, it was a great trip, highly recommend. The island is very exposed so sun protection is super important. We didn't see many people on the first two days. The beach camping was super remote and primitive.

Good times were had by all. Note that the boat ride to Santa Rosa can be up to 3 hours, plus 1-1.5 hours to unload gear and check in. This may limit how far you can hike in daylight on the first day.

We got to the island at around 11:30am and were given an orientation for both front country and back country camping by a park ranger. After the orientation, we filled up our waters at the ranger station and used the bathrooms. We all had 4-5L each for the hike out to southwest quadrant and back the next day. It took about 6 hours to hike the 12 mi across the island. There were some steep hills and mostly rolling hills all the way to the beach. We stuck to the main roads for ease and convenience. We got to the beach just after sunset. China camp was full of sea lions everywhere. We found a small area far enough away from the sea lions to set up our camps. It was windy and about 60F overnight.
The next day we had breakfast and hiked to water canyon campground. We took almost the same path back. It was a windier at the campgrounds. We saw foxes roaming around looking for food. They were trying to get into other people's packs. Very sneaky.
The last day we explored the beach and airstrip by the pier. The ferry picked us up at 3pm.
Overall, it was a great trip, highly recommend. The island is very exposed so sun protection is super important. We didn't see many people on the first two days. The beach camping was super remote and primitive.

Amazing and beautiful beaches which a lot of effort to reach, but once you make it, the peace is idyllic.

That said, what is up with all the derelict commercial lobster traps littering these beaches??!!

Amazing and beautiful beaches which a lot of effort to reach, but once you make it, the peace is idyllic.

That said, what is up with all the derelict commercial lobster traps littering these beaches??!!