About Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
Number of accommodations: 33
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Beach Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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33 Sites Available
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Reviews (72)
What Guests Are Saying
Santa Rosa Island's backcountry camping offers a serene and secluded experience, with stunning views, beautiful sunrises, and encounters with wildlife like elephant seals and sea birds. The trek to campsites, particularly at Ford Point and Officers Beach, requires careful planning and navigation due to elevation changes and trail difficulties, but many find it rewarding. While some challenges exist, such as limited signage and beach access issues, the overall tranquility and beauty of the location make it a memorable camping destination.
What Guests Are Saying
Santa Rosa Island's backcountry camping offers a serene and secluded experience, with stunning views, beautiful sunrises, and encounters with wildlife like elephant seals and sea birds. The trek to campsites, particularly at Ford Point and Officers Beach, requires careful planning and navigation due to elevation changes and trail difficulties, but many find it rewarding. While some challenges exist, such as limited signage and beach access issues, the overall tranquility and beauty of the location make it a memorable camping destination.
Review Summary
Kayla N
VerifiedOctober 8, 2020 • Stayed at: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
If you enjoy extreme grades, no shade and endless hill climbing with 30 lbs of water this experience is for you! The payoff includes an amazing beach...home to 40+ amazing sea lions...so tread/swim carefully. Probably the most challenging backcountry trek to date, but not impossible, and the solitude is unreal. Pristine chaparral coastline at it's best and well worth it if you're up for the very-serious-challenge.
Kayla N
VerifiedOctober 8, 2020 • Stayed at: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
If you enjoy extreme grades, no shade and endless hill climbing with 30 lbs of water this experience is for you! The payoff includes an amazing beach...home to 40+ amazing sea lions...so tread/swim carefully. Probably the most challenging backcountry trek to date, but not impossible, and the solitude is unreal. Pristine chaparral coastline at it's best and well worth it if you're up for the very-serious-challenge.
Jennifer L
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
Ford Point is incredible. Note that there is no coverage and it's really exposed, so don't expect privacy unless there is no one else there. It's a solid 4-5hr hike across the island from the pier, up and down a lot of steeper terrain, so be prepared for that.
Jennifer L
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2020 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
Ford Point is incredible. Note that there is no coverage and it's really exposed, so don't expect privacy unless there is no one else there. It's a solid 4-5hr hike across the island from the pier, up and down a lot of steeper terrain, so be prepared for that.
Katherine M
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
It would be cool if the campsites provided information on all nearby water sources as well as a detailed map.
brianna p
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
Such a beautiful place and the ride out with Island packers was absolutely phenomenal!! They priority was showing everyone the islands not getting there as fast as possible, during our trip they stopped the boat and backtracked to show everyone a sun fish, and on the way back we stopped to see the painted cave on santa cruz and saw hundreds of dolphins and a blue whale. For the actual backpacking we were able to find plenty of running water to filter(even in beginning of sept on a dry year) despite the ranger warning there wasnt any, this lead to us carrying 6L or so a person and not being able to soledad canyon and having to backtrack from
verde canyon back to Los Lobos . There was a beautiful small beach at los lobos that is accessible if you hike along the trail along the coast until it dead ends and had running water that created a small trickeling water fall. Overall expect a lot of wind and there were at least 2 other spots in crevices that 2 other groups found spots in at Los Lobos and had better protection than the front country campground. Cant wait to plan another trip and visit the other islands.
Katherine M
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
It would be cool if the campsites provided information on all nearby water sources as well as a detailed map.
brianna p
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2020 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
Such a beautiful place and the ride out with Island packers was absolutely phenomenal!! They priority was showing everyone the islands not getting there as fast as possible, during our trip they stopped the boat and backtracked to show everyone a sun fish, and on the way back we stopped to see the painted cave on santa cruz and saw hundreds of dolphins and a blue whale. For the actual backpacking we were able to find plenty of running water to filter(even in beginning of sept on a dry year) despite the ranger warning there wasnt any, this lead to us carrying 6L or so a person and not being able to soledad canyon and having to backtrack from
verde canyon back to Los Lobos . There was a beautiful small beach at los lobos that is accessible if you hike along the trail along the coast until it dead ends and had running water that created a small trickeling water fall. Overall expect a lot of wind and there were at least 2 other spots in crevices that 2 other groups found spots in at Los Lobos and had better protection than the front country campground. Cant wait to plan another trip and visit the other islands.
Lauren K
VerifiedAugust 28, 2020 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
We hiked out to San Augustin canyon the weekend of 8/28/20. There are beautiful views of the island and ocean. The hike is long, but not too tough. Water is available at Clapp Spring and we got lucky there was water at the mouth of the canyon, just needed to filter it. I highly recommend back country camping for a weekend of fresh air, beautiful scenery and wildlife sitings.
Lauren K
VerifiedAugust 28, 2020 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
We hiked out to San Augustin canyon the weekend of 8/28/20. There are beautiful views of the island and ocean. The hike is long, but not too tough. Water is available at Clapp Spring and we got lucky there was water at the mouth of the canyon, just needed to filter it. I highly recommend back country camping for a weekend of fresh air, beautiful scenery and wildlife sitings.
Location Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
Address:
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA, 93001
United States
Backcountry 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 campground is accessible via US Highway 101, which is approximately 20 miles to the east.
Latitude & Longitude: 33.9773 / -120.09
Elevation: 316 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
11AM
Check out time
11AM
General
- 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.'
- 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.
- 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.
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Last updated: June 5, 2026
