OutReserve

Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, California, United States

Sandy beach with ocean and small waves and steep coastal bluffs covered in dry grass
Sandy beach with ocean and small waves and steep coastal bluffs covered in dry grass.
Sandy beach with ocean and small waves and steep coastal bluffs covered in grass.
Sandy beach with ocean and small waves and steep coastal bluffs covered in dry grass.
Sandy beach with ocean, small waves and steep coastal bluffs covered in dry grass.

About Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

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. 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.

Number of accommodations: 33

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

33 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ NW01, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW02, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW03, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW04, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW05, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW06, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW07, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW08, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW09, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ NW10, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Northwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE01, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE02, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE03, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE04, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE05, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE06, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE07, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
44 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE08, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE09, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SE10, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW01, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW02, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW03, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW04, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW05, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW06, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW07, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
1 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW08, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW09, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ SW10, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southeast Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available
⛺ Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping, Loop: Southwest Quadrant Dispersed Camping
4 guests
Price not available

Reviews (72)

Verified Only

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

4.8
72 reviews
5
88.9%
64
4
2.8%
2
3
5.6%
4
2
0.0%
0
1
2.8%
2
5

The hiking is harder and hillier it than it looks but magical all the same!

5

The hiking is harder and hillier it than it looks but magical all the same!

Location Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping

Address:
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA, 93001
United States

Highway access

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

Map of Santa Rosa Island Backcountry Beach Camping location at Ventura, CA, United States
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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 4, 2026

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