Tent Sites
Mark M
VerifiedMay 3, 2026 Stayed at: 013, Loop: Sites 001-015
Always exceptional. Campground and restroom very well maintained.
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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 sitesActivities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Kayaking
Spring
Summer
Fall
Swimming
Summer
Year-round
Birding
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Spring
Kayaking
Nearby
Summer
Kayaking
Nearby
Swimming
Nearby
Fall
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
Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
On Site Services
- General Store
- Fish Cleaning Station
Water Access
- Boat Ramp / Launch
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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15 Sites Available
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001, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
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002, Loop: Sites 001-015
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003, Loop: Sites 001-015
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004, Loop: Sites 001-015
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005, Loop: Sites 001-015
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006, Loop: Sites 001-015
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007, Loop: Sites 001-015
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008, Loop: Sites 001-015
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009, Loop: Sites 001-015
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010, Loop: Sites 001-015
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011, Loop: Sites 001-015
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012, Loop: Sites 001-015
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013, Loop: Sites 001-015
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014, Loop: Sites 001-015
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015, Loop: Sites 001-015
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Site Details
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15 Sites Available
Site
Price
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001, Loop: Sites 001-015
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002, Loop: Sites 001-015
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003, Loop: Sites 001-015
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004, Loop: Sites 001-015
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005, Loop: Sites 001-015
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006, Loop: Sites 001-015
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007, Loop: Sites 001-015
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008, Loop: Sites 001-015
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009, Loop: Sites 001-015
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010, Loop: Sites 001-015
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011, Loop: Sites 001-015
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012, Loop: Sites 001-015
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013, Loop: Sites 001-015
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014, Loop: Sites 001-015
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015, Loop: Sites 001-015
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Reviews
242 reviews
Summary
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
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Faith K
VerifiedApril 21, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Sites 001-015
What to even say about this gorgeous island!? Oh my gosh. Incredible views. Sensational quiet. So much great hiking especially the Lobo Canyon Trail. Which is rated as ‘strenuous’ but I’m assuming due to the distance because my bf and I found it to be moderate. A bit more treacherous in the actual canyon. We saw banana slugs! The campsite has wind shelters and they were very necessary when we went mid April. The wind was relentless which dropped the temperature. Bring a cold weather sleeping bag. Otherwise you’ll be like me, wearing everything I brought to sleep. If you can camp more than 2 nights, do it. Worth it to get to explore more of the island. It’s huge!
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Paul B
VerifiedApril 17, 2026 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Sites 001-015
The island was beautiful albeit a little windy at times. Several of the trails we hiked were in poor condition. One in particular, the west portion of the Torres Pines trail, was downright dangerous. The lack of trail maintenance/proper design has led to some significant erosion. Increase the user fees and use the money for improvements.
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Thomas M
VerifiedApril 2, 2026 Stayed at: 013, Loop: Sites 001-015
Know that this is a remote campsite with limited services. Be prepared and experienced. The Island experience was amazing. I really appreciate both the Island staff and the ferry service. The rangers and maintenance staff were friendly and professional.
The campsite was the cleanest I have ever seen. The fellow campers were all more serious backpackers who were all polite and took care of the site.
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Zhangqian Y
VerifiedApril 1, 2026 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Sites 001-015
Will def be better if there’s a Texas Roadhouse and a brewery so we didn’t have to leave.
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Craig W
VerifiedMarch 25, 2026 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Sites 001-015
Very cool.
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Leonie S
VerifiedMarch 24, 2026 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Sites 001-015
Paradise. Lots of wildflowers
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Doug P
VerifiedMarch 23, 2026 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Sites 001-015
Our camping trip to Santa Rosa was great, nice clean restrooms, a sink to do our dishes, and incredible daily hikes that was just what we were hoping for. The ride out and back were fun too, seeing whales, dolphins, and going into an ocean cave. Thank you!
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Deloria Z
VerifiedMarch 15, 2026 Stayed at: 009, Loop: Sites 001-015
Such a beautiful island, plenty of hiking, tons of wild flowers, and amazing views.
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Amy H
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Sites 001-015
One of my favorite places to camp! Secluded and beautiful. Beware the wind, though! Definitely put your tent inside the wind shelters!
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Location & Directions for Santa Rosa Island
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 United States
Elevation: 36 ft
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
Ventura, CA
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Managed by the National Park Service