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Santa Rosa Island

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, California, United States

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White sand dune next to a steep coastal bluff with ocean.

The trail into Water Canyon Campground. The burn scar from the 2026 wildfire is evident around the wind shelters and surrounding hillsides.

Path leading into Water Canyon Campground. Wind shelters and the surrounding hills showing burn scars from the 2026 wildfire.

Pine tree overlooking coastal marine terrace with dry grass, ocean, and white sand beach.

White sand dune next to a steep coastal bluff with ocean

Featured amenities

General Store

General Store

Pet Friendly

Pet Friendly

Picnic Table

Picnic Table

Restrooms

Restrooms

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About Santa Rosa Island

Tucked away in a canyon to protect visitors from strong northwest winds, Water Canyon Campground offers exceptional island views, access to spectacular hiking opportunities and a nearby white sand beach.Located 40 nautical miles from the Channel Islands National Park visitor center in Ventura, Santa Rosa is the second largest island in California at approximately 53,000 acres in size. The island landforms support a diverse array of plant and animal species including six plant species found nowhere on earth but Santa Rosa Island. The island also hosts over 100 bird and three land mammal species, including the endemic island fox.

Available sites

15 total sites

Tent Sites 15 sites Check Availability

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Kayaking

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall

Swimming

Swimming

Summer

Year-round

Birding

Birding

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Nearby

Spring

Kayaking

Kayaking

Nearby

Summer

Kayaking

Kayaking

Nearby

Swimming

Swimming

Nearby

Fall

Kayaking

Kayaking

Nearby

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

Most popular amenities

General Store

General Store

Pet friendly

Pet friendly

Picnic Table

Picnic Table

Restrooms

Restrooms

Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

Potable Water
Restrooms

Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

Picnic Table

On Site Services

On Site Services

General Store
Fish Cleaning Station

Water Access

Water Access

Boat Ramp / Launch

Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

Pet friendly

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Rates, Sites & Availability

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15 Sites Available

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Site Details

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Reviews

242 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Santa Rosa Island offers a stunning natural experience with well-maintained campgrounds, including clean restrooms and modern amenities like flush toilets and running water. Visitors rave about the breathtaking hikes, beautiful beaches, and incredible wildlife sightings, such as dolphins and blue whales. While the island can be quite windy, with some trails in need of maintenance, the overall experience is rewarding for those seeking adventure and tranquility away from technology.

Based on guest feedback

4.8

Overall rating

Based on 242 reviews

5 stars 85.5% (207)

4 stars 13.2% (32)

3 stars 0.0% (0)

2 stars 0.4% (1)

1 star 0.8% (2)

Showing 242 reviews

Oldest First

Newest First Oldest First

Geneva N

Verified

March 30, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Sites 001-015

After the roughest seas imaginable on the way there and gale force winds the first day, but then oh my oh my true beauty. Perfect balance of camping and comfort (thanks to the much needed wind screen, bear box and well kept bathrooms). Last few days were absolutely beautiful with all the wildflowers in bloom and plenty of critters to see. So much to do and will be going back. Very lucky to have a pod of blue whales in the bay the last two days and got to see a pod of dolphins on our super smooth and gorgeous cruise back. Officially a part of Channel Islands hype team.

Helpful

Derek W

Verified

April 3, 2022 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Sites 001-015

Beautiful island. Stunning wild flowers (mid-March 2022). Nice camp ground. Great hikes. Worth visiting more than once.

Helpful

Thomas D

Verified

April 10, 2022 Stayed at: 011, Loop: Sites 001-015

Beautiful wildflowers and interesting geology while we were visiting, especially in Lobo Canyon. There's a today-relevant climate-change story recorded in the coastal marine terraces that document high sea-levels stands at ~80,000 and ~120,000 years ago.

The ranger on duty was very helpful and kept us informed on the boat schedule, where to hike, etc.

Helpful

Brent M

Verified

April 19, 2022 Stayed at: 013, Loop: Sites 001-015

Great campground and great place. Restrooms and water at the campground was an added plus.

Helpful

Kathy T

Verified

April 24, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Sites 001-015

Clean and well maintained flush toilet, sinks, tiled bathroom at campgound. Excellent orientation information provided by park ranger upon arrival. Beautiful landscapes and coastline views.

Helpful

Morgan B

Verified

April 24, 2022 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Sites 001-015

The campground is lovely-- the wind shelters are sturdy and the toileting area is nice (flushable toilets, running water, soap, and a utility sink on he outside of the structure). The ranger comes by daily and is very helpful and friendly. I would love to visit again.

Helpful

Jose R A

Verified

April 25, 2022 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Sites 001-015

Is an excellent experience to visit the Channel Islands, I personally encourage anybody who love hking and camping, with Fog, with Sun, with Wind it doesn't matter to visit the island. My town is Ventura and I'm proud to say this is my front yard, the Channel Islands!!

Helpful

Tuyen L

Verified

May 2, 2022 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Sites 001-015

Nice campground with clean and flushable toilets. The wind can be very strong.

Helpful

David W

Verified

May 2, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Sites 001-015

Wonderful and exciting boat ride by Island Packers. The island is spectacular with great vistas, but seeing the endemic species of the island is what makes it worth the effort to get out there!

Helpful

Nancy c

Verified

May 8, 2022 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Sites 001-015

It's was very windy . Makes use you have the right tent and sleeping bag with you.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Santa Rosa Island

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 United States

Elevation: 36 ft

Map of Santa Rosa Island location at Ventura, CA, United States

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Highway access

Santa Rosa Campground is accessible via US Highway 101, located approximately 20 miles to the east.

Near Channel Islands National Park

The closest entrance is: Bechers Bay Pier (Santa Rosa Island)

Approximate drive: 1.4 mi · 2 min

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

11AM

Check out time

11AM

General

Santa Rosa Island may only be reached by boat. Visitors are required to arrange transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Contact Island Packers the park's authorized concessioner or bring your own private boat.
Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. There are NO walk-ups at this facility.
One party or group may reserve a maximum of 2 individual sites per visit. There are 15 individual campsites. Max 5 people per site.
A party or group of 46 or more may not reserve any sites through recreation.gov and must contact the park to obtain a special use permit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/management/special-use-permit.htm.
Upon arrival, meet ranger at beach, landing dock or campground. However, park staff is not always immediately available on the island. Please have confirmation letter, receipt, or campsite number with you.
1.5 mile from the pier to campground. Visitors must carry all their own gear.
Primitive camping. Tent camping only, no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground. Bring low profile tents and extra food for weather delays. Partial shade from wind shelter (8' tall, 10' deep, 14' wide at front, 8' wide at back). Picnic table, food storage box, and drinking water provided. No stores or services.
Proper food and trash storage is required. Food/trash storage lockers are provided at each site. Recommend hard-sided container (i.e., action packer) to further protect food/garbage from animals.
Visitors are required to pack out what they pack in, including garbage.
No campfires or charcoal fires. Only enclosed gas camp stoves are allowed.
Smoking is only allowed on beach area at Bechers Bay.
Avoid contact with deer mice. Hantavirus has been found in island deer mice. For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/hantavirus.htm.
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.  
No fishing in marine reserves. 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.

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Last updated: November 4, 2026

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Explore Ventura, CA

Nearby city: Santa Barbara, CA

Approx. 36 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 36 ft

Best Season: Spring, Fall

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Ventura, CA

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Managed by the National Park Service