Available sites
33 total sites
Tent Sites
About Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
On Site Services
- Fish Cleaning Station
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Boat Ramp / Launch
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Rates, Sites & Availability
33 Sites Available
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Site Details
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33 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
ERIC D
VerifiedNovember 21, 2022 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
Facilities and staff were really helpful. Surprising amount of check-in in remote backcountry. Recommend Quinn knob to clap springs trail.
ERIC D
VerifiedNovember 21, 2022 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
Facilities and staff were really helpful. Surprising amount of check-in in remote backcountry. Recommend Quinn knob to clap springs trail.
Scott E
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2023 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
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??!!
Scott E
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2023 • Stayed at: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
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??!!
Mansha D
VerifiedOctober 2, 2023 • Stayed at: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
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.
Malachi H
VerifiedOctober 2, 2023 • Stayed at: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
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.
Mansha D
VerifiedOctober 2, 2023 • Stayed at: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
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.
Malachi H
VerifiedOctober 2, 2023 • Stayed at: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
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.
Robert R
VerifiedOctober 23, 2023 • Stayed at: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
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.
Robert R
VerifiedOctober 23, 2023 • Stayed at: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
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.
Location & Directions for Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 United States
Elevation: 316 ft
Getting There
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.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via US Highway 101, which is approximately 20 miles to the east.
Nearby National Park
In Channel Islands National Park
Approximate driving time: 7 min
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: October 22, 2026
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Explore Ventura, CA
Nearby city: Santa Barbara, CA
Approx. 38 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 36 ft
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