Tent Sites
Richard F
VerifiedJuly 11, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: Sites 001-015
Helpful
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
Missing information?
Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
15 Sites Available
⛺
001, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
002, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
003, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
004, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
005, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
006, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
007, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
008, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
009, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
010, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
011, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
012, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
013, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
014, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
⛺
015, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
Select dates to check availability
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
0 more sites below
Site Details
Select a site to view details
15 Sites Available
Site
Price
⛺
001, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
002, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
003, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
004, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
005, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
006, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
007, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
008, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
009, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
010, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
011, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
012, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
013, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
014, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
⛺
015, Loop: Sites 001-015
Tent
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
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
Richard F
VerifiedJuly 11, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: Sites 001-015
Helpful
Daniel T
VerifiedJuly 6, 2025 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Sites 001-015
Beautiful beaches and hikes!
Helpful
Nathan I
VerifiedJune 11, 2025 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Sites 001-015
The views are magnificent, the campground is pristine, and the options are endless on Santa Rosa!
Helpful
Jeanette M
VerifiedMay 14, 2025 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Sites 001-015
5 stars for the island hikes, views, history. 3 stars for campsite fox boxes, overgrown weeds near bathroom, trail maintenance poor. 5 stars for bathrooms. 2 stars for the rangers whom you are greeted very poorly,lectured on rules, basically told you may or may not see (we didn't except as they passed us in their atv or truck kicking up dust) and don't call them if emergency- go to beach and dial 911. They never posted boat updates on board. Finally, the experience will help you forget the rangers. The island views, flowers, trails, camping were awesome!!!
Helpful
Susanne E
VerifiedMay 12, 2025 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Sites 001-015
Stunningly beautiful island with lots of options for hiking.
Helpful
Luke S
VerifiedMay 12, 2025 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Sites 001-015
Nestled in a lush valley, this campground is gorgeous. When we were there in late April, the valley walls were dotted with yellow, blue, red, and purple flowers. I saw foxes darting around the edges of the campground often (be sure to stow all food/scented items in the fox boxes at each campsite).
A 1.2 mi hike from the ferry drop-off, the campground is a short walk from cherry creek canyon and the white sand beaches. The facilities are surprisingly modern with flush toilets, running potable water, and lighting. Trash cans are not available, and all trash needs to be hiked back out.
The campsite was extremely windy for a couple of days we were there (late April) but the temp never dropped below 50 and the wind wall did an alright job of keeping us sheltered; the canvas tent was flapping/rattling some throughout the night, but we hiked enough distance that we slept with no problem.
Best hikes we enjoyed: East Point, Lobo Canyon, Ryan Mtn, Torrey Pines, and the shorter Cherry Canyon trail.
Helpful
Jordan Boon Xiang O
VerifiedApril 28, 2025 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Sites 001-015
Beautiful campsite full of wildflowers! The windbreak was much needed as the winds picked up on the latter half of the day. One of my favorite campsites out there.
Helpful
Samantha A
VerifiedApril 23, 2025 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Sites 001-015
Beautiful all around, loved the hikes and wildlife viewing.
Helpful
Kevin W
VerifiedApril 15, 2025 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Sites 001-015
My best camp/ outdoor experience yet! So many hiking destinations/ trails. The campsites were full, yet hiking the trails I felt as if I was totally by myself! Campground amenities were better than expected. Be prepared for Mother Nature to provide beauty and adversity (harsh conditions)!
Helpful
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 4, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Explore Ventura, CA
Nearby city: Santa Barbara, CA
Approx. 36 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 36 ft
Best Season: Spring, Fall
Ventura, CA
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the National Park Service