Santa Rosa Island

California the way it used to be. You may think that is good or not-so-good.

Had a great time! Lots of sandy beaches to walk on, foxes to admire, Lobo Canyon and East Point to brag about and a great boat ride both ways!

Beautiful island and beaches. Campsites very close together. No ranger led hikes to forbidden areas as advertised. East Point was wonderful hike. Carrington a pleasant surprise to see the more abundant vegetation beyond the fence. Nice to have running water in the restroom at campground. Stayed three nights, could have stayed longer to see the backcountry. Interesting history.

Facilities were clean, well-maintained, clearly signed, and exactly as described online. Trails were clearly marked and well-maintained, and park staff/volunteers were friendly and helpful. NPS provides a wealth of printed material at the Visitor Center and on the island which complemented a trail map nicely!

The island was amazing! We were blessed to have beautiful weather. Park ranger was welcoming and helpful.

Currently, the only boat-ride time change update is from a ranger at about 7 AM on the day of departure at the Water Canyon Campground. Backpackers on beaches should come to Water Canyon Campground early the day of departure for the update, or stay back on the island until the next pickup.

Great campground. Loved having running water and clean restrooms for such a remote location. The wind shelters add a nice sense of privacy. Due to the distance from the ranger, your atmosphere is slightly based upon your neighbors who decide to follow rules or not.

Great trip on Island Packers. Enjoyed the campground except for 2 noisy groups. Ranger Dylan was friendly and helpful.

Amazing! I was concerned about the many reviews about the wind but got lucky and was there for 3 nearly windless days (early September).
The island is beautiful, very well maintained, and the boat ride from and to the island are extraordinary. Camping there was one of my best stargazing experiences so far, and the foxes that runs around the campground are adorable.
If you get one of the first few campsites you’ll wake up to ocean views (if the fog cooperate). Water has a bit of a taste, but it’s potable and not horrible. Some people brought trolleys to help them with their gear (look for restrictions with the boat company). I backpacked and the walk from the boat to the campsite takes about 30-45 minutes, making it good for a beginner backpacker. Pack lightly and please be respectful of this beautiful land.
The water is cold and although it can get a bit warmer inland the beaches are often overcast. If you’re looking for a tropical vacation to chill by the beach this may not be your best bet. The sky cleared a bit during the afternoons, but looks unpredictable.

Tip: the canyon hike is long (12-miles round trip from the campground), and challenging, but the final destination is worth it and the way back feels easier after you dip your feet in the water and take the views. That being said, the entire island is beautiful and the sunset overlooking the ‘village’ is breathtaking.

We were on the island for five days, four nights, and did five hikes from the campground: Torrey Pines, Lobo Canyon, Soledad Peak, Skunk Point, and Carrington Point. All were wonderful and each different from the others. Lobo Canyon is especially worthwhile because of its unusual rock formations and exotic flora, including the giant coreopsis (which looks eerie in its dormancy, like a rack of shrunken heads). We were very surprised to see many wildflowers in bloom, particularly in Lobo Canyon and on the single-track part of the Carrington Point trail. Along the latter there are hundreds of large lupines of a variety with a strong lilac-like scent that became our favorite. The campground is excellent, thoughtfully set up and maintained beautifully. Our fellow campers were all friendly and considerate. We were lucky with the wind, which was steady but not heavy. The NPS staff, Dylan Moe in particular, were helpful, engaging but unobtrusive. It really could not have been better.